1997 ranger wont go int 4 wheel drive
 

When i turn the switch to hi or low the light on the cluster just blinks and the 4 wheel drive doesn't engage. If someone could help thanks!!!

RE: 1997 ranger wont go int 4 wheel drive
 

Could be a shift motor problem.

RE: 1997 ranger wont go int 4 wheel drive
 

I'm with Bret.....most times the shift motor seizes up if not cycled occasionally. I cycle mine through all the settings at least once a week.

RE: 1997 ranger wont go int 4 wheel drive
 

Check the general condition of the shift motor, connectors etc. clean and apply dielectric grease as needed. If cleaning the external connectors does not work then most likely the shift motor has some internal corosion :( which is not servicable.

This past fall I had the same symptopm, but lucked out. I checked the pushbutton, the electronic shift control module - all checked good. The connector on the shift motor looked good with no corrosion. That left the possibility of internal corrosion. I ended up removing the damper and deciding at that point not to pull the shift motor (I was cold). For what ever reason - it shifted. I then checked the oil and could not feel any in the tranny - so I drained and replaced it. The truck works great now. My daughter had this 72k mile pristine truck at school for a year and I don't think it ever made it out of 2wd so I think that it had gotten stiff. I now use it as a daily driver and with recent frequent snows it has worked withouta hitch.

RE: 1997 ranger wont go int 4 wheel drive
 

My father's 99 ranger had the same issue. After doind some searching I found an article or two how the shift motor can get stuck, due to a soft and squishy bushing. We had read where people had tapped (and it is a very light tap) after removing the plate in front of the motor. And shazam! it worked and has been doing so everytime since mid november. We did see one guy who did not tap, he cracked the magnets in the motor, or something. We used a small tack hammer on near the gear head. It seemed to fall into proper place and worked. When I get home I can try to find those articles. Some had pictures.