My 4x4 normally works fine but when it is real cold the transfer case motor does not switch the transfer case.
The truck is garaged but I left it out last night. This morning it is single digit temp and it does not work.
I hear the clicking in the center stack but nothing felt or heard in the transfer. After driving ten or twenty miles it works.
This has happened one before. Since it operates after driving it seems to reason it needs warming.
BUT, could this be a fluid issue?
Thanks, Kurt

 

No, not a fluid issue, the ATF lubes and cools the transfer case moving parts but is not part of the operation, it would work DRY, but would wear out and overheat, lol.

You don't mention the YEAR of the Ranger, which would be helpful

But on most years the 4WD system will Flash the 4WD lights if the shift motor is not working
Since you don't mention that happening I would suspect the 4x4 controller is the issue, and that's where the YEAR comes in

Controller on all years gets input from driver, i.e. the switch on the dash
It then powers up shift motor to move transfer case shift rod to Drivers selection
In the shift motor housing are 5 contacts, they open and close as the motor turns the shift rod
When contacts get into correct position the Controller stops the motor
Controller THEN turns on 4high or 4low dash light

If Controller starts shift motor and contacts do not immediately start to change it will flash 4WD light on dash to indicate a problem
Since dash lights are not flashing then my guess would be controller is the issue, but again depends on the YEAR

 

Thanks for the reply,
The vehicle is 2004. Forgive the error, I know better than that.

So it would be the transfer case controller. Thanks!!

 

In 2004 I would say yes, most likely it is the 4x4 Module if there is no flashing 4x4 light
The 4x4 lights should come on with the key for a second or two, thats a bulb test, just to confirm they are working
There are 4 fuses you can check first
#27 in engine fuse box, 20amp(shift motor fuse)

#10 in Cab fuse box, 10amp
#27 in Cab fuse box, 10amp
#28 in Cab fuse box, 15amp

The 2001 to 2005 4x4 modules did fail, I wouldn't call it common but for sure a known issue, they redesigned them for 2006-2011 but they don't work on the 2001-2005, lol

Wrecking yard is a good place to find them, but since they do fail the used ones get bought up as time goes by
2001- 2005 Ranger or Explorer Sport Trac 2001/2 used same module

Dorman has them as 599-252

Fords part number is 1L5Z-7E453-AC

 

Correct, there are no flashing lights.

SO, where is this module? Behind the radio or the right kick panel?

Thanks for the previous info!!!

 

2001 to 2003 4x4CM module was in passenger kick panel

2004 and up was behind the radio

In 2004 Rangers lost the GEM but got the Smart Junction Box(SJB) as the body computer, and it filled the whole passenger side kick panel space because it was combined with cab fuse box, so Ford move 4x4CM to where GEM was located, behind the radio

 

Thank you for the reply!!!