I'm new here, and would just like to say this place is GREAT.

Anyway. I have an 02 Ranger Edge, (duh) and my 4x4 system is acting up.

I just recently got the truck, and only took it for a little off-roading for the first time with my buddies the other day. It's an automatic, so it has the switch there on the dash, and when I turn it to 4hi or low, it takes the thing anywhere from 5 to ten minutes to engage. 4lo takes even longer, but I can put it on 4hi and drive around for so long and eventually it will engage. If I get lucky 4lo will work. Then when I'm done, I have to play with it some more to get it out.

I was thinking maybe there are some loose connections to the tcase motor, the motor is going bad (PLEASE no), or I've got a bad switch. I don't think this truck has hubs, so that's not it.

The previous owner pretty well put it through it's paces, since I cleaned red clay mud out of the CUPHOLDERS inside the truck and the exhaust system is a nice hot pink color from mud stains, so maybe something just needs cleaning. Don't know, but any help is greatly appreciated.

 

I highly recommend this article on ExplorerForum:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=123542

It explains the t-case control system with lots of pics and if you go through it you'll get some links to troubleshooting information as well. It's a "permanent bookmark" in my browser, lol.

 

Wow, nice article... Definitely helpful. Thanks.

I guess the main thing is that it DOES work, just, whenever it wants to. That was what was really perplexing. But I guess a motor doesn't just stop working either.

Advance Auto parts sells a re-man motor assembly for 100 dollars... Re-built for 100 versus factory replacement for 300? Anyone have any experience with re-built stuff?

Also, can a relay sometimes work and sometimes not? I don't hear any clicking going on when I flick the switch, but like I said it will engage eventually.

 

I'd run the wiring, fusing and connectors down first. If you offroad much, take a look at the wiring that goes through the body, and the connector at the unit, if you haven't already.

I think RockAuto is supposed to have a $90 deal on those reman motors -- that's one of the things buried in the 10+ pages or whatever of that article.

Relays usually aren't intermittent -- but if the power feed to it is, then that would look like the same thing. I'd check and verify those connectors at the 4x4 control unit in the passenger side kick-panel as well. Might as well run down the free stuff first, lol.

 

No kidding...

 

Here's a link to a new transfer case motor, also checkout your 4x4 control module. I replaced mine from the junkyard for $25 and everything work great now.

http://www.1aauto.com/1A/4WDrive/For...ampaign=NexTag

 

The nice thing about Rangers is that there were SO many made in each generation that parts usually aren't a problem in JY's. With a few exceptions. I had a devil of a time getting an affordable 4x4 rear driveshaft for my 2002. Finally scored one for $80 and considered it a bargain.

 

4x4 Control Module is the switch in the dash, right? I do remember the one time I got it in 4lo by fiddling with the switch it seemed... Is there any way to test the switch and make sure it's good or bad? Pop that little stereo cover off and check for voltage or resistance?

There are a ton of Rangers around... I don't think I'll have any trouble finding parts. Could probably even find a shift motor, but you're taking a chance of it being bad too.