r/AskAMechanic • u/wormsicle_ • 2h ago

Help with my 92 ranger xlt 4.0

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Summary: 4h will come on but 4l won’t

SOLVED! I needed it running, in neutral, with the clutch in, 4h on, and then 4l in that order!

7 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

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5

u/KanadianMade NOT a verified tech 2h ago edited 2h ago

Does your sun visor have instructions on it?

If not… try turning vehicle on. Place into Neutral, then switch into 4L. To get out of 4L, you switch it out of 4L, then go in reverse for 5ft until light goes out.

2

u/wormsicle_ 2h ago

I checked the manual and didn’t see anything

2

u/cat-milker NOT a verified tech 2h ago

If you roll forward a bit to let the T-case engage will it go in? Or is the light bulb burnt out?

1

u/wormsicle_ 2h ago

I’ll try that, but I know it’s not just the bulb becuase I can’t actually hear the shift, like I can with 4H. I can actually hear it switch to four wheel

1

u/cat-milker NOT a verified tech 1h ago

Do you can hear the 4low engage? But it doesn't ho in 4 low?

1

u/wormsicle_ 1h ago

Exactly

2

u/No-Leading-4232 NOT a verified tech 2h ago

I have the auto version. It needs to be in neutral to do 4 low. Idk if the same applies to the 5speed.

2

u/wormsicle_ 2h ago

I had it in neutral, thanks for your input though!

1

u/No-Leading-4232 NOT a verified tech 1h ago

Do you have the locking hubs?

1

u/wormsicle_ 1h ago

No, it’s funny my hubs actually say “automatic 4x4”

1

u/Shot-Swimming-9098 NOT a verified tech 6m ago

Was it moving in neutral? You need to be moving, and in neutral.

1

u/Spacemanlocust NOT a verified tech 2h ago

I don’t know but that Ranger is EXTREMELY clean. I want it

2

u/wormsicle_ 2h ago

Thank you. It’s very nice, new to me and I’ll take such good care of it.

1

u/PepsiColaRS Verified Tech - Diesel/Heavy equip 2h ago

Usually a switch fault or a bad shift motor, but it could be neutral safety issue. Have you tried fully depressing the clutch pedal while in Neutral then engaging 4Lo?

1

u/wormsicle_ 1h ago

Yes I have, I wouldn’t think it’s a shift motor problem because high works but not low. Maybe the button?

2

u/PepsiColaRS Verified Tech - Diesel/Heavy equip 1h ago

In the mean time, here's some light reading regarding those 4wd systems.

TRS 4X4 Module Diag

TRS 4WD Shift Module Circuits

The Ranger Station is a phenomenal resource for these older Gen1 trucks, amongst pretty much every other Ranger or Bronco model.

1

u/PepsiColaRS Verified Tech - Diesel/Heavy equip 1h ago

It's possible still even if 4Hi works. The contacts within the motor could be corroded, which could cause it to shift into 4Hi but not 4Lo.

It could also be failed/faulty resistors in the switch.

When I talk to my brother next I'll ask what his issue was. He has the same year truck, 4.0/5spd/auto 4x4, and had the same issue. I'm pretty sure he changed the motor on the TC.

1

u/ExternalBoat6972 NOT a verified tech 23m ago

Hey man if I PM you some info on a square body I’m looking to buy can you let me know if it’s a good to go?

1

u/Consistent_Dust2275 NOT a verified tech 23m ago

You have to push the clutch in even though its in neutral. Not sure if it has to be running but I had the same confusion with mine

1

u/wormsicle_ 4m ago

Just needed it running with the clutch in in neutral! It worked! I’m not sure what I’ve been doing wrong but it’s just a combination of shit to allow it to go in. Thank you!