1992 Explorer 4WD Noob,Needs Help!

[marcus0311]

I've been searching the forums,but can't find what I'm looking for. I just bought a 1992 Explorer 4WD. I've already replaced the rear brakes. I'm a NOOB to owning a 4WD. So, here's my problem. I have werner manual locking hubs. My low range light stays on even when the 4X4 button above it is not on. Even when I lock the hubs and at 45mph I push the top button and the light comes on,the low range light stays on. I can't even tell if the 4WD is working in the first place. I don't know what to do. I guess I can take it to a local shop and have them look at it,but without good knowledge of 4WD I'm leary of getting ripped off. Please help me.

 

[Tbars4]

..Welcome here...

...There are some good links for testing toward the bottom of the first post in this thread..
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=232754

 

[Flip4ford]

Truck has to be in neutral or park to switch in or out of 4 low. You would know if you were in 4lo the engine rpms would be out the wazoo driving down the road.

Jack up one front wheel and lock that hub in (only that one hub) and spin the wheel-- is the drive shaft moving? if so you are in 4x4. if not - you are not.

The link tbars posted is very helpful as well as the search button.

 

[1AJeremyD]

Welcome to the forum! Using the search button should direct you to pretty much any thing and everything you would want. 4x4 getting stuck on is common enough where it has been covered several times.

 

[marcus0311]

Thanx for the advice.

 

[marcus0311]

I guess it was just "buyer's panic". I tried the 4X4 low range button as I was leaving work this morning,and the low range 4WD was working fine. I was expecting a kinda low clunk when the 4X4 engaged,but instead I felt a kinda pull/lurch motion when it engaged and like you said the rpms were well higher than normal. 4X4 high works fine. Eventhough I wasn't using the 4X4 on the way home the low range light kinda fluttered on and off. I'm thinking it might just be the switch,which I know is easy to replace,but I still might have it looked at. I know my way around a vehicle pretty good,just the 4WD aspect I have to get used to I guess. I live in North SaltLake Utah,but work in Tooele,and can't wait for the next big snow that comes,cause I'll be prepaired this time. Unlike just before Thanksgiving when I drove home through the middle of a blizzard in a 2WD expedition with the wind and snow along HWY 80 causing me traction problems. A 45 min drive turned in to a 2 1/2 hour drive.