1991 Explorer XLT 4wd shift motor not working....

[borgwharf]

Sorry that my first visit/posting is in this area, but stuff happens.

My symptoms are the same as those described in this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14740

and other repair information found here:

Dead Link Removed

No lights or any electrical activity when pressing the 4WD or high/low buttons on the dashboard. Disconnected the wire harnesses on the computer in the rear, button pressed, red light blinks, indicating the shift motor is the problem.

Actually took it to a Ford dealer who ran a diagnostic and the repair quote was $535 parts and labor for replacing the shift motor.

Tested all wires for continuity. Found that the motor itself works perfectly, by following directions on the cable pinout and applying 12v directly. Marked everything before disassembly so everything would line up.

I am mystified that I can get no indication that any electrical activity is occuring with everything re-assembled. Since the motor itself does work, the problem must be in the rotary switch, but I can find nothing wrong there, either.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

borgwharf

 

[410Fortune]

take it apart, clean it, re-install as detailed on this site.
Just because it worked when you put 12v directly to it doesnt mean its not the motor or actuator.

could it be the wiring plug itself, the connector plug? Clean that sucker all up too...

You are on the right track for sure!

 

[Josh S.]

Mine was acting up about a week ago...wouldn't go into LOW...So, I parked on the trail, whipped out a screwdriver, got under the truck, bashed the plugs and the motor a few times, and it worked! used it all day today and worked flawlessly. Sometimes things just ake a bit of bashing.

 

[jimbo74]

when engine starter motors dont work, mechanics/tow trieck drivers often times strike the starter motor with something while someone tries to crank the engine over.... i have done this at work with a 3/8" drive extension and a couple swift blows to the starter on a old corolla at work while my coworker was trying to start it... after a few blows, it strted up

 

[DeRocha]

Check out this Shift motor thread Tapping the motor and cover often works because it shakes the wires into making better contact (much like needing to re-positioning jumper cables on a battery)

Forget the dealer... The shift motor can be bought new on-line for under $200.