Why won't my 4x4 fordm ranger shift into high range?

Have it check for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes ?
GEM Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index
GEM Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index DTC Description Source Action C1728 Transfer Case Unable to Transition Between 2H and 4H GEM CARRY OUT the electronic shift function test. REFER to Function Test - Electronic Shift in this section. C1729 Transfer Case Unable to Transition Between 4H and 4L GEM CARRY OUT the electronic shift function test. REFER to Function Test - Electronic Shift in this section. P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Malfunction GEM GO to Pinpoint Test F . P1804 Transmission 4-Wheel Drive High Indicator Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test H . P1808 Transmission 4-Wheel Drive Low Indicator Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test I . P1812 Transmission 4-Wheel Drive Mode Select Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1815 Transmission 4-Wheel Drive Mode Select Short Circuit to Ground GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1819 Transmission Park/Neutral Position Switch Short Circuit to Ground GEM GO to Pinpoint Test F . P1820 Transmission Transfer Case Clockwise Shift Relay Coil Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1822 Transmission Transfer Case Clockwise Shift Relay Coil Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1828 Transfer Case Counterclockwise Shift Relay Coil Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1830 Transmission Transfer Case Counterclockwise Shift Relay Coil Short Circuit to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1832 Transmission Transfer Case Differential Lockup Solenoid Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test G . P1834 Transmission Transfer Case Differential Lockup Solenoid Short Circuit to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test G . P1865 Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate Power Short to Ground GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1866 Transmission Transfer Case System Concern - Servicing Required GEM CARRY OUT the electronic shift function test. REFER to Function Test - Electronic Shift in this section. P1867 Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate General Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1876 Transmission Transfer Case 2-Wheel Drive Solenoid Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test G . P1877 Transmission Transfer Case 2-Wheel Drive Solenoid Circuit Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test G . - For All Other DTCs GEM GO to Section 419-10 .
Your best bet , take it to a qualified repair shop that has the diagnostic tool to trouble shoot .
Principles of Operation
Transfer Case - Electronic Shift
The four-wheel drive, electronic shift-on-the-fly feature electrically shifts the vehicle transfer case between 2WD, 4X4 HIGH, and 4X4 LOW. The system mode is selected by the operator through the mode select switch (MSS) on the instrument panel. The operator is informed which mode the system is in by two instrument cluster indicators, one for 4X4 HIGH which is 4X4, and one for 4X4 LOW which is LOW RANGE (in 4X4 LOW both the lamps are on). Shifts into 4X4 HIGH can be made at any speed. When shifting into 4X4 HIGH with the vehicle stationary, tooth blockage may occur, preventing shift completion. When the vehicle is driven above 8 km/h (5mph) the shift will complete. When shifting in or out of 4X4 LOW, the generic electronic module (GEM) requires that the vehicle speed be less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the brake pedal be applied, and the transmission in NEUTRAL (automatic transmission) or the clutch pedal be depressed (manual transmission). (The digital transmission range [TR] sensor informs the GEM when the automatic transmission is in the NEUTRAL range position.)
The gearmotor encoder assembly is mounted externally on the transfer case. It drives a rotary cam which moves the mode fork and the range fork within the transfer case between the 4X4 HIGH, 4X4 LOW, and 2WD range positions.
The GEM uses two relays to control the gearmotor encoder assembly shift between 4X4 HIGH, 4X4 LOW, and 2WD modes. The GEM controls the pulse vacuum hublock (PVH) solenoid which supplies engagement and disengagement vacuum to control the hublocks.
The GEM accomplishes shifts by interpreting inputs from:

• mode select switch (MSS)
• vehicle speed signal (transmitted from the ABS system)
• gearmotor encoder plate position
• brake pedal switch
• digital transmission range (TR) sensor (automatic transmission)
• clutch pedal position (CPP) switch (manual transmission)
• ignition switch

Based on these inputs, the GEM controls the shifts into 2WD, 4X4 HIGH, or 4X4 LOW with the following outputs:

• low to high relay (clockwise)
• high to low relay (counterclockwise)
• pulse vacuum hublock (PVH) solenoid
• gearmotor encoder assembly

The electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) system has a feature which allows the driver to override the vacuum operated hublocks. When the front hublocks are manually turned to the LOCK position, the hublocks are locked at all times, overriding the vacuum operated system. If the front hublocks are manually turned to the AUTO position, the hublocks can only be locked by turning the MSS to 4X4 HIGH or 4X4 LOW position.

