Why won't my low range work?

[Flex_Chris]

I have a 1992 Ford Explorer Sport (5 speed) with 67k ORIGINAL miles on the car. The 4x4 works great but when I press the Low Range button the light won't come on and it won't even engage in low range. Just curious to see if anyone knows what this could be? I find it odd that the 4x4 works but not the low range. The car is completley stock.

 

[Hartman]

A little tappy tap on the shift motor should do the trick.

 

[EMG7895]

Are you in neutral when you try?

 

[Flex_Chris]

What is the shift motor? Yes I am in neutral when I try.

 

[MrShorty]

Shift motor is the electric motor on the transfer case that does the shifting. Over time (and sometimes through lack of use), the shift motor gets dirty inside. Tapping on the shift motor can sometimes free it up.

 

[Jason94sport]

N with foot on brake. I also think you have to press the clutch in, not sure though.

 

[DeerSlayer]

On the 5spd you must be stopped, foot on brake, foot on clutch and already in 4x4 high. If this doesn't work I would try tapping/smacking the shift motor which is on the under side of your car.

 

[jimbo74]

On the 5spd you must be stopped, foot on brake, foot on clutch and already in 4x4 high. If this doesn't work I would try tapping/smacking the shift motor which is on the under side of your car.

if automatic, same procedure, just no foot on clutch

i know that the poster of this thread is a stick, but this is a very common problem people face and dont know about... and adding this info will help them find it in a search, more exposure

 

[Flex_Chris]

Thanks for all the info guys, it's all very much appreciate and very helpful. I will go test it out in a bit and see if I can get it to work!

 

[Flex_Chris]

Tried it. Sure enough the low range engages. I was under the assumption you could just turn low range on without being in 4x4 already that is why it wasn't working. Once I got it in 4x4 and then put it in low range it worked fine. Simple mistake. It's my first 4x4 though so I guess that could be expected! Thanks for all the help though, I really appreciate it!