'96 Ranger 4wd Indicator Won't Turn Off

[The_AntiPirate]

The "4wd" indicator on my dash refuses to shut off even though my truck's 4x4 is not engaged.

Can't find anything about this problem, I had to shift my ranger into 4-low to get up a steep muddy hill today and the 4wd indicator came on however the low range light did not, though it still worked. After I got up I unlocked my hubs and put it back into 2h but the indicator was still on.

'96 Ranger, 2.3L 4cyl, 4x4, 5-speed, manual hubs, manual transfer case.

 

[Tbars4]

...this is a Double post...the other thread can be found here in the Ranger forum..
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229432

...I would check the connections underneath ...

 

[The_AntiPirate]

Yeah sorry I couldn't delete it.

I'm not sure, I can tell it's not in 4wd anymore, one thing I noticed is that I never felt the hubs break loose like they usually do when I unlock them, not sure if that's the problem or if I'm just loosing my mind.

 

[Tbars4]

...Try backing the truck up for 10' or more...That should help break it loose...

 

[The_AntiPirate]

Alright I'll try that.

Edit:

I see we have the same truck

 

[The_AntiPirate]

Argh, didn't work. I also tried driving in a straight line for a bit with the hubs locked and the T-case in 4h, then 4L for a few feet, and the the 4x4 still works and shifts between 2h, 4h, N and 4L fine but that indicator refuses to go off and my hubs won't unlock.

I can hear that the hubs aren't unlocked whenever I take a turn or turn the wheel, they just refuse to break free.

 

[Tbars4]

...First, you have manual hubs and neither one will unlock???...:scratch:

...How long have you had the truck and do you put it in 4wd often or not???...I will do some searching but this is an odd one to me...

 

[The_AntiPirate]

Thanks for the help, I haven't been able to find anyone with a similar problem in all my searching, I don't understand it either. Yes I have manual hubs and I've turned them both to "free" but I can hear and feel that they're still locked in and my 4wd light won't turn off. Like I said, the T-case is definitely in 2h.

I've had the truck for almost 3 months now, used the 4x4 a few times and never had a problem with it before this. Only thing I can think of is that maybe the hubs are frozen from it being so dang cold here.

 

[Tbars4]

...Yes, your hubs can be frozen...They are probably full of grease and/or moisture...I would start there...

...This thread has some useful info with links also, Its a guide for 4x4 problems with a 1st gen X ....http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202166&highlight=hubs+unlock

 

[The_AntiPirate]

Thanks, I'll go do some of those tests tomorrow when it's light out.

 

[The_AntiPirate]

Alright so here's the situation. The problem seems to have fixed itself. I got under the truck, turned the front driveshaft by hand, ok, not locked into 4x4, turned both front axle shafts on the TTB, those are free too, but the light was still on. One day later the light went off and everything was back to normal.

So... I have no idea what happened but it's not happening anymore. Thanks for the help tbars, saved me a lot of trouble.

 

[Tbars4]

..Problems that fix themselves usually come back.....Let's hope yours doesn't...

 

[The_AntiPirate]

Yeah all we can do is hope.

Update:

I just went outside to move it and found my brakes are now gone and there's brake fluid all over the engine compartment. Wonderful.

 

[rwenzing]

Alright so here's the situation. The problem seems to have fixed itself. I got under the truck, turned the front driveshaft by hand, ok, not locked into 4x4, turned both front axle shafts on the TTB, those are free too, but the light was still on. One day later the light went off and everything was back to normal.

On the Rangers with the 1354 manual transfer case, it is sometimes possible to fully disengage 4WD at the case and still have the dash light on. A fairly common cause is a sticking gear position switch on the front of the case. Easy to swap - just unplug the connector, unscrew the switch and replace.