4WD question

[GaryGnu]

Its snowing in Baltimore today, and I used my 4WD while going into work today. We have not had a deep snow here in a long time, so my 4WD has not been engaged for a while. I have a 1996 Explorer XLT with about 53,000 miles. I have rarely used the 4WD. I have a 2WD/4WD/4WD LOW setting. I had it in 4WD and after awhile I noticed both the 4WD and 4WD LOW dashboard lights were blinking. This would occur every couple minutes. I've done a little bit of searching on this board before posting, and I plan to disconnect my battery cable when I get home, as well as activate the 4WD system more often.

While at a stop light, I shut the truck off, and restarted it. I put it back in 4WD and continued on my trip. The lights never flashed again during the 30 minutes I was driving. However, I pulled into my (dry) parking garage at work with the 4WD still on. The dial was on 4WD not 4WD LOW, yet the truck seemed to be behaving like it was in 4WD LOW. I was getting that loud cluncking sound as I was making turns on the dry hard pavement.

Any ideas on this problem?

Thanks.

Gary

 

[JoshC]

Well I'm not really sure about your lights blinking, but i can help you with your second problem.

Dry pavement was your problem. 4wd is made to slip, so when all 4 wheels have got perfect traction like on pavement, it's going to buck and kick around.

Your 4wd should really be used about once a month, at least low range anyways. Even if you just pull off in the gravel or in a field and switch it over and drive around for a few minutes. You have to get that oil circulated around. Plus, i'd rather have it go out on me while i was testing it, then when i actually needed it. Good luck.

Happy trails!!

 

[GaryGnu]

Josh, maybe I wasn't clear. I understand what you are saying, but aren't you refering to 4WD LOW, and not 4WD AUTO? I was experiencing this problem while the setting was on 4WD AUTO.

 

[JoshC]

Actually 4wd in general will do that. 4lo just seems worse because of the gear reduction. Now that i read it again, the 96s have auto and not 4hi, so i'm not really sure why yours would be bucking in the auto setting. I guess it could be possible that the GEM needs reprogramming, but that may be jumping to conclusions. The GEM controls the 4wd system.

Happy trails!!

 

[TPLYNCH]

Gary, the problem in 4-auto is most likely a dirty or malfunctioning speed sensor, or your GEM has a problem like Josh said. I'd start w/the sensors. They are little magnets. Make sure all the wires are connected on the T/F case, and if they are, try removing and cleaning the sensors. Run a search for "Speed Sensors" for more info. There was a thread not long ago discussing your exact same problem....