4x4 problems- 99 Ranger - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

ejg593 · 12-29-2008, 09:54

99 Ranger, 145k miles, 4.0L V6 Off Road

This winter I have started having some 4x4 issues- sometimes when I turn the dial to switch from 2wd to 4wd Hi, it doesn't engage. I have noticed the problem occurs when it's really cold- usually 30 or colder outside. I have parked it inside an hour or 2 to warm the truck up & had no problems. Once it engages, it stays in till I take it out & I am able to re-engage it later that day.

Any other people had similar problems? Is it something in the switch? More than likely it's something in the tranfer case? What fixes are we looking at?

Thanks

**360ci** · 01-01-2009, 10:03

Do you switch the transfer case mode before or after the truck is up to operating temp when you park it outside in the cold? If the truck is warm when you switch to 4HI there shouldn't be a problem.

I can see the cold affecting the switch if the switch is vacuum controlled. Any condensation in the line will freeze overnight and cause pressure problems. If you haven't had the transfer case fluid changed in the last two years, it'd be worthwhile maintenance item to perform.

If the switch is electronically controlled I would lean toward replacing the TCCM (transfer case control module). I'm not sure of prices for the Ranger models but would guess around $300.

ejg593 · 01-01-2009, 20:03

If I park it overnight in 4hi, I have no problems in the morning. If it sits in 2wd & lets say we get snow overnight & I try to use it in the AM & it's below 30, no dice.

I did some maintenance on it the past couple days- found a thread outlining taking apart the hubs, cleaning & lubing them & replacing the same. I also checked/cleaned the plug at the 4x4 motor on the transfer case & checked all my fuses. So far, all has been fine. I found a couple other threads describing similar problems to mine & they leaned to the module too, so we'll see. Thanks