4 low won't engage

[cthrune]

Hey guys I am new to this forum, I have had several explorers but never joined the forum until now. I spend most of my time over on the mustang and Jeep forums. My problem is that on my 02 xlt 4.0 automatic it won't engage into 4 low but 4 high works great. Any ideas? could it be the 4x4 CM, or is that not possible being that 4 high engages.

 

[jjr329]

Are you stopped and in neutral when trying to hit 4 low?

 

[cthrune]

Yes, stopped in Neutral with my foot on the brake.

 

[Snowcone]

My 02 4.6 does the same.
I replaced the 4WD control module several years ago and at that time I had hi and low, but now only hi again. Low just flashes.

 

[blackout881]

On my 04 Low gave out a couple years ago..Whenever I put it in low a fuse under the hood blows. Hi and auto 4x4 works perfect. I just don't use low, don't really have a need for it

 

[cthrune]

I don't have a need for it either but I am planning on selling this one soon and don't want it to be a reason for someone to pass on it. No one has been able to fix this issue yet?

 

[TechGuru]

Transfer Case Motor is probably stuck.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=2425758&cc=1414493&jnid=551&jpid=2

 

[2Trux]

Before you buy one, remove it from the transfer case and see if it moves when you hit the buttons to shift it.

 

[96firephoenix]

another test is to plug in a live data viewing ODB scan tool and verify that when you are stopped and in neutral, it reads 0 mph. 4lo won't engage if it's not reading 0 mph.

 

[SensRanger]

The issue could also be the transmission range sensor (neutral safety switch). I had a no 4Lo issue and it was this. Few other symptoms were present to suggest this switch was bad. Next time you stop, in N with foot on brake, turn to 4 Low and wiggle the shifter a bit, pause, any engagement? Put the shifter halfway to R, or halfway to D, any luck?

 

[TechGuru]

another test is to plug in a live data viewing ODB scan tool and verify that when you are stopped and in neutral, it reads 0 mph. 4lo won't engage if it's not reading 0 mph.

I believe ForScan will actually test the actuator motor.

 

[cthrune]

thanks for the help guys, I am hopefully going to get some time this weekend to get into it and hopefully figure it out before it gets to cold here in MN.

I don't know if these two would be connection but for the longest time the shifter lever has felt loose and when shifting into park you have to stop at reverse for a split second before going into park.

 

[SensRanger]

I think there is a strong chance your shifter issue is related to the no 4-low. The range sensor might not be registering when you're in N because the alignment is out of whack. Mechanically, the trans is in N but the sensor might not be picking it up. Could be other things too like shift motor maybe but if 4 hi works, I'd tend to think that's not it. Try the shifter wiggle tricks. Do your reverse lights come on when you are in R?

 

[cthrune]

I tried wiggling the shifter to get it to go into 4lo with no luck, I have reverse lights, no issues with brake lights, could the BSI be both problems? I am guessing that is my shifter issue but it doesnt bother me enough to replace it just to make shifting a tiny amount easier. I would just like to figure out the 4 low issue.

 

[Snowcone]

Gee I'm dumb. Never realised I had to be in neutral to engage Low and have probably been sitting in Drive.
Tried it today in neutral and it when straight in.

 

[TechGuru]

Gee I'm dumb. Never realised I had to be in neutral to engage Low and have probably been sitting in Drive.
Tried it today in neutral and it when straight in.

I think we should require everyone to read their owners manual before posting in this forum, lol.

Glad you got it figured out.

 

[ExpCon]

The issue could also be the transmission range sensor (neutral safety switch). I had a no 4Lo issue and it was this. Few other symptoms were present to suggest this switch was bad. Next time you stop, in N with foot on brake, turn to 4 Low and wiggle the shifter a bit, pause, any engagement? Put the shifter halfway to R, or halfway to D, any luck?

Yes, Moving the selector slightly toward R got mine to engage. I was also in the famous Karate Kid stance while seated. Thanks!