So here's a riddle I'm hoping to get some help with. The 4x4 light in my '11 ranger is currently stuck on, however the truck itself is stuck in 2H. I just replaced the transfer case motor and subsequently replaced the number 10 passenger fuse and number 11 engine compartment fuse since I figured those are the most likely to be related. Neither have solved the problem. I wouldn't describe myself as super car literate but I've been trying to do more on my own and become better at it. This has me stumped so I turn to you all for help.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

 

Update: I don't know why I changed the number ten passenger side fuse it should have been the number 28 (I think) I'll but the fuse and try that tomorrow

 

Welcome to the forum

Wiring and fuses for 2010 4x4 system below, 2011 is the same

2001 to 2011 Ranger 4x4's had issues with the 4x4CM(control module), so just a heads up
Its behind the radio in 2004 to 2011 Rangers
And a different model 2007 to 2011

In any case there is no direct link between the 4x4CM and the dash lights, the 2011 dash is Digital, so the Body Computer(Smart Junction Box, SJB) controls all dash lights
4x4CM may be telling SJB to turn on the light

Flashing 4x4 lights means the 4x4CM can't move the shift motor, or can't "see" its position
Shift motor has 5 wires on a Contact Plate that tells the 4x4CM what position the transfer case/shift motor is in as soon as key is turned on, i.e. 4x4CM powers up
If Contacts aren't working or don't "make sense" 4x4 lights would flash, but not just come on and stay on

2 wires on the shift motor are to power it, works the same as Power Window motor, 12v on one wire and ground on the other turns motor clockwise, reverse that, ground and 12v and motor turns counter clockwise, window up/window down, 2WD to 4WD, 4WD to 2WD
Fuse 27 in engine bay powers the shift motor
But the 4x4CM controls that power

Re-check fuses, PULL EACH FUSE OUT

If they seem OK then put them back or swap them around with fuse of the same AMP rating
If you have the Old Shift motor TEST IT
You can see the 2 wires that go to the MOTOR part of the assembly
Take shift motor to battery and use 2 jumper wires to connect motor to battery positive and negative, then Reverse it, motor should move in both directions, but there is a STOP post inside so motor can only move so far in one direction, reverse the wires if you hit a stop

If old motor doesn't work test new motor the same way

If motors work then you will need to pull the radio and most likely Swap out the 4x4CM, part number you want/need will be on it
Unplug 4x4CM and then turn on the key, 4WD light should be off, if its still on then you could have an SJB problem which is a bigger issue, but could just be corrosion, a known issue with Ranger SJBs, not common, but known
If 4WD light is off with 4x4CM unplugged then that module is the issue

The 4x4 system is very simple, 3 parts
Dash switch, never breaks unless its physically damages, just 3 resistors in a box
4x4CM, these were a problem, 2001-2011
Shift motor, can "wear out" but usually fails from DISUSE, good idea to shift from 2WD to 4Low and back to 2WD just sitting in the drive way, once a month, that keeps the motors brushes clean and the lube in the gear drive spread out

4th part is the wiring, but unless its physically/visually damaged a real LOOOOONG shot, lol

There is no needed connection to main computer in Ranger 4x4, 4WD is a stand alone system

 

Me too. My '05 is stuck in 4WD LOW. I'll check the fuses when it's done raining.

 

Hey, thanks so much for all the information it was super helpful! So here's what ended up happening and working for the problem. I unplugged the 4x4CM, turned the truck on, both the 4x4 and 4x4L lights came on, turn her off and plug it back in, turned her on and everything works like it's supposed to. Of course it was the last thing I tried but that's the way it goes isn't it?

So at this point should I just preemptively get a new 4x4CM or just run with it until it cons out?

 

Both 4WD lights come on with key on, ALL dash lights should come on with key on...........its a Bulb test
But the 4WD lights, along with most others, should go off after 2 or 3 seconds

I wouldn't order a new one, but if you are at a wrecking yard and a 2007-2011 Ranger 4x4 is there, you might take a chance and buy a 4x4CM
These were not 100% failure or even close to that, just "known" to fail

Remember to shift from 2wd to 4 low once a month to keep motor and gears working

 

2005 won't be too different but probably some differences

If shift motor turns to far it can get Stuck against the STOP on the larger gear, often a few taps of the hammer can get it unstuck, 4low is as far as it can turn so.............

Otherwise removal and disassembly is required
Pictures here: https://www.explorerforum.com/forums...-motor.123542/