1994 Ranger XLT 4.0l, "Electric" transfercase shifter. I've read the posts online about the transfercase motor and it's problems, but the lights were usually "on" or flashing. No lights at all! Anyone else have anything similar?

 

No lights is usually a blown fuse.

Flashing lights is failing shift motor, which can blow a fuse.

The Lights come on when shift motor has moved transfer case shift rod to the correct position, if motor failed while trying to shift out of 4low then it could be stuck between contacts in the shift motor so can't turn on any light.

Good rebuild info here: How to: Rebuild 4X4 Shift Motor | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

But also has picture of shift rod in 2WD position, so you can pull off the motor to get it out of 4low and back to 2WD.

HEADS UP!!!!!
When shifting transfer case manually you WILL find NEUTRAL, so truck can ROLL AWAY and over the top of you.
So be careful

Shift rod rotates Counter-Clock wise from 2WD to 4Lo, then clockwise from 4lo to 2WD, it doesn't rotate 360deg, just 270deg and then back

 

Thanks Ron! I will give this a try!

 

Great tip Ron! Back up and running in no time at all! I really appreciate the help. Replaced the unit with a rebuilt one just so I don't have to worry about it failing (I hope!) next winter!
Thanks again

 

Shift in to 4high and then 4low, then back to 2WD once a month, you don't have to move the truck, just sitting in the driveway is fine, all you are doing is keeping the Shift Motor brushes clean, and the lube in motor gears and shift rod spread out.