Not fully engaging into 4WD

Tiny
LCHENDRIX61
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 FORD RANGER
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 45,000 MILES
Bought new transfer case because old one was shot. Now it will not fully engage when all put back together. I also bought a new selector switch and actuator motor thingy. The mechanic says he can get it to completely go into 4hi and 4low manually but when it is all put together it wont. Is there some other part that I need to check?
Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 5:13 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the question. These are electronically controlled and it sounds like you replaced all the applicable parts. The switch, the shift motor, and then the transfer case itself. When you move the switch it commands the motor to shift the transfer case so if it is moving but not fully engaging, then I would assume that the switch and wiring are okay. These leaves the mechanical components, the motor and transfer case itself.

Where did you get the transfer case? Is it new or used out of another vehicle? I know you said you bought a "new" one but unfortunately, we need to clarify if this is new or new to you?

Next the same question with the shift motor. Is it new or used?

Have you tried using the shift motor off of your old transfer case? Obviously, I don't know the status of that one but based on your comments, I am assuming the old transfer case was failed internally and most likely the shift motor was still operational at least for testing purposes. If the new T-case works the same way with both shift motors then I would assume there is an issue internal to the case. This would be where it is important to know where it came from. If it is brand new, then I would be calling back the store that you bought it from and seeing how they want to handle it.

Just because your tech can engage the transfer case fully by using his hand does not fully eliminate the shift fork, lock up collar, and other components internal to the transfer case. However, it does point primarily to the shift motor itself.

Let me know the questions above and we can go from there. Thanks
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Wednesday, April 17th, 2019 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
LCHENDRIX61
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The mechanic tested all the components(re-manufactured T/C, new shifter motor and switch), looked for shorts etc. He finally found an adjustment thingy on the shifter motor and after finagling it all is in sync now. So am going to leave this here for anyone else with similar challenge. Thanks for the help Kenny anyways.
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Wednesday, April 17th, 2019 AT 5:03 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Great information. Thank you for closing the loop for us. Solutions to these issues will greatly help others. Thanks again.
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Wednesday, April 17th, 2019 AT 5:33 PM

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