2002 Explorer sport 4wd light doesn’t come on

[Taxhero]

I went to check the 4wd on my 2002 Explorer sport, has an automatic transmission. When I turn the switch, neither the 4 high or 4 low lights come on at all and I don’t hear any sound of an actuator. From what I could find online, the fuse is #13 in the power distribution, and it tested fine. My next thought is that it could be a faulty switch.

The service manual I have gives very little information, as it covers rangers and Explorers from 1995-2001 and Explorer sports through 2003. But the only information on the automatic transmission and transfer case is removal and installation. It doesn’t even have diagrams for the fuse and power distribution, so I’m basing it off what I could find online.

I don’t want to just pay $50 for a switch and hope it fixes it, so I’d like to find out if anyone else has had this issue and fixed it, how to test the switch, or even a wiring diagram, basically any information I could get and other tips would be appreciated

 

[Luisr]

Try replacing the transfer case module, it's under the glove box

 

[Taxhero]

Try replacing the transfer case module, it's under the glove box

Before I would replace that, I’d want to be certain it’s the problem. The cost of the module is almost $300, and would have to be special ordered around here. That’s why I’d really like to find a wiring diagram and other information

 

[J_C]

Here's what I have for a 2nd gen Explorer, wiring diagram attached. I'd think the switch is least likely but at this age anything could happen... you can check it with a multimeter.

Without a clear diagnosis, I'd sooner pull used parts from a junkyard, especially for the electrical rather than the shift motor.

Can you tell if 4WD is engaging? Probably not with no sounds, but I wouldn't want to spend a lot of time or money, only to find out later that the bulb burned out...

 

[Luisr]

Before I would replace that, I’d want to be certain it’s the problem. The cost of the module is almost $300, and would have to be special ordered around here. That’s why I’d really like to find a wiring diagram and other information

I had that problem, and bought a used one in ebay for $30 with one year warranty. I thought that spending $30 wasn't that risky. It solved the problem.

 

[dhetman12]

I went to check the 4wd on my 2002 Explorer sport, has an automatic transmission. When I turn the switch, neither the 4 high or 4 low lights come on at all and I don’t hear any sound of an actuator. From what I could find online, the fuse is #13 in the power distribution, and it tested fine. My next thought is that it could be a faulty switch.

The service manual I have gives very little information, as it covers rangers and Explorers from 1995-2001 and Explorer sports through 2003. But the only information on the automatic transmission and transfer case is removal and installation. It doesn’t even have diagrams for the fuse and power distribution, so I’m basing it off what I could find online.

I don’t want to just pay $50 for a switch and hope it fixes it, so I’d like to find out if anyone else has had this issue and fixed it, how to test the switch, or even a wiring diagram, basically any information I could get and other tips would be appreciated

having worked on many I recommend checking power from the switch to the actuator, as well check ground as one maybe corroded. If everything tests good most likely it is your actuator

 

[Taxhero]

having worked on many I recommend checking power from the switch to the actuator, as well check ground as one maybe corroded. If everything tests good most likely it is your actuator

Power and ground were the first things I want to check, then to check continuity on the switch in the different positions, which is why I’m trying to find a wiring diagram. My service manual only has basic engine and chassis wiring, and even more limited for the 2002 sport. One other thing I wonder is if the sport and sport trac of the same years have the same wiring?

 

[Taxhero]

Here's what I have for a 2nd gen Explorer, wiring diagram attached. I'd think the switch is least likely but at this age anything could happen... you can check it with a multimeter.

Without a clear diagnosis, I'd sooner pull used parts from a junkyard, especially for the electrical rather than the shift motor.

Can you tell if 4WD is engaging? Probably not with no sounds, but I wouldn't want to spend a lot of time or money, only to find out later that the bulb burned out...

I can’t hear any sound of the actuator engaging or even the sound of it trying to if it were stuck. This is what is leading me to think it could be a switch, especially since it doesn’t light up or even start flashing like most vehicles do if there’s a problem

 

[J_C]

You can measure the switch then, or measure for whether power is making it to the 4WD clutch on the transfer case when switched to 4WD. (4WD hi is enough to test that, low not needed).

 

[RangerX]

I moved your thread into the Gen2 section, as that’s what yours essentially is.

 

[Taxhero]

I moved your thread into the Gen2 section, as that’s what yours essentially is.

Thanks, that’s where the explorer sports get so confusing

 

[J_C]

The service manual I have gives very little information, as it covers rangers and Explorers from 1995-2001 and Explorer sports through 2003. But the only information on the automatic transmission and transfer case is removal and installation. It doesn’t even have diagrams for the fuse and power distribution, so I’m basing it off what I could find online.

I found this, 2002 Sport Workshop Manual 4WD Systems (attached). The link in it to the wiring diagram "cell 34" wouldn't work (couldn't find the file) so hopefully you can refer to the wiring diagram I posted previously in post #4.

 

[Taxhero]

I found this, 2002 Sport Workshop Manual 4WD Systems (attached). The link in it to the wiring diagram "cell 34" wouldn't work (couldn't find the file) so hopefully you can refer to the wiring diagram I posted previously in post #4.

Awesome! That will be a huge help, thanks!