1998 Eddie Bauer Exp Stuck in 4WH

[Mike789]

Yup, I will take the wire(s) off 1st, but it seems that may not help if the shift-motor is not spring loaded, so I will take the SM off.

 

[Mbrooks420]

It’s not spring loaded. And, if unplugging the motor seems to fix the issue it doesn’t mean it’s still not in 4 wheel shift position. It just means you’re cutting power to the clutch.

 

[Mike789]

Ok, this makes more sense every day
A few days ago I was thinking that removing the juice would make the TC clutch disengage but that's not really posssible I don't think as then Ford would have to design it so the juice would have to be on all the time in 4WH. Seems like the shift/engage/disengage function can on;y be designed the way it is, at least for semi-auto operation. I'd prefer locking hubs !

I can't recall, did the Exp every have locking hubs ?

 

[Mbrooks420]

The clutch does get voltage 100% of the time in 4high and 4low.

First Gens had automatic locking hubs. Solid hubs make way more sense on a widely produced regular consumer vehicle.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Somehow I missed this was a 1998. There is no shifting between 4auto and 4high. It simply adds voltage to the clutch 100% of the time, instead of duty-cycling the clutch when it perceives there is a difference in speeds between the two axles.

 

[96eb96]

Somehow I missed this was a 1998. There is no shifting between 4auto and 4high. It simply adds voltage to the clutch 100% of the time, instead of duty-cycling the clutch when it perceives there is a difference in speeds between the two axles.

Yes, the shift motor ONLY moves when you command 4lo. That is why if it wasn't used in 15 years, the next owner gets it, tries 4low, has lots of issues.