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1983-1994 Rangers use a 4WD controller located behind drivers seat
1995-2000 Rangers/B-Series used GEM module as controller, in the dash
2001-2003 Rangers/B-Series used 4x4CM located behind passenger kick panel
2004-2011 Rangers/B-Series used 4x4CM located in dash next to the radio
2001 -2005 Ranger/B-series 4x4s used the 1st generation 4x4CM
And these failed often
Sign of that is no "Click" heard in the cab when you change 4WD selection
In 2001 its located behind the passenger side kick panel, seen here:
https://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/spring2017/transfer_case_troubleshooting/transfer_case_troubleshooting-9.JPG
4x4CM should "click" to activate the shift motor
FIRST check Cab Fuses 5(15amp) and 10(7.5amp), they power the 4x4CM
Also check fuse 13 in the Engine fuse box, it powers the shift motor, but not the dash lights or the "click", those are 4x4CM functions
If you hear a "click" when you change 4WD selection then yes, shift motor would be the place to start
I checked 2001 Ranger and 2001 B-series owners manuals and the fuse numbers/purpose are the same
You can unplug the 4x4CM and test for 12v and ground, but that's about it
The dash switches never fail, unless physically damaged its just 3 resistors
2006-2011 used 2nd generation 4x4CM which was better but NOT backwards compatible to 2001-2005 Ranger/B-series