I bought a 2006 Ranger xlt 4.0, 4x4 about two months ago now. It has about 80k miles, and almost no rust. Recently, the check engine light came on. I know this is because of an oxygen sensor needing repaired, so that is not my concern. It snowed here last week, and I used the 4x4 to get around town, and out of the driveway, it worked fine. When you turn the 4x4 on Rangers on, it clicks, and then the light come on. I hope this isn't just me, and it does that for everyone. Well today, I went offroading in the mud and rain. I was down a fairly steep hill, and tried to engage the 4x4. It clicked, as usual, but the light did not come on and it did not engage. I switched it back to 2wd, and then tried 4x4. It did not click this time. The 4x4 has not turned on since, and the switch does not make the clicking sound when I select 4hi. This makes me think it is an electrical problem, and not the transfer case or motor. Possible fuse, switch or control module? Just a side note, the 4x4 lights, both high and low, flash on like they should during ignition. Does anyone have any insight, and do you know how you would determine what it is? Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum

When you turn on the key the truck does a Bulb test, it is not a "system" test, just a bulb test to tell you if any bulbs might be burned out.

The 2006 electric 4x4 system has 3 main parts + the wiring
Switch on the dash
4x4 Control Module, in passenger kick panel or above glove box
Electric shift motor, on the back of the transfer case

The "click" comes from the 4x4 control module, that is the relay inside it that closes to power the shift motor

In the shift motor are 5 contacts that open and close as the shift motor turns the transfer case shift rod to its 3 positions, 2wd, 4hi, 4low
The 4x4 light will come on when the contacts are in the correct position for the drivers selection, so there should always be a delay, from when you change switch position until light comes on, or goes off in the case of 2WD, just a second or two from 2wd to 4hi and back, a little long to go to 4low and back

The 4x4 light will flash if shift motor is not moving, i.e. the contacts inside are not changing after 4x4 module sends it power.

Since your light is not flashing then either the fuse for module is bad or the module itself is bad.
If shift motor was bad then 4x4 light would flash

In engine fuse box check fuse #27(20amp), shift motor fuse
In cab fuse box check fuses, #10, #27, and #28, 4x4 module fuses

 

Thanks for all the help. I was hoping it wasn't anything major, I will check the fuse tomorrow. If it isn't the fuse, then I can assume it is the control module. I appreciate the help.

 

Yes, while I wouldn't call it a common failure it is a "known" failure in Rangers and F-series 4WD trucks.

Just found out in 2006 the 4x4 module is behind the Radio, so you will need to pull the radio out, not all that hard, there are videos on how to do it, explorer will be similar

Looks like they changed the 4x4 module in 2006 so older ones won't match up
Part # is ford 6L5Z-7E453-A as far as I can tell

Wrecking yards are a good place to get these, they are in the dash so not likely to be damaged in an accident

 

 

Welcome to the form

Should probably start your own post.

I assume a Ford Ranger but what year, and what engine size?
Ford used different 4x4 systems over the years

 

Just wanted to give you an update. I checked the fuses, and none were bad. I checked the switch and motor, both good. I ended up buying a new 4x4 control module, and installed it today. I did have to remove the radio and A/C duct behind it, but overall it was pretty easy. I got the new part in and it worked. Thanks for the help!!!

 

 

Good work

Thanks for the update and fix

 

Ford didn't make a 4cyl(2.3l) Ranger 4x4 in 2007

Rangers with 4 cylinder engines and 4x4 became pretty scarce by the mid-1990's pretty much none from 1998 and up.

So maybe you are not in Canada or the US?
And you have a Ranger T6, also called International Ranger

Our forum is mostly North American Rangers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_R...(North_America)

International Ranger were never imported here, they are a little larger than our Rangers, look here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_BT-50
It was sold world wide, EXCEPT in Canada and the US, as the Mazda BT-50 and the Ranger T6, most used diesel engines, but the Ranger T6 did have 2.3l Ecoboost option

 

I checked the fuses you said to check came back on here ppl telling me 28 is radio fuse.

 

Welcome to the forum.

This thread is for a 2006 4x4

You should start your own thread if you have a different year.

 

I bet you he did not solve it. I went that same route years ago. It’s the big plug at the transfer case. Old, hazed pins make sometimes, sometimes not. I cut mine out and replaced it. Connected each wire one at a time. Soldered and heat shrink covering. Right now his is making, suggesting that the module change did it.

i still have my module new in box, and the radio removal tools.