Hello
I have a ranger 2001 with manual trans. I read a lot on 4x4 issues but didn't find my problem.
4x4 lights not workings, 4x4 not working at all, 4x4 module on the passenger side did not click. No sounds from 4x4 motor Nothing at all. Than, if i disconnect the battery, all is working fine after. I switch from 2x4, 4x4 and 4x4 Low about 20 times and its works about 17 times. 3 times the truck could not shift from 2x4 to 4x4 ( I eared clicks from 4x4 module but 3 clicks instead of 2) but if I put the switch back again on 2x4 and after on 4x4 it's work fine... Than one day of two after, when i start the truck again, no 4x4 lights when I start the truck and Nothing work at all. But if I disconnect again the battery its start to work again........weird problem....
Thanks for your help. Hope my english is ok. Im from Quebec and my primary language is french :)
Thanks you

 

Welcome to the forum

It reads like the 4x4 Module is bad, or wiring to it is corroded
2001 to 2005 Ranger 4x4 modules did have known issues, they failed

2001-2003 Rangers have these modules behind passenger side kick panel, in 2004/5 they are behind the radio
I mention this because you should go to a wrecking yard to get a replacement 4x4 module from Ranger or Mazda B-series 2001-2005

The 4WD lights should BOTH come on when you turn on the key, this is a BULB TEST ONLY, not a 4WD test, all dash warning lights come on at this time, as a bulb test

Wiring diagram for 2001 Ranger 4WD below, looks like a lot but not much to it
Fuse #13, 20amp in engine fuse box, is for the Shift Motor on transfer case, the relays in the 4x4 module, are sending 12v from this fuse to the shift motor, the 4x4 module doesn't use this 12v just passes it on.

Fuses #5(15amp) and #10(7.5amp) in Cab fuse box power the 4x4 module

Check fuse #5 make sure there is no corrosion, pull it out

Fuse #10 powers several other devices so would effect other things if it was the problem

The 4WD lights both get 12volts with key on full time, the 4x4 module Grounds each bulb to turn it on, so no lights means 4x4 module issue

The dash switch just has 3 resistors inside it, 4x4 module sends it 5 volts on one wire, if 4x4 module gets back 3.5volts on the other wire then 2WD is selected, 2.5v = 4High, 1.5v = 4Low
So with key on 4x4 module knows position of switch instantly, switch has nothing to do with the dash lights, no connection
4x4 module will Flash the 4WD lights if dash switch or Shift motor are disconnected

Since 4WD lights don't flash and 4x4 module is intermittent, its either a bad module or bad power wire to module

 

Thanks for the fast answer and lots of explanations :)
I would take a look at the 4x4 module.
Thanks you

 

Any luck? Have you resolved your issue?

I'm going through the same headache with my 4x4, but I just ordered a module. I also started a thread which includes a very helpful link to an older thread on ranger-forums.

Hope you got your issue resolved!

And, RonD... Your sure are the guy to talk to about this lame issue, huh?! Haha, I've read a lot of your responses. They've helped a lot. Thank you

 

Yes
RonD was right.
It was the 4x4 module.
I install a new one and now it's work very well

 

Good to hear, man! I know it’s a design flaw, equipping a finicky module, and it’d be great to have a manual transfer case, but as RonD and others have said, routine operation keeps it functional. So, I’ll be using it more than I ever did, especially now that I’m living in the mountains. Thanks for the update. I’ll report back if mine module swap goes well.