Hi,

I am a long time lurker and wanted to share an interesting solution to an issue I recently ran into. I have a 2002 XLT 4X4 that the electronic transfer case shifting suddenly stopped working. I searched here and there were all kinds of posts related to this. After some reading, I kind of settled on the fact that I was probably going to need to get a new 4X4CM.

There is one distinct difference between my situation and all of the others I read about. My 4WD light was stuck on the dash no matter what position the switch was in. Also the relay clicks that are normally heard during shifting weren't present. I decided to check all of the related fuses this morning before pulling the trigger on a RockAuto order. After pulling and checking all of the fuses, much to my surprise the transfer case shifting started working again. Not sure if this is a sign of impending failure of if the module just needed a power cycle.

I just wanted to add my experience to the reams of awesome info available here.

Thanks,
Kirk

 

It's usually caused by the shift motor not getting used enough. As I understand it, there's electrical contacts in it that get dirty if not used enough. If it's working now, cycle it through 4H, 4L and back to 2H every month or so.

 

Yep, 4x4ShiftMotor design seems just barely powerful enough to shift the TransferCase.
Normally dirty\oxidized Contacts\Terminals, cold\stiff WormGear grease in the winter, or slightly worn DC Brushes,
then that Motor sticks & refuses to rotate the TransferCase shift stem.
Often results when 4x4ConModule & 4x4ShiftMotor do NOT get excercised\used for months\years.

Believe your 2002 RangerXLT & my 2001 SportTrac,
both with same DriveTrain (V6~4.0L~SOHC + 5r55e Tranny + 1354 TransferCase +...)
use the same part versions of the 4x4ShiftMotor + 4x4ConModule + 4x4SelectorSwitch.
Click here for more info.