Hey folks, 2010 Ford Ranger XLT, Automatic V6 with the 4x4 shifter ****.

So, a few months ago I was out camping, got back on-road, stopped, flipped the switch to go back into 2wd. Instead of the usual 2 clicks, I got one. The 4x4 light stayed on. I'm pretty sure 4x4 disengaged (the truck isn't driving like it's in 4x4). But I can't get it to re-engage.

I've tried putting it into Neutral, going slowly in reverse, going slowly forward... nothing's happening.

From everything I've read, I'm guessing I need to replace the shift motor or the transfer case. Anybody else have any guesses on this? How easy is that repair?

 

Yes common issue would be shift motor or its fuse

Shift motor is an electric motor, and if not used regularly it's brushes can lose contact with rotor so motor no longer works or quits while moving
Best practice is to shift into 4low and back to 2WD once a month, you don't have to move the vehicle, you are just turning electric motor fully one way and then back so brushes stay clean.
The once or twice a year thing is when problem shows up, lol.

Fuses to check
Engine fuse box #27, 20amp < this is the motors fuse

Cab fuse box, these are controller fuses and if 4x4 light is working they are probably OK
#10, 10amp
#28, 15amp
#33, 5amp

You don't have "auto hubs" on 2010 so forward or reverse movement won't help engage or disengage transfer case

You can look here on the basics of shift motor work: How to: Rebuild 4X4 Shift Motor | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

It didn't change much over the years
In one of the pictures, after motor is removed, you can see the Shift Rod, triangle shape, it is pointed at 2WD, it rotates from there, counter clockwise, to 4Low, and then clockwise back to 2WD, so it does not rotate 360deg

You can try tapping on the shift motor, and then try shifting it again, that can get brushes back in contact with rotor, if it works then great, but motor still needs to be rebuilt or replaced