Hi all. I am a first time poster. I have a 1999 Explorer 4.0 Auto with the Auto / 4WD High / 4WD Low dash switch. I followed the troubleshooting directions on checking the 4WD system operation out, but my 4WD Low will not illuminate or engage. I have fully operational 4WD High and the light illuminates fine. It switches between Auto and 4WD High fine. The truck simply does nothing when I switch to 4WD Low. Any thoughts on how to troubleshoot it? Could it simply be the dash switch? Please help.
Thanks,
Ben

 

the trans has to be in netural before the t case can shift into 4 low and your foot has to be on the brake

 

^^^ this!

 

Thanks... I have tried it both in Neutral and Park and it is not engaging. The light will not illuminate nor will it engage in 4WD Low. However, 4WD High works fine and the light comes on. Any ideas? Thanks...

 

Could be as simple as your 4X4 Low indicator light being out. Have you tried switching it to 4L as you normally would and driving it to see if it's really not engaging.

I know it's a beginner's check that you may have already done, but a burnt bulb is easier to check than the transfer itself.

 

is your foot on the brake??

 

foot on brake "yes" and Low is "not" engaging at all. Not a bulb...

 

I have the same problem on my 98 ford ranger.

 

1 stopped
2 in neutral only
3 foot on brake
4 switch to 4L

Wait a few seconds for the shift.

These 3 conditions need to be met, if not it will not engage. If you have done this then either your shift motor is not up to par or you have an issue with one of the switches or sensors associated with the steps.

 

i have done all of those and there is nothing when i swich it to 4l. where are the sensors that would cause it to not work?

 

VSS DTR and brake position switch. Otherwise there is the 4wd switch itself and the problematic shift motor.

I have a 28 step diagnostic procedure for this. It does use the ford scan tool to check the sensors and switches but it still covers wiring for the system.

 

Hi Blhde,
Do you know what the flashing (5 or 6 times) 4wd hi & 4wd lo lites, both together, mean when the key is turned on?
97 Ranger 4x4
Thanks, Jim

 

means error, your CEL on?
as for OP. Smack your trasnfer case with a hammer, sounds like the the servo isn't engaging.

 

it means the gem module does not know the location of the transfer case motor. it is either the motor, the switch or one of the 5 contact plate wires

yeah smack it with a hammer...sounds like a great idea that will make the servo that the transfer case doesnt have work! and the CEl does not come on for a GEM 4x4 concern, the lights will usually come on and stay on or come on and flash

 

quick google search implies 6 flashes is something to do with the speed sensor in the rear diff?

 

i stand corrected. i was not paying attention to the year.
yea, don't smack that one with a hammer. check your 4x4 motor, ya know, the thing that moves i from 2wd to 4wd, it could be stuck. if it was a speed sensor, you speedo would be off.

 

Thanks to everyone that responded. I'll post the end results.

 

if you find out please let me know vanderheidewillis@gmail.com thanks

 

if you find out please let me know at vanderheidewillis@gmail.com thanks

 

If you have slop or play in your shifter that could be your problem. Try moving your shifter slowly in that neutral range

 

no that is good thanks !!