4WD Problems! Help!

[jduhoski40]

1998 Ford Explorer 4x4

I had the blinking lights on the dash but fixed those with new sensors. Now when I turn the car on I hear 4 ticks coming from the dash under the steering wheel. Also, when I get up to about 45 it seems like the front passenger wheel is hummming quite loud. And finally I have no 4wd lo and the light does not come on. Would this be a shift motor problem and/or a problem with my hub? I was going to take the shift motor off and clean it but thought I would ask for some input.

 

[jduhoski40]

I just read over a post on cleaning the shift motor and found one thing i did not do. When i put the brushes in I did not release the wire from the notches. Would that cause something not to work properly? I guess while I had the shift motor off to change the sensors I sould of cleaned it but I did not have the info with me.

 

[Robb]

Usually, if the shift motor has the ability to go into 4wd HI, it is working and isn't the problem. Of course, not always. Just a couple of the contacts inside could be dirty.

Are you switching into 4wd LO with the truck in neutral and stopped (under 3mph)?

The hum sounds like a bearing issue.

 

[jduhoski40]

Yes, i tried shifting into 4wd lo in neutral with brake applied and also in park. The humming does not seem to be a bearing though. It started doing that as soon as I replaced my sensors in the transfer case. It just seems like to much of a coincidence to happen right after I change my sensors. Any thoughts on the four ticks when I first start the car?

 

[JackC]

As I understand it the shift motor only controls the hi/low gear shift. The clutch controls the fromt driveshaft. If you did not release the brushesh on the shift motor it will not work. And 4wheel low will not work. 2 wheel and 4 wheel auto should work. The noise you hesr may be because the vacuum unit on the fromt axle is engaged, sort of like having the manual hubs engaged.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Jack, only '95-96 Ex's have the vacuum disconnect.

Jduhoski - check the fluid level in the T/F case.

 

[jduhoski40]

Thanks for the suggestions! I will be sure to check the fluid. I think I am going to pull the shift motor off again and double check it. It should be much easier now that I have just had it off.

 

[JackC]

Jack, only '95-96 Ex's have the vacuum disconnect.
Thanks, just learning the ins and outs of Explorers as I go.
For me, 1st step-figure out mine (96).
Rest was correct tough, Right??

 

[jduhoski40]

Well, I released the brushes and everything is working good! Finally! It was a pain to do it though with everything still on the car and laying on my back. I'm surprised some of you couldn;t hear some of the choice 4 letter words I was yelling! Thanks for the help! Saved me lots of $$

 

[Bandido]

may I ask what releasing the brushes means? I don't understand that term...