Stuck in 4WD LO

billcucc · 01-17-2011, 08:05 PM

I need help, can't hang around waiting for the earth to end. I'm new in this town and I don't trust mechanic shops. I know enough to recognize BS when I see it.

Mine is a 1998 ranger extended cab.
4WD
3.0 L
about 120,500 miles(odometer gave up a while back)

Here's the problem. A few months ago when I engaged 4WD the 4WD indicator lights flashed for a bit and settled on 4WD HI, but LO range was not working.
I could live with this. Then yesterday the temperature dropped to 2 degrees and I needed 4WD to get over ice and snow. Now my truck is stuck in LO range. I've tried everything that I could think of to unstick it. I need some divine intervention. Help is most welcome.

Thanks
Henry F.

*DB_1* · 01-17-2011, 08:23 PM

Your transfer case shift motor may either need to be rebuilt or replaced. First try tapping on the shift motor, sometimes that helps to unstick the shift motor.

Here's a comprehensive thread on how to rebuild/replace the shift motor.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=123542

If the tapping doesn't work, you can take the shift motor off and manually turn the t-case back to 2HI with a pair of vise grips or the like.

01-17-2011, 08:05 PM	#1
billcucc Wannabe Elite Explorer Prescott Valley. AZ 1998 ranger 4WD Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Stuck in 4WD LO I need help, can't hang around waiting for the earth to end. I'm new in this town and I don't trust mechanic shops. I know enough to recognize BS when I see it. Mine is a 1998 ranger extended cab. 4WD 3.0 L about 120,500 miles(odometer gave up a while back) Here's the problem. A few months ago when I engaged 4WD the 4WD indicator lights flashed for a bit and settled on 4WD HI, but LO range was not working. I could live with this. Then yesterday the temperature dropped to 2 degrees and I needed 4WD to get over ice and snow. Now my truck is stuck in LO range. I've tried everything that I could think of to unstick it. I need some divine intervention. Help is most welcome. Thanks Henry F.

01-17-2011, 08:23 PM	#2
DB_1 Elite Ranger La Quinta, Ca. 97 SC Ranger xlt Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,428 Vehicle Specs	Your transfer case shift motor may either need to be rebuilt or replaced. First try tapping on the shift motor, sometimes that helps to unstick the shift motor. Here's a comprehensive thread on how to rebuild/replace the shift motor. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=123542 If the tapping doesn't work, you can take the shift motor off and manually turn the t-case back to 2HI with a pair of vise grips or the like. __________________ 97 Ranger...what's left of it Last edited by DB_1; 01-17-2011 at 08:43 PM.