On the transfer case
Transfer Case - Electronic Shift
The four-wheel drive electronic shift-on-the-fly feature electrically shifts the vehicle transfer case between 2WD, 4WD HIGH, and 4WD LOW. The system mode is selected by the operator through the mode select switch (MSS) on the instrument panel. The operator is informed which mode the system is in by two instrument cluster indicators: one for 4WD HIGH which appears as 4WD, and one for 4WD LOW, which appears as 4WD LOW. Shifts into 4WD HIGH can be made at any speed. When shifting into 4WD HIGH with the vehicle stationary, tooth blockage may occur preventing shift completion. When the vehicle is driven above 8 km/h (5 mph) the shift will complete. When shifting in or out of 4WD LOW, the four-wheel drive (4WD) control module requires that the vehicle speed be less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the brake pedal be applied, and the transmission be in NEUTRAL (automatic transmission) or the clutch pedal be depressed (manual transmission).
The gearmotor encoder assembly is mounted externally on the transfer case. It drives a rotary cam which moves the mode fork and range fork within the transfer case between the 4WD HIGH, 4WD LOW, and 2WD range positions.
The four-wheel drive (4WD) control module controls the gearmotor encoder assembly that shifts between 4WD HIGH, 4WD LOW, and 2WD modes.

did you turn the locks on the wheels, or check the fuses

Ford Ranger Questions - 4 wheel drive relay clicking under ...

www.cargurus.com > Questions > Ford > Ranger
CarGurusJun 5, 2013 - 4 wheel drive relay clicking under dash - i put my truch in 4x4 the other day and ... and watch it move (or not move) while selecting 4x4 high, low and so forth.... MY 1999 Ford Ranger 4x4 will not go in 4 wheel drive 5 answers.

It depends on what is wrong , is the 4x4 light flashing ? Are you aware of the complexity of the 4x4 system ? Has a electronic control module , has the ability to set an store DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes !
Transfer Case The four wheel drive system is an electronic shift 4X4 system that allows the operator to choose between three different modes. The operator can switch 4X4 HIGH modes at any speed. To engage or disengage 4X4 LOW the vehicle speed must be less than 5 kph (3 mph), the brake depressed, and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
The shift motor sense plate, an integral part of the electronic shift motor, informs the generic electronic module (GEM) of the transfer case shift motor and contact plates A, B, C and D position.
The digital transmission range (TR) sensor is located on the LH side of the transmission, and informs the GEM when the transmission is in the NEUTRAL position.
The electronic shift motor is mounted externally at the rear of the transfer case. It drives a rotary cam which moves the mode fork and range fork within the transfer case between the 4X4 HIGH, 4X4 LOW and 2WD range positions.
When the GEM verifies the completion of the transfer case shift from 2WD to 4X4 HIGH (reading the contact plate positions), the GEM will then energize both pulse vacuum hublock (PVH) solenoids (supplying ground for 45 seconds). The PVH solenoid will allow a HIGH flow of intake manifold vacuum to the "wheel end hublocks", engaging the wheel end hubs to the front differential and transfer case to achieve four wheel drive.
Here are just a few DTC'S the system can set an store in the module !
P1804 4WD High Indicator Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1806 4WD High Indicator Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1808 4WD Low Indicator Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1810 4WD Low Indicator Short to Power GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1812 4WD Mode Select Switch Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1815 4WD Mode Select Switch Circuit Short to Ground GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1820 Transfer Case CW Shift Relay Circuit - Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1822 Transfer Case CW Shift Relay Coil Short to Power GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1824 4WD Electric Clutch Relay Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1826 4WD Low Clutch Relay Short to Power GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1828 Transfer Case CCW Shift Relay Coil Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1830 Transfer Case CCW Shift Relay Coil Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1838 Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1846 Transfer Case CONTACT PLATE "A" Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . Now are you sure you really want to mess with this ? You would need a factory diagnostic scan tool to check this out before you start replacing parts !
Here

Manual shift or Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Electronic Shift I'm assuming you have electronic shift because you refer to relay clicking behind the instrument panel . Principles of Operation Transfer Case - Electronic Shift
The four-wheel drive, electronic shift-on-the-fly feature electrically shifts the vehicle transfer case between 2WD, 4X4 HIGH, and 4X4 LOW. The system mode is selected by the operator through the mode select switch (MSS) on the instrument panel. The operator is informed which mode the system is in by two instrument cluster indicators, one for 4X4 HIGH which is 4X4, and one for 4X4 LOW which is LOW RANGE (in 4X4 LOW both the lamps are on). Shifts into 4X4 HIGH can be made at any speed. When shifting into 4X4 HIGH with the vehicle stationary, tooth blockage may occur, preventing shift completion. When the vehicle is driven above 8 km/h (5mph) the shift will complete. When shifting in or out of 4X4 LOW, the generic electronic module (GEM) requires that the vehicle speed be less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the brake pedal be applied, and the transmission in NEUTRAL (automatic transmission) or the clutch pedal be depressed (manual transmission). (The digital transmission range [TR] sensor informs the GEM when the automatic transmission is in the NEUTRAL range position.)
The gearmotor encoder assembly is mounted externally on the transfer case. It drives a rotary cam which moves the mode fork and the range fork within the transfer case between the 4X4 HIGH, 4X4 LOW, and 2WD range positions.
The GEM uses two relays to control the gearmotor encoder assembly shift between 4X4 HIGH, 4X4 LOW, and 2WD modes. The GEM controls the pulse vacuum hublock (PVH) solenoid which supplies engagement and disengagement vacuum to control the hublocks.
The GEM accomplishes shifts by interpreting inputs from:

