Just did the mod...so happy finally.
Where did you find the brown wire? I heard the 2004's are different from the others.
Hey guys, I did the BWM on my 02 xlt D4 code and I noticed that whenever I do some mud donuts or roost my buddies with the bwm engaged the 4x4 high light comes on within about 5 seconds of slow spinning (I dont like to romp on it in 2wd). It will also come on randomly when I am just driving casually on roads with a lot of curves. I am wondering what sensor is triggering the fault (shaft sensor, diff sensor exc.) and also if it is possible for the system to override the brown wire and engage the clutch regardless of the brown wire's status.
Tested it out today in a big pile of soft mulch and 4x4 definitely did not engage even though the light did come on. Thanks for the clarification!
I got mine done today. Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
^ I agree. I found mine by tracing up the wireloom from the transfer case. Mine was on the passerger side, smaller wire loom. Only brown wire in the loom. Ran straight to toggle switch.
I have full knowledge of the difference between 4X4 and AWD (also the intricate differences in AWD systems/applications between vehicles), but I have only experienced how a natively FWD vehicle reacts when the Auto 4x4 engages. No knowledge of how a natively RWD vehicle reacts when Auto 4x4 engages. Is it really that bad? I have a hard time believing its so bad that I need to disable it for winter driving. Yes, I do understand that this mod is not just about winter driving, but that's not what I'm curious about. I'm curious about the people who insist on disabling 4wd for winter driving.
I have driven an 03 Ford Escape XLT 4X4 which is natively FWD with the Auto 4x4 thingy, and every time the Auto 4x4 engages on ice there's never been a problem, in fact it's been nice having it there to back me up while navigating my excessively icy 1-lane road to home. I've never felt like it was disruptive, intrusive, or dangerous in any way. And yes, I understand what a 4-wheel lock does to steering, driveline response, and how the vehicle handles/drives/turns - blah blah blah, not telling me anyhting I don't already know.
So I must ask: Is the Auto 4x4 really so bad in the Ex? Anyone ever had a wreck as a result of it and can PROVE that its not their own fault for driving poorly? I'm looking forward to having it this winter because Ford's auto 4x4 system has ALWAYS come through for me in the snow and ice.
Yes, ICE.
I have not done as much snow and ice driving in mine as some, but I always thought the auto 4x4 system was fine in the way it worked and handled. The only reason I would consider the BWM is if the system were engaging a lot in slow turns (i.e. parking lot).
Other than burnouts. There is really no benefit, right?
So I must ask: Is the Auto 4x4 really so bad in the Ex? Anyone ever had a wreck as a result of it and can PROVE that its not their own fault for driving poorly? I'm looking forward to having it this winter because Ford's auto 4x4 system has ALWAYS come through for me in the snow and ice.
Yes, ICE.