4WD Auto slipping into 4WD Low - OUCH!!!!!!!!!!

[Orange Whip]

I was driving my 96 Explorer XLT 4X4 today in the rain, with the Control Trac switch in 4WD Auto (as I usually do in snow, rain, inclement conditions, etc.). After about 10 minutes, as I was going approximately 50 mph - it felt as if someone slammed on the brakes - with a lot of noise coming from the front transaxle. I quickly switched the control trac switch to 2WD - and this restored normal driving. Scared the @#$% out of me! My next stop was my mechanic. He couldn't find nor duplicate the problem. After checking everything over he said it must have switched into 4WD Low by itself. This would have the braking effect - especially at 50 mph.

It could also cause a pretty bad accident if someone is following too closely. Has this ever happened to anyone else??? My vehicle has about 38,600 on it and I think the warrant was up at 36,000 - so I hate to take it to the dealer and play that game. Any suggestions??? HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!!!


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96 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 V6 4x4

 

[DrewP]

Orange...or Mr. Whip,

Did you rpm's jump way way up too? Sounds like something went wrong with your electronics or your transfer case...or both. Your control-trac is computer controlled and computers are notorious for housing gremlins. If it really did go into low you could have seriously screwed your transfer case or tranny. Try draining the ATF out of your transfer case and if there is any metal in the fluid. Remember that you have to put Mercon/Decron III back in it. I'd also inspect the CV's by checking if they are still nice and tight to make sure you didn't break anything there. Other than that, I'd wait and see if it does it again....or only use 4-lo when you want to go off-road.

Hope this helps.

Drew