4WD Electrical Experts please step inside.

[dave_1998]

I have a 98 XLT 4.0 SOHC 4WD with the towing package. Last night I was pulling my boat out of the water and used 4DW Low. It switched in OK. After I pulled out about 30ft. I put the trans in N and switched the 4WD to Auto. No click click … like I usually get. Then the dash light starts flashing both the 4WD High and 4WD Low lights about a second between flashes. The trans was stuck in 4WD Low. I checked all the obvious fuses and none were blown but some looked tarnished on the leads. Since I was in the middle of nowhere I drove to a gas station about 10mi. going 35mph. Then I notice that my turn indicators and emergency flashers don’t work. WTF. When I got to the gas station for lack of anything better to try I pulled out and checked every fuse. None were blown but many had the tarnish on the leads. I turn the car on with the trans in N and the 4WD turns off.
The turn indicators and emergency flashers still don’t work but the trans is back. So I start driving home and about 20min into the ride the turn indicators start working and then about 10 later the flasher turn on ( I left the switch on by accident). Are these symptoms related? The manual I have does not show the wiring diagram for the 4WD. I am going to replace all the fuses, anything else I should do?

 

[dogfriend]

I'm guessing that your truck was partially in the water when you were pulling the boat out. Maybe you got the trailer connector wet and were shorting out until it dryed out. If not, then the second thought I have is that you have a loose ground wire somewhere.

As far as 4wd Low switching, I would check the connector at the transfer case for corrosion/damage. Maybe it got wet also.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

dogfriends' advice is good

-Drew

 

[dave_1998]

I use a good launch and the tires don't even go in the water so I don't think I got anything wet.
I like the ground idea. Does anyone have a Ford shop manual with a wiring diagram and ground locations. Are the flashers and the transfer case controler
and/or motor on the same ground conection.

 

[250r/master3]

the electric motor on the transfer case could be old and just got stuck in 4wd low....try smacking it with a hammer wile someone keeps trying to swich it back and forth....happoned to me...it was a quick fix but if that is the problem you should get another motor...new cost around $120

 

[JDraper]

For the xfer case problem, check out http://www.explorerforum.com/Singleton/web/pages/tcase.html . It's a common issue.

 

[dreamr]

I'm with everyone else it's likely the shift motor getting stuck/confused