• mode select switch (MSS)
• vehicle speed signal (transmitted from the ABS system)
• gearmotor encoder plate position
• brake pedal switch
• digital transmission range (TR) sensor (automatic transmission)
• clutch pedal position (CPP) switch (manual transmission)
• ignition switch

Based on these inputs, the GEM controls the shifts into 2WD, 4X4 HIGH, or 4X4 LOW with the following outputs:

• low to high relay (clockwise)
• high to low relay (counterclockwise)
• pulse vacuum hublock (PVH) solenoid
• gearmotor encoder assembly

The electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) system has a feature which allows the driver to override the vacuum operated hublocks. When the front hublocks are manually turned to the LOCK position, the hublocks are locked at all times, overriding the vacuum operated system. If the front hublocks are manually turned to the AUTO position, the hublocks can only be locked by turning the MSS to 4X4 HIGH or 4X4 LOW position.
Do you know what DTC'S - diagnostic trouble code's are ?
GEM Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index
GEM Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index DTC Description Source Action C1728 Transfer Case Unable to Transition Between 2H and 4H GEM CARRY OUT the electronic shift function test. REFER to Function Test - Electronic Shift in this section. C1729 Transfer Case Unable to Transition Between 4H and 4L GEM CARRY OUT the electronic shift function test. REFER to Function Test - Electronic Shift in this section. P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Malfunction GEM GO to Pinpoint Test F . P1804 Transmission 4-Wheel Drive High Indicator Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test H . P1808 Transmission 4-Wheel Drive Low Indicator Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test I . P1812 Transmission 4-Wheel Drive Mode Select Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1815 Transmission 4-Wheel Drive Mode Select Short Circuit to Ground GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1819 Transmission Park/Neutral Position Switch Short Circuit to Ground GEM GO to Pinpoint Test F . P1820 Transmission Transfer Case Clockwise Shift Relay Coil Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1822 Transmission Transfer Case Clockwise Shift Relay Coil Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1828 Transfer Case Counterclockwise Shift Relay Coil Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1830 Transmission Transfer Case Counterclockwise Shift Relay Coil Short Circuit to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1832 Transmission Transfer Case Differential Lockup Solenoid Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test G . P1834 Transmission Transfer Case Differential Lockup Solenoid Short Circuit to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test G . P1865 Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate Power Short to Ground GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1866 Transmission Transfer Case System Concern - Servicing Required GEM CARRY OUT the electronic shift function test. REFER to Function Test - Electronic Shift in this section. P1867 Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate General Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test E . P1876 Transmission Transfer Case 2-Wheel Drive Solenoid Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test G . P1877 Transmission Transfer Case 2-Wheel Drive Solenoid Circuit Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test G .
Your best bet , take it to a qualified repair shop .

you cannot run your truck normally in 4x4 low!!!! the low is designed to go slow slow.try shifting into neutral gear on column tap the high 4x4 then shift to reverse,back up 15feet then shift to drive.it should go into high 4x4 then if you want to go back to 2wheel high shift to neutral tap the 4x4 high until the light goes off,shift to reverse and back up 15feet then shift to drive and the 4wheel drive lights should all be off. then you'll be in 2x2 rear wheel drive. thank you for choosing fixya.com

Do you have manual locking hubs on the front? If you do, you have to turn them to 'lock' position. If you have automatic hubs, you skip that step. Never shift into 4x4 low range while moving. You must come to a complete stop to shift in or out of low range. Regular 4x4 (high range) can be engaged while you are moving. Let off the gas, and put it in 4x4 high range, do the same to go back to 2 wheel drive. Vehicles that are part time 4x4 (can be shifted in and out of 4x4) should never be driven in 4x4 while on a dry surface, as you can cause excessive wear or even failure of the system. So only use it in snow, off road, etc. Have a safe trip!

The motor is what moves it. If you disconnect that, it will still be in low range. odds are that it is the motor, but removing it will not solve your problems. I would take it off, try to shift and then see if it moves. if not, replace it. if it does, its your transfer case.

You say 'new' truck, 09? or new used? I have had 3 Fords, 3 w/ manual trans. case, if you go into 4x4 Low range, you must come to a complete stop before shifting the trans. case to 4x4 mode, and I always put trans (automatic) in neutral before slipping into 4x4, it engages smoothly, no grinding. 4x4 high range can be put in while moving, but I would let off the gas pedal, shift to 4x4 high range, then resume accelerating. If there is any grinding going on doing it as above, something isn't right. Check the trans. case fluid level also, to make sure that's not an issue.