4X4 shift issue

Getting a blinking four wheel drive light on the instrument cluster. I unbolted the shift motor assembly from transmission case and disconnected its plug. I applied 12vdc to motor wire leads was able to make the actuator move through through its full course of travel and then back again (by reversing polarity) multiple times. It ran smooth and there were no issues. I disconnected the battery/reconnected it again, plugged shift assembly back in (but did not bolt it back on), turned the key to on position and noticed shift motor actuator move through full travel (probably going from four low to two high). But then the four wheel drive light on dash began blinking again and shift motor unresponsive to any four wheel drive selector positions.

I have recently had to replace several wires going to and from the clutch switch due to fraying caused by carelessness of previous owner. Four wheel drive engagement (and also engine starting) were spotty prior to doing this, but I never got a blinking four wheel drive light, however. I thought I did a thorough job, but maybe I messed something up.

I uploaded a diagram which labels the wires going to the clutch switch. Referring to it, one to four seem to be related to the four wheel drive shift system and five and six seem to be related solely to the ignition switch/starter solenoid. I tested the clutch switch itself and it appears when it is not in the depressed position, it gives only pins three and four continuity and the rest are open. When it is depressed, it appears pins three and four then become open but one and two and five and six have continuity.

I scanned for codes and there were none (nor pending). I do not believe the motor needs to be bolted to the t-case in order for it to function properly. I have operated it in the past with it removed and it rotated through all ranges using selector switch without issue.

Currently the shift motor is unresponsive to any four wheel drive selector positions. It does not matter whether it is bolted up to the t-case or not for it to function, as the motor assembly has contacts within it that tell the four wheel drive module what position it is in.