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Four Wheel Drive will not always engage?

Tiny
SWEC37
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 FORD RANGER
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 75,000 MILES
When I start my truck the 4X4 light comes on as part of the starting procedure.

When I put the 4-wheel drive switch into 4H, I hear a clicking sound, as I should but the 4X4 light does not always come on, and the vehicle does not go into 4 Wheel drive. If I put the switch back into 2 it clicks.
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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023 AT 3:06 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
I would try to see if the noise is coming from the transfer case actuator and if so, I would replace it here is the location and how to change it out in the images below. Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
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Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
SWEC37
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hi Ken, thank you for this information and diagrams! I am getting these diagrams printed out for me and reviewing them! When I am in the cab and switch the 4 wheel drive switch from 2 to 4H, I hear a click under the dash. I assume that is a relay. Would that be correct? You said that I should also look at the actuator on the transfer case and when you say listen for a click there, I am also assuming there will be an audible click in the actuator as well. I am correct about that too?
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Friday, January 6th, 2023 AT 6:13 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 48,363 POSTS
There is no relay under the dash for the 4wd circuit so I am not sure what would be clicking can you reach your hand to where the ticking is so see what is making the noise? Here are the 4wd wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, January 6th, 2023 AT 12:39 PM
Tiny
SWEC37
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you for this additional insight and these diagrams. As long as I have owned the Ranger, whenever I switch from 2H to 4H or 4L, there is a click inside the dashboard associated with the 4X4 light coming on or turning off. Perhaps I am actually hearing the actuator operating! I will test.
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Friday, January 6th, 2023 AT 3:42 PM
Tiny
SWEC37
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Ken, I have another quick question for you if you don't mind. Is it okay to use "belt dressing" spray on the truck's Serpentine belt? I have heard opposing views on using Belt Dressing.
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Saturday, January 7th, 2023 AT 9:31 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Please start a new question for this subject because we only handle one problem per thread. Please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken
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Sunday, January 8th, 2023 AT 5:30 PM

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