2001 Ranger 4.0 4x4 problems
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03-24-2018
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Location: Louisville. KY
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2001 Ranger 4.0 4x4 problems
I have a 2001 Ranger 4.0 the 4wd will not engage in. It’s an electronic shift, I have replaced the switch and checked all my fuses. My 4wd lights come on on start up like normal but it won’t shift into 4wd. Not sure what my next steps should be don’t want to throw parts at it that won’t fix anything.
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03-24-2018
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#3
03-24-2018
Welcome to the forum
4WD switch never breaks, it is just 3 resistors
The 4WD lights come on with the key as a Bulb Test, not a test for 4WD system
2001(and up) Ranger will have "Live Axle" so no locking/unlocking front hubs, they are always locked.
The electric shift motor is the only moving part of the system, so most likely part to fail
BUT(big but)..........if that happens then 4WD lights will Flash when you try to shift into 4WD.
Shift motor info here: How to: Rebuild 4X4 Shift Motor | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations
Since your 4WD lights do not flash when you try to shift into or out of 4WD I would suspect the 4x4 module, it runs the system, the "brain"
Just to double check, in 2001
Fuse #13 in engine fuse box
Fuses #5, #10, #11 in cab fuse box
These need to be tested and good, pull them OUT, and LOOK at them, or better yet test with OHM Meter, or swap with same AMP fuse from another location
If fuses are good then you will need to locate 4x4 module
Video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqq8qthjp-w
The 4x4 module is connected to the dash switch and the shift motor on transfer case
When you select 4WD on the switch the 4x4 module closes internal relay and sends shift motor 12volt.
The shift motor has 5 contacts inside connected to 4x4 module, as the shift motor turns these 5 contacts open and close, this "tells" the 4x4 module what "gear"/position the transfer case is in.
When the 4x4 module sends 12v to the shift motor it watches for the contacts to open and close as the motor turns, if the contacts are NOT changing, the 4x4 module will stop sending 12v and Flash the 4WD light to indicate a problem.
Since your lights are not flashing, as said, I would suspect the 4x4 module as the problem over the shift motor.
Wrecking yards often have these in good condition, they were used in many Ford 4x4 trucks
4WD switch never breaks, it is just 3 resistors
The 4WD lights come on with the key as a Bulb Test, not a test for 4WD system
2001(and up) Ranger will have "Live Axle" so no locking/unlocking front hubs, they are always locked.
The electric shift motor is the only moving part of the system, so most likely part to fail
BUT(big but)..........if that happens then 4WD lights will Flash when you try to shift into 4WD.
Shift motor info here: How to: Rebuild 4X4 Shift Motor | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations
Since your 4WD lights do not flash when you try to shift into or out of 4WD I would suspect the 4x4 module, it runs the system, the "brain"
Just to double check, in 2001
Fuse #13 in engine fuse box
Fuses #5, #10, #11 in cab fuse box
These need to be tested and good, pull them OUT, and LOOK at them, or better yet test with OHM Meter, or swap with same AMP fuse from another location
If fuses are good then you will need to locate 4x4 module
Video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqq8qthjp-w
The 4x4 module is connected to the dash switch and the shift motor on transfer case
When you select 4WD on the switch the 4x4 module closes internal relay and sends shift motor 12volt.
The shift motor has 5 contacts inside connected to 4x4 module, as the shift motor turns these 5 contacts open and close, this "tells" the 4x4 module what "gear"/position the transfer case is in.
When the 4x4 module sends 12v to the shift motor it watches for the contacts to open and close as the motor turns, if the contacts are NOT changing, the 4x4 module will stop sending 12v and Flash the 4WD light to indicate a problem.
Since your lights are not flashing, as said, I would suspect the 4x4 module as the problem over the shift motor.
Wrecking yards often have these in good condition, they were used in many Ford 4x4 trucks
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