Hey everyone, I've got a 2006 Ranger XT 4.0L 4x4 and for some reason 4hi is not engaging when the vehicle is in gear and in motion. When I flip the 4x4 switch on the dash I hear two clicks in the dash, a 3 second pause, then two more clicks, then nothing, no 4x4 and no light on the dash. If I come to a stop and engage 4x4 it engages fine and the light on the dash turns on. Is there any sort of relay, fuse, or motor that is specific to the 4x4 engaging when in motion versus when not in motion?

 

4x4 ControlModule mounted in the dash or the right interior passenger KickPanel,
& 4x4 ShiftMotor on the backside of the 1354 TransferCase directly under the drivers seat floor,
are both notorious failure items for Explorers & Rangers.
DC motor brushes & control relay contacts wear out
& if you don't cycle the 2wHi~4wHi~4wLo at least once a month, the ShiftMotor tends to stick.
Unbolt the shift motor from the TransferCase, leaving the wire harness connected,
cycle dash control switch to confirm if ControlModule & ShiftMotor are working.
If Motor goes thru it's motions proper, problem is likely the Motor is weak & needs replacement.
If Motor does not cycle proper, problem is likely the ControlModule is bad & needs replacement.
Get FordMotorCraft# XXXX~XXXXX~XX off of both parts & google.
Several variations of Module & Motor are NOT compatible\interchangable; be sure first+middle part numbers match.
Each costs about $75 if you shop around. Both are relatively easy to replace.
Hope this helps. Links to more info on these at
http://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fan...l_TransferCase

 

After you flip the switch, while in motion, you may need to let off the throttle for a second.

It may not shift under a load.

 

Lifting off on the throttle has no effect. I did get it to shift into 4hi when moving once but after shifting back into 2wd I couldn't get it to shift into 4hi again while moving. It will still shift into it when parked though. This, plus what I have read on other posts on this site is making me think it is the shift motor going bad. Hopefully it holds on until summer when it's warm enough to get under there and swap it out.

 

You have a BW1354 transfer case, with electric shift you should also have an electric clutch that engages when shifting from 2WD to 4H and then back to 2WD
This should be automatically activated when shifting
Odd thing is I don't see the wiring for that on 2001 and up Rangers

Yours is one of a few complaints about no "shift on the fly" and haven't seen a reason/fix for why it doesn't work
Its possible the shift motor is too weak to turn shift rod into 4h, pushing synchro into 4h, when moving, but can't say for sure

 

Could the TC fluid be old, thick syrup?
How many miles on your '06?