4x4 push button and manual lockers

[jdcg9829]

Hello everyone! I'm diagnosing my 4x4, the truck is a 5 speed manual with push button, but at some point it got manual lockers, I read that I need to put the lockers in lock position then activate the button but when I press it nothing happens, after checking all mechanical things I came across this unconnected connector in the left rear compartment, is it related? If not can someone tell me if I need to plug it in or not? Thanks!

 

[jdcg9829]

Update!

I plugged it in the 4x4 button now works and I hear a click, but now I feel the truck like stuck, like dragging the rear tires, also my spotter saw that my rear right tire was dragging a bit

 

[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site.

The links below will help you understand your system better.

The 1983-2011 Ford Ranger 4WD System - The Ranger Station

Before we tell you about the 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) systems that came in the Ford Ranger, let’s make sure you understand what it is: 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) Explained: In a typical 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) Ford Ranger, the power from the … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

Ford Ranger 4x4 Module Diagnosis (1994 & Older) - The Ranger Station

By Chris1044 If your 4WD Ranger has a push button 4wd system (automatic, no manual lever), than it’s going to have a 4WD Shift Module mounted somewhere in the cab. The photo above shows one mounted under the jumpseat … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

As for the manual lockers, I'm guessing you mean manual hubs for the front axle on each wheel. They have no affect on the electronics of the transfer case. You do need them in lock position to have 4WD.

If you are hearing it click on dash and then clunk under the truck, that is a sign telling you your system is trying to go or is going into 4WD.

If you feel like your rear tire/s is/are locking up, is this with the front hubs locked? or unlocked? I only ask as there could be something wrong with the front axle or t/case or possibly mismatched gears in the axles.

 

[jdcg9829]

Welcome to the site.

The links below will help you understand your system better.

The 1983-2011 Ford Ranger 4WD System - The Ranger Station

Before we tell you about the 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) systems that came in the Ford Ranger, let’s make sure you understand what it is: 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) Explained: In a typical 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) Ford Ranger, the power from the … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

Ford Ranger 4x4 Module Diagnosis (1994 & Older) - The Ranger Station

By Chris1044 If your 4WD Ranger has a push button 4wd system (automatic, no manual lever), than it’s going to have a 4WD Shift Module mounted somewhere in the cab. The photo above shows one mounted under the jumpseat … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

As for the manual lockers, I'm guessing you mean manual hubs for the front axle on each wheel. They have no affect on the electronics of the transfer case. You do need them in lock position to have 4WD.

If you are hearing it click on dash and then clunk under the truck, that is a sign telling you your system is trying to go or is going into 4WD.

If you feel like your rear tire/s is/are locking up, is this with the front hubs locked? or unlocked? I only ask as there could be something wrong with the front axle or t/case or possibly mismatched gears in the axles.

Thanks for your response! Yes I meant the manual hubs, after I used I feel it like blocked even with the hubs on free position, now I don't know if I have to unplug the connector again

 

[dvdswan]

Can you back up? Just like automatic hubs you should back up 2 car lengths. Owner's manual probably says something like 12 ft. This will disconnect the hubs from the axle shafts, so no power goes through the hubs.

You can also disconnect the motor from the t/case and turn it into 2wd manually so you can drive it once again. Follow the troubleshooting procedures to find out if there is an issue with the electronics, t/case, or front axle.

 

[jdcg9829]

Can you back up? Just like automatic hubs you should back up 2 car lengths. Owner's manual probably says something like 12 ft. This will disconnect the hubs from the axle shafts, so no power goes through the hubs.

You can also disconnect the motor from the t/case and turn it into 2wd manually so you can drive it once again. Follow the troubleshooting procedures to find out if there is an issue with the electronics, t/case, or front axle.

Thanks for the answer! I tried to back up but it fell pretty stuck, I put the lockers again on free and got it to move, I tried to push the button without the lockers and I can hear the click and the truck moves freely, but when locking the hubs again the dragging feeling comes back, not sure if it's related then with the lockers themselves or with something else, or maybe not making the engagement procedure correctly, it's my first 4x4 sorry if I'm confused, I tried to stick to the manual but the thing that confuses me is the fact of having the button and the manual lockers, if I'm missing something else or you maybe can point me please on the procedure to try again! Thank you!

 

[dvdswan]

Lock one side and try it then unlock and do the other side.

 

[jdcg9829]

Lock one side and try it then unlock and do the other side.

Well looks like the tire that is dragging it's the front right, and the locker was hard to release, maybe that's the problem!

 

[RangerX]

Take the locking hubs off, stand them up and fill them with ATF and let them soak overnight. Then let them drain well before putting them back on. Work them from locked to unlocked several times before putting them back on.

 

[jdcg9829]

Take the locking hubs off, stand them up and fill them with ATF and let them soak overnight. Then let them drain well before putting them back on. Work them from locked to unlocked several times before putting them back on.

Thank you! I'll do it!

 

[RangerX]

And do not pack them with grease.