I have a 2000 v6 ford ranger XLT 4WD. It is currently stuck in Neutral. When I start it the 4WD Low and High lights flash for a while, then go out (this is new). When I put the shifter back in park I hear a grinding noise for a short time.


It was working fine, then all of a sudden when I went to drive it, this started. I started the engine, went to shift it to 4WD low and nothing happened. When I shifted the shifter to drive, nothing happened. Back to park and I get the grind.

The break lights work. I can see that the shifter is actually moving the arm on the trani. I know it is in neutral because I can push the truck.

Any ideas?

 

I had it towed to my mechanic. Turns out there is a computer that controls the trani. It got confused and locked up. The mechanic cleared the codes, reset the computer, and all is well. Cost $100 for the tow and $65 for labor.

 

Next time disconnect the battery and turn the key to the start position for 1 minute to clear the computer and all codes

 

The nut size is 8mm on the battery

 

This resets all the computers, not just the engine's? The mechanic said the trani had its own.

Thanks in advance.

 

Too bad I didn't come on earlier. I would have been able to tell you that there is a computer that controls the system for your 4WD system. If for some reason that computer fails it locks the transfer case in neutral (separate from your regular neutral). If you shift to park it will grind the gears. Buddy of mine had his fixed for about 100 bucks