Ok so I went camping at the lake last night and I put it in 4hi and nothing happened. the light didnt come on and it obviously wasn't in. I tried stopping and putting it in neutral with the brake on and putting it in 4lo and still nothing. I tried it again this morning when i got back onto pavement and it still wouldnt engage. I have no idea what to do. I installed my intake a couple days ago but dont know how that would effect it. I also had my transmission flushed about a month ago but dont think that would have anything to do with it either so does anyone have any advice this sucks!

 

check the switch, sounds like it might be out.

 

i would say the switch or the 4wd box behind the radio that sends the signal to the motor to engage it.

 

well i had sort of problem with my mom's '97 Explorer.......only difference is when i got it to 4wd it wouldn't come out..........

it was the shift motor.......more than likely that is your problem.....the switch and the GEM are more than likely not your problem.......

 

so who would i take it to or how do i figure out what it is?

 

pull the shift motor off and get a new 1........i would almost bet that is your problem...

if you want to take it somewere, then do that....any repair shop should be able to fix it...

 

ok thanks man is there a way to test it once i get it off or will i just have to replace it to find out

 

can somebody with an owners manual please tell me which fuses to check. I'm going to start there then try cleaning the shift motor and if that doesnt work i guess ill replace it.

 

I am having the same problem. I think it was fuse number 13 inside the engine bay.

 

I had the same thing on my 2001 ranger, it was the 4x4 control shift module located on the passenger side behind the kick plate/plastic molding under the dash. Expensive part, 1.5 minutes total to replace it.

 

I have been trying to track down my 4x4 problem also since replacing my front passenger axle and noticed the 4x4 was not working. After checking every fuse, connection under the hood and around the transfer case, and tapping the mentioned module with a hammer and still nothing. Finally I popped the trim around the radio to check the 4x4 switch and it was disconnected. I plugged it in and everything started working again. I will start a new post about the noise the the front diff is making now.

 

how did u diagnose the problem. i checked the fuses and tapped the transfer case but dont know what to do next