2000 3.0 ranger 5 speed. 4 high is working but when put in neutral and clutch and brake presses does not go into 4 low. Clicks once but 4 high light stays on. Any ideas been stumped for awhile. Thinking the shifter motor.

 

Probably not the shift motor if 2WD and 4high are available

If shift motor doesn't move GEM Module will flash the 4WD lights indicating that error.

So there is another reason.

Does speedometer work?
It needs to for 4low access

4low requires 0MPH, clutch pedal down and foot on the brake, then shift to 4low

Manual trans has no "neutral" sensor, thats for automatics, so shift Neutral instead of clutch pedal down all the way.

Do your brake lights work?
Have to ask

Fuse #9 in cab fuse box may be blown, it's the "Brake on" power for GEM Module
Brake pedal switch is multi-function, not just 2 wires, separate switch for GEM


Quick run down on 1995-2000 4WD system
GEM module is hooked to the dash switch and 4WD lights
GEM module is hooked to the shift motor Contacts, not the motor
GEM module is hooked to Shift Control Module(2 relays in a box), it sends power to shift motor

Inside the shift motor is a Contact wheel, it turns when motor turns the transfer case shift rod, and which contacts are open and which are closed "tells" the GEM module what position the transfer case is in.
When you select 4high, for example, the GEM Module looks at contact positions, "what position is transfer case in now"
If its in 2WD then GEM activates Shift Relay to turn shift motor Counter Clockwise until Contact Wheel is in 4high position, then it shuts off Shift Relay.
And THEN GEM turns on 4high light, only after transfer case is in the correct position.

Good look at shift motor and contact wheel here: How to: Rebuild 4X4 Shift Motor | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

Ford has gone thru a few different Controllers for its electric 4WD systems.
But shift motor has stayed the same for all of them.

And all of them will Flash the 4WD lights if motor doesn't turn, contacts don't change when motor gets power.

So since motor and contact wheel are working, you can shift from 2WD to 4high and back, then shift motor and Shift Relays wouldn't be the problem.
Best guest would be GEM is not getting correct "info" from brake or clutch switch

 

 

The brake pedal switch is two switches in one case, one switch is powered by fuse #9, it's not for brake lights, thats another fuse(#20) for the "other switch"
So check that #9 fuse

Wiring diagram here: https://www.justanswer.com/uploads/D...745_ranger.gif

You can see the #9 fuse power is not involved with brake lights but is used as a "sensor" for when drivers foot is on the brakes.

You could test switch with volt meter if #9 fuse is OK
Clutch switch could be the problem but less likely