4wd won't disengage

[Chris4x4Gill2]

After playing a little the other day, i went to switch back to Auto and the front axle remained engaged. The gearing seems to be what it should be in auto so its not like it stayed in 4 hi or 4 lo. Whats the first thing I should check on this. Its a 99 XL

 

[Joe Fast]

Check the shift motor on the Transfer Case. I had a similar problem and it was related to a bad shift motor and censors. By the way I have not fixxed the problem but removed the shift motor and manually shifted the transfer case to 2WD.


JOe

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

From reading up on the shift motor problem, i don't think that is it. The transfer case will engage 4 hi and 4 lo without any problem, the front end will just not unlock like it should when it goes back to Auto.

Does the front use a vacuume type actuater to engage? Where should I look for it if it does, thinking maybe something has pulled loose.

 

[seanthenerd]

here is a tip! If you put the vehicle into 4 lo, then to to shift back into AUTO (2wd) you will need to place the vehicle transmision in Nuetral. Once the vehicle is in Neutral try switching it then. If this doesnot allow you to disengauge 4x4 then you may have a bad vacuum tube or something of that nature.

hope this helps

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

yea, I know how to switch it between 4 lo and auto pretty good. I am pretty sure its the vacuume somewhere, just wondering if anyone knows of a potential problem area that might be common to start with first.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Chris, the front axles are always engaged and in motion on '97+ Ex's. 4x4 on the 97+ Explorers is engaged at the transfer case. Your Ex is just fine.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

With the tcase in auto there should be roughly 5% of the power to the front tires under normal driving conditions. Right now it is still acting like it is in 4 hi or 4 lo. I have never had it drive like this before.

 

[Positive Vibes]

Just a thought but what about disconnecting the battery. Couldn't hurt?? And yes thats my fix for a lot of problems. Works about half the time.

 

[TPLYNCH]

"The gearing seems to be what it should be in auto so its not like it stayed in 4 hi or 4 lo. "

Chris, based on the above from your first post, it sounded like the truck was running normal, just that you thought your front end was still "engaged", hence my reply. If the Ex is driving like it's locked into 4x4, then it could be the speed sensors or GEM causing the auto to stay engaged.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

what is the GEM?

 

[TPLYNCH]

General Electronics Module. It's in the dash, next to the radio. It controls all things electrical in the Explorer.