4x4 won't engage but both lights are on.

Ran into another problem. 4 high and 4 low lights are on but 4x4 is not engaged. Fuses are good. What would cause lights to stay on? I'm currently going through the process of checking 4x4 problem. Find it odd that lights stay on.

yo Paul;

Here is the skinny by FORD via;

Transfer Case Borg Warner TSB 92-1-8 for Bronco, F Series & Ranger

http://www.revbase.com/BBBMOTOR/TSb/DownloadPdf?id=35193

Indicator lights don't register the correct information

If the lights are on all the time, look for a short to ground. Also check to see if the shift control module is activating them all ... this is a malfunction.

If the LED lights, in the buttons, remain on all the time, first check to see if the dash lights are also on. If the dash lights are not on, this means that the dash lights have burned out. The LED lights are on because a low current is still passing across, enough to light the LED.

If no lights illuminate as you go through the shifts and ground power and bulbs are good, then the module is at fault or the motor has stopped at an intermediate point.

A lot of people whack the moor w/rubber mallet...

1356 Electric Shift Motor Troubleshooting & Repair (travel stops)
Source: by Richard C (Bigric, Money Pit) at http://www.supermotors.net/clubs/superford/vehicles/registry/4584/21843

1356 Electric Shift Motor Troubleshooting & Repair (for Rangers, but motors are same/similar)
Source: by Craig T E at http://therangerstation.com/tech_library/TCaseshiftmotor.htm

1356 Electric Shift Motor Typical Failures & Prevention; "...Most units fail because of water or mud intrusion. Carefully inspect motor boot or protective coverings. Be sure connector seals can keep water and debris out. Check wiring harness and connector. Replace or repair wiring as necessary. After installation, periodically select 4-wheel drive mode to ensure operation when needed..."
Source: by CARDONE®

1356 Electric Shift Motor Connector, Missing Pins, Bronco & Ford; "...Carefully record wire pin positions. Using a suitable tool, release each sensor wire pin. NOTE: Some harnesses may have a center pin as shown in the sample graphic. If there is a center pin, it must also be transferred. Install wire pins in the replacement motor connector in the same position as in the original motor connector until they snap in place. Note that the sensor and harness wire colors must match. Verify pin placement, then replace red locking tab. This completes wire pin transfer. The white pins are the ones for the speed sensor that need to be transferred..."
Source: by CARDONE® cardone.com

All I have are dash lights illuminated. Not seeing any on switch.

yo Paul,

I have a 96 and prev a 78 Bronco so I don't know if your 89 has ind Lights in the switch and on dash panel.

in above TSB see:

If the lights are on all the time, look for a short to ground. Also check to see if the shift control module is activating them all...this is a malfunction.Nothing Happens (Dead System)

The obvious first step in diagnosing a dead system is to check the power sources, fuses and grounds. If these check out, you should run the shift control module self-test. Figure 22 shows the module with pigtail "A," "B" and "C" attachments. The self-test button and self-test LED are located on the side of the shift control module.


Disconnect the "B" and "C" connectors, turn on the ignition and allow 4 seconds for the module to power up. Then push the self-test button. If the LED doesn't illuminate, the module is dead and must be replaced. If the LED comes on and stays on for 30 seconds, there is an error condition and the module will have to be replaced. If the module is OK the LED will flash 4 times.

This test, however, is not 100 percent accurate. During the test, the vehicle isn't operating, so the shift control module isn't receiving data and initiating shifts. If the unit passes the self-test, it's probably a good module. Go on to check for other probable causes, but don't rule out the module entirely. If your search doesn't turn up any other cause, it may be the module after all. You may have to try replacing the module even though it passed the self-test