• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

4x4 indicator lights go out.....sticks in 4x4


WATERWINGS

WATERWINGS

New Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2009
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Washington NC
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Size
4.0 SOC
Transmission
Automatic
I never have a problem shifting INTO 4x4....but sometimes the 4 high - 4 low dash lights go out.....and it will not shift OUT of 4x4....when/if the lights come back on, I can shift OUT of 4x4....

Usually the lights will come back on in a short time, and I can shift OUT of 4x4....last night, they would not come back on......they were still off this morning......but while driving to the Ford Dealership, (in 4x4), the lights came back on, and I was able to shift OUT of 4x4......

Where should I start looking.....?....the 4x4 switch ?.....the module in the passenger kick panel, (that clicks when all this work like it should), or could it be a connection giving power to this system ?......

Thanks for your help in advance....

John
 


RonD

Official TRS AI
TRS Technical Advisor
Joined
Jun 2, 2012
Messages
25,363
Reaction score
8,369
Points
113
Location
canada
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
Could be a few things.

Yes, the 4x4 module could be losing power.
The power(12volts) for the 4WD lights comes from the main light switch, but the bulbs need to be GROUNDED by the 4x4 module to light up, so control for lights is grounding not power.

And the 4WD lights are a symptom in any case not the problem.

2001 4WD electrical diagram below.

It won't be a bad fuse but could be a loose fuse, so check each one, pull it out and make sure it is making a good connection.
Could also be loose connector on 4x4 module

Also check connector on the shift motor behind transfer case, normally a problem there would cause flashing 4WD lights not no lights, but it is free to unplug connector, check it for corrosion, and plug it back in :)

The fact that the 4x4 quits and comes back on, on its own, would point at vibrations causing it to loose connection
 

Attachments

Last edited:
WATERWINGS

WATERWINGS

New Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2009
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Washington NC
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Size
4.0 SOC
Transmission
Automatic
Thanks Ron.....

Sounds like I could be losing power to a couple of places....because of a bad ground ?

That makes sense....

If the problem was in the main light switch wouldn't I lose dash lights, head lights etc ?.....just trying to understand....only the 4x4 lights go out..and no click from the Motorolla box in the passenger kick panel.

Where does the 4x4 module get its power from ?....(is that the Motorolla box in the kick panel) ?

I don't see the electrical diagram below ?

Thanks for your help !
 
WATERWINGS

WATERWINGS

New Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2009
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Washington NC
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Size
4.0 SOC
Transmission
Automatic
OH !....I see the attachment now....thanks !
 
WATERWINGS

WATERWINGS

New Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2009
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Washington NC
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Size
4.0 SOC
Transmission
Automatic
Has anyone else had this exact problem and tracked it down to a specific cause ?

I've been trying not to use 4wd lately when pulling the boat up the ramp.
 
WATERWINGS

WATERWINGS

New Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2009
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Washington NC
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Size
4.0 SOC
Transmission
Automatic
Update !......I bought a used Transfer Case Module from a junk yard, ($85 vs $200 new), and so far, I get dash lights every time I crank up !
 

Attachments

Last edited:
Doofy

Doofy

Member
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Jul 27, 2008
Messages
947
Reaction score
7
Points
18
Location
Alaska
Vehicle Year
1998
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
3.0
Transmission
Manual
My credo
Shit Happens...Then You Die.
Great. They actually charge that much for a module? WOWZA! Is the module guaranteed to be good?
 
WATERWINGS

WATERWINGS

New Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2009
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Washington NC
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Size
4.0 SOC
Transmission
Automatic
YES ! that much.........and unless you turn in a core....you have to pay a $200 deposit !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Members online

Total: 616 (members: 6, guests: 610)

Today's birthdays

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Latest posts

Truck of The Month


Shran
April Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

Latest Album Photos

Hunters
20240409_190831.jpg
20240409_190818.jpg
20240409_180824.jpg
20240409_182648.jpg
20240409_181010.jpg
20240408_175026.jpg
99 Ranger
20200706_161414.jpg
20240207_155117.jpg
20240207_155111.jpg
20240207_154537 - Copy.jpg

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top