Just a heads up

If it was in 2wd then motor will only spin one way because there is a Stop so it can't spin 360deg
So try both polarities
And then move it back to where it was when you started so make a mark on the under side of where it is pointed before you start, not a big deal if you don't

And you can plug it back in, without bolting it to transfer case, and turn on the key, if working the 4x4 module will move the unit to whatever the switch position has selected
So you can test all the positions that way and 4WD lights should work, the contacts for the lights are on the shift motor not in the transfer case

 

I've tested the motor on the battery and it works in both directions, i plugged it into to truck and am back to square 1. No lights on the switch and no lights on the dash when i turn the switch

 

As said there are no 4WD lights on the switch, just back lights, like in the cluster or climate control, turn on dash lights and switch should illuminate, if not then its bulb is burned out, nothing to do with the 4WD system, just a light bulb issue

Yes, I would say 4x4 module was bad

 

Thank you all for the replies, i will report back once the issue is resolved. New modules on it's way here soon.

 

Hello everyone, me again. I've confirmed everything in the vehicle is getting power with a test light, even the fuses. I was just wondering with this being a "new" module would it need programmed at the dealer before it works properly?

 

No, it is plug and play, and no way to program it in any case, it has no connection to OBD port or the computer, 4WD in these Rangers was an autonomous system

There are 2 different 4x4CMs, for years 2001-2006 and then 2007-2011, not interchangeable

2006 was the transition year so.........have to look at current part number to decided which one it would need
If it starts with 1L its the 2001-2006 model
If its 7L then 2007-2011 model

 

Old module.

"new" module. I assume these are the correct models for the 08? They start 8L though :s

 

Is anyone able to tell me which model # I need?

 

Yes, thats a 2008 model(8L), so any 7L and up is the one you need, but I would try to get an 8L

Ford doesn't change the part number for every year, it only changes when there was a major change in the part

You might find a 1988 part number on a 2019 vehicle if the part hasn't change since 1988

8L5A-7H417-AA << decoded

Ford part numbers work like this
First 2 were the year prior to 1999
E8 = 1988
F3 = 1993
F8 = 1998

It changed in 1999 to one digit

X = 1999
Y = 2000
1 = 2001
5 = 2005
8 = 2008
9 = 2009
A = 2010
B = 2011
ect
They skipped I so
J = 2018
K = 2019

In your part number L5 = Ranger
8L5 = 2008 part for a Ranger

"A" is the department responsible for this part

Then the actual part number 7H417 << this would be the same number for any 4 wheel drive controller on any Ford model, not Ranger specifc

Then the Revision number, AA, this would be first revision, AB would be second revision, AC 3rd, ect............

 

But his original one is 7H473 Are they interchangable ?

 

Just ordered an original part number 8L5A-7H473-AA. It's a used unit but hey i got burned on a supposedly "new" tccm. I will keep everyone posted if it fixes it when it comes in.

 

Yes, thats odd, I don't see that one coming up

I see this one
2007-2011 FORD RANGER 4X4 TRANSFER CASE MODULE
8L5A-7H473-AA

I see the 7H417 coming up as a BCM, body computer, not 4WD controller

 

Leave it to rock auto to screw me and send me a tccm with the wrong part numbers

 

It sure looks like the right one, and 4x4CM is the designation

 

Thank you guys for all the help, I'm hoping to get this thing fixed finally. And ron d what is the purpose of the BCM is it not the same as the 4x4 controller?

 

No, a BCM does the lights and wipers ect.... in the cab

In 1995 to 2003 Rangers used BCM called GEM , in 2004-2011 its call SJB(smart junction box)

 

Oh okay, so hopefully the used one i bought will fix this 4x4. And the 7H417 is a BCM? Or is it a 4x4cm?

 

I see the 7H417 coming up with 2001(1L5) 4x4CM and in the F-150 2012(CL3) and up 4x4CM

Confusing to say the least

 

I believe that's my problem then because 01 part isn't compatible in the 08 correct? Anyways I've ordered the original part # it will be here in a week, I'll keep everyone updated. Thanks again guys 😊

 

Correct, the 2001 version started to have higher incident of failures so it was redesigned along with the system for 2007 and its not backwards compatable

 

Can anybody tell me how to wire up a toggle switch to the transfer case motor? I've tried 4 modules and they all did the same thing, I'm not spending anymore money on CM I'd rather just wire the motor up to a toggle switch.

 

hi there 08 ranger, i know its frustrating,i'm going thru the same thing with my 08 ranger so i called my local ford dealer and he told me i need to get a scanner tool and check for codes before you do anything else so you know where to look for the problem.thats where i'm sitting right now waiting for a friend of mine to bring his scanner tool over to check for codes. thats what the guys at ford truck enthusiast said also. so maybe you should find a friend or somebody that would come and check your default codes.

 

Ranger, I had similar problems on my Mazda. I’ll go into detail about all I did if you want. But for where your at now, one suggestion. Buy some contact cleaner, take out the GEM and clean all plugs both on the gem and the wires. Then take out module and do the same thing. I sprayed the connectors and wiped with a soft rag. Any oxidation could cause bad connection. After hours of changing parts, vacuum lines, etc I did that and now have an awesome 4wd truck.

 

@ swampsauce thank you I will give that a go, I figure something is wrong with the truck electrically because I went and bought 3 modules and they all did the same thing :s

 

I CONNECTED THE SCAN TOOL SATURDAY MORNING AND FOUND THAT I HAD A OPEN CIRCIUT ON THE LH FRONT ABS WHEEL SENSOR,SO I FIXED IT AND CLEARED THE CODE. HAD PERFECT 4X4 SATURDAY AFTERNOON. SHIFTED INTO 4HI.4LOW A DOZEN TIMES,WORKED GREAT.TOOK IT FOR A SPIN DOWN THE ROAD WORKED GREAT. COME SUNDAY MORNING I WAS GOING TO USE IT AND NO 4X4 AGAIN. WHATS UP WITH THAT? BACK TO SQUARE ONE AGAIN. I HOOKED UP THE SCAN TOOL AGAIN AND THERE IS NO CODES. SO WHAT DO I DO NOW?