1996 explorer xlt won't engage 4x4

[Besty]

Hi guys first time poster, I have just purchased a1996 ford explorer xlt to use to launch my my boat. First time explorer owner.

My explorer won't engage 4x4, it makes a noise that sounds like it is engaging 4x4, it says on the dash 4x4 low but as I found out on the weekend it actually isn't as I got stuck on the beach and had to be towed out. It drives in low range.

Is there something I am doing wrong? I have read it maybe the transfer case, fuse. Where do I start as I really need the 4x4.

Any help would be great

Besty

 

[MountainSplorer]

Did you put it in neutral before changing over?

 

[Besty]

I had it in neutral.

 

[DaExplorer]

Since this is a new vehicle to you..... I have to ask, Did you look to make sure the person before you had not removed the front drive shaft.
I know sounds dumb however I have seen several new members asking about 4x4 and later discovering that there is no front drive shaft.

When shifting to 4x4 low you have to be stopped and in neutral then shift into4low. Mine makes a loud clunk and then you really feel the low range. When I stop, shift into Neutral and switch back there is a quieter sound of it shifting.

Going to 4wd high you can do in drive stopped of moving. Mine doesn't make much of a sound when shifting in or out of it. I know it is in as you can feel the hard steering when turning.

Hope this somehow helps.

 

[Besty]

The drive shaft is not removed DaExplorer

Mine too makes the loud clunk when it goes to 4x4 low. It feels and drives as if it is in low but as I experienced the front axels gave me nothing.

 

[budwich]

you need to look at the vacuum actuator on the front end (right side) to see if it is functional.... maybe. Maybe your clutch isn't energizing (ie. brown wire is broken going to the transfer case).

 

[Besty]

Cheers, this will be my weekend job!

 

[Ghostimage]

you need to look at the vacuum actuator on the front end (right side) to see if it is functional.... maybe. Maybe your clutch isn't energizing (ie. brown wire is broken going to the transfer case).

Yup, my solenoids are shot, have "manual hubs" now, have to go under hood and switch vacuum lines to engage 4wheel

 

[Besty]

I had a look at the transfer case, pulled out the the connector and put it back in so see if it was the connection. Now it won't even make the clunk sound when I turn the 4x4 switch. Also it now only drives in 2nd or 3rd gear with o/d Light flashing. What do I do now! I have ordered a new transfer case to replace the one that seems to be faulty. Am I on the right track?