Had my Ranger on the beach yesterday to go fishing, everything was fine. Today, the 4WD Hi and LO lights were blinking 6 times every two minutes and I couldn't get into 4WD

I did a bunch of research and realized there are a bunch of different possible causes. So, that brings me to my two questions.


First, one thread I read suggested my truck was "stuck" in between 2WD and 4WD. When I drive on the beach I air my tires down 7-10 lbs. Could this be a reason that the truck was in between and I got the blinking light and no 4WD? Could it never disengage from 4WD with the low tires? Reason I ask is because upon airing back up to normal pressure for the drive home, 4WD worked again.

Second, if my first question makes no sense and it's not possible, what plan of attack should I have to diagnose this thing?

Thanks for the help!

 

Welcome to the forum

Need the year of the Ranger, there were different 4WD systems

Also manual or automatic

Engine size may or may not matter but include it any way

Could just be blown fuse in engine bay fuse box, tell me what year and I will tell you which one :)

 

Thanks for the reply!

1998 Automatic, 3.0L

One question - if it was a bad fuse , wouldn't the 4WD not have worked again after I aired my tires back up?

Thanks for any help!

 

Wiring Diagram below for your 1998 Ranger 4WD system

The GEM module runs the 4WD system in a '98
On the back of the transfer case is an electric motor that turns the shift rod to put transfer case in 2WD, 4high, and 4low
This electric motor has its own fuse, Fuse 3 20amp in engine fuse box
But check all the fuses in diagram

If you select 2WD or 4WD the GEM module will active the electric shift motor, inside the motor are contacts that tell GEM "where" shift motor is as far as 2WD, 4hi or 4low.
If the contacts are not opening and closing because motor is not turning then GEM will flash the 4WD lights telling driver there is a problem.
So could be that 20amp fuse
It could also be that the electric motor is no longer working, they do just quit working one day, no warning.
You can tap on the motor, to reset brushes inside, and see if it starts moving again.
If it starts to work you still need to deal with rebuilding or replace that motor

Good read here with pictures of the electric shift system: How to: Rebuild 4X4 Shift Motor | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations