1999 Ranger 4x4 Problems

Ranger1305 · 02-22-2008, 08:54 AM

My 4wd will not engage. When switch is turned lights on dash come on as if it is locked in but no go. Also souds like it is kicking in when switch is turned. And every now and then when going down the road both the 4hi and 4lo lights will blink around 7-8 times every 3-4 minutes and then stop. Have checked the fuse and fuse is not blown. Any help is appreciated.

Travis

sagent66 · 02-26-2008, 01:56 PM

It is likely that your Pulse Vacuum Hubs (PVH) are not working. My 98 did the same thing, and I understand that it is quite common. I later checked when doing a brake job and found that the hoses were all deteriorated. I found an article with photos that showed how to remove a small sheet-metal clip in the PVH that leaves the hubs engaged. This is similar to the 2000 and later Rangers. You will take a slight hit on gas mileage due to the axle being engaged full time, but the 4x4 will work.
I don't have the link for the site, but if you google Pulse Vacuum Hub+Ford Ranger, you should be able to find the site with complete instructions. It actually takes about 20 minutes to complete.

Andy

sagent66 · 02-26-2008, 02:02 PM

Here is the Link.

Adding Manual Control to your 1998-2000 Ford Ranger Pulse Vacuum Hubs .: Articles

Also see the posting here on 02-16 about a Ranger slipping ouy of 4wd.

eskimovampire · 03-20-2008, 02:19 AM

May also have a 1999 4x4 which has the vacuum hubs, when I took it apart I had to change one one side wheel hub the bearings were gone, and I discovered that the other side vacuum hub was broken I'll try the manual control to see if it works here in Alaska you need 4x4 all the time anyways.
I think I'm going to try the AVM locking hubs I think they'll work great here.

BobTheBuilder · 04-09-2008, 03:14 PM

it could also be your transfer case because i pulled mine out today and started my 98 ranger and it did the same thing