my 06 level 2 fx4 ranger recently stopped engaging in 4x4 hi or low. light doesn't come on either. havent even used 4x4 more than a couple of times as I recently purchased it about a month ago.
any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

Welcome to the forum

4WD lights should come on with key on, that's a BULB TEST, nothing more

When you select 4high on the switch then you should hear a relay click, behind radio, and hear shift motor on transfer case moving
If shift motor is bad or not moving then 4WD lights should start to flash, telling driver there is a problem

Since you are not seeing the Flashing 4WD lights, then most likely problem is that the 4x4CM is bad, not uncommon in the 2001-2011 Ford 4x4 systems that used the 4x4CM
4x4CM = 4WD command module, its a self contained 4x4 controller, and its behind the radio in 2004-2011 Rangers

Check fuses 27 and 28 in cab fuse box, they power the 4x4CM
And check fuse 27 in Engine bay fuse box, that powers the shift motor

The overall system is pretty simple, it has 3 parts
The 4x4 switch, never breaks unless you hit it with a hammer, lol, its just 3 resistors, one for each position
The 4x4CM, common failure point, as said
The shift motor, it can fail but usually from disuse, you should shift from 2WD to 4low once a month, just sitting in the driveway, it keeps the motors "brushes" clean and spreads out the lube for the worm drive gears

There were 2 versions of the 4x4CM, and they are NOT interchangeable, 2006 should have this part number on it: 6L5Z-7E453-A
2001-2005 used different version: 1L5Z-7E453-A
So if your 2006 was an early 2006 it could have earlier version

 

Could a faulty 4x4CM also be cause only the 4HI light to come on when first starting the truck? My 4LO light doesn't come on when starting, and also i dont hear it engage when in 4LO like i do when i engage 4HI, and the 4HI light is the only one to light up when selected. Nothing happens when 4LO is selected at all. I can hear the 4x4CM in the passenger side kick panel react when 4HI is selected, but again nothing from 4LO . No flashing from either light in my case.

 

If 4high works then the 4x4cm works

4low light bulb is most likely burned out, if it doesn't come on with key on, the Bulb Test

And there could be a sensor issue for 4Low
To get shift to 4low these 3 things must be "true"
Speedometer working and at 0MPH
Transmission in Neutral(not Park), or Clutch pedal down all the way on manual trans
Foot pressing on the brake pedal

The clutch pedal switch has 3 separate switches inside, one is for starting, one for cruise and one for 4low
Brake pedal switch has 2 separate switches inside, one for brake lights and one for "brake on" sensor, used for cruise and 4low(check fuse 32 in cab fuse box)

 

Thank you . I wasnt aware the truck had to be in neutral instead of park. Also, i swapped to white face guages and the 4LO didnt light up in either guage cluster. Could be a bulb issue, but felt that it was too coincidental.... especially when not hearing the 4x4CM engage in 4LO.

Going to check it all out this afternoon. Thanks for the help Ron.

 

Then the 4low light issue would probably be a wiring issue, either at the back of the cluster or on the 4x4CM

But you swapped 2006 Cluster???
Or just the faces

2004-2011 Ranger clusters are digital, HEC
So are suppose to be "married" to the engine computer(PCM), this prevents people from swapping clusters with lower odometer miles in to bilk a buyer

 

I swapped the clusters. But it wasnt an 06.... i believe it was a 00 or 01 cluster. My Ranger is an 02.

 

OK, and this is why you should start your own thread, lol

So yes most likely a wire issue

 

Yeah, i actually planned on starting my own thread eventually. But then the OP had a similar issue, and thought i would ask considering that other people might see it.

Thanks though. I appreciate your help my man.