4WD won't engage

[Dario]

Now that I've got my swaybar end link sorted I'm onto my 4WD.

Last winter I noticed that the 4WD (low and hi) would not engage until the truck warmed up a bit. It seemed to be more of an engine temp issue than an outside temp issue.

Anyway, now it won't engage at all. No blinking lights when I push any of the buttons.

I'm thinking the Four Wheel Drive Selector Switch but I am not sure how to diagnose this.

 

[matt0248]

When you turn the key on do you get the 4x4 hi and low bulbs in the instrument panel to come on?

 

[Dario]

Good question and I had not thought of looking at that.

Only the 4x4 Low comes on. Then, it goes off when all the rest on the dash indicators do.

 

[Dario]

Alright, now I am completely confused.
Last night I went to the store and on a whim tried the 4WD again. It worked!
Then I stopped, into neutral and 4WD Lo worked to.
So I went back to hi and drove the parking lot.

Lot's of loud front end noises, especially on tight turns. Of course, there's no snow at the moment.

Back on the road and I went into 4WD hi again. The noises went away. Slow turns, from stops and no noise.

So, this morning I'm trying it again and will report back.

From hours of hunting this forum I finally got my terms correct and therefore was able to find many posts on the 'won't go into 4WD' issue. It seems it may well be my 4WD Control Module. Silver State Ford Parts tells me that it's part #1L2Z7E453A (list price $338.38, my price $179.37 plus $22.42 S&H) based upon my VIN.

 

[jasongt06]

Do some searches as alot of dealers sells parts online for alot cheaper than most of your local dealers.

 

[Dario]

Do some searches as alot of dealers sells parts online for alot cheaper than most of your local dealers.

Good idea.

On my way to work this morning, no 4WD for the first 25-30 minutes. Then success. So it's doing what it did last Spring. Cold, no worky. Warm, works. It seems that the cabin temp is the determining factor.

Any ideas on how I can test the 4WD control unit before I drop the cash?

 

[BigRondo]

From hours of hunting this forum I finally got my terms correct and therefore was able to find many posts on the 'won't go into 4WD' issue. It seems it may well be my 4WD Control Module. Silver State Ford Parts tells me that it's part #1L2Z7E453A (list price $338.38, my price $179.37 plus $22.42 S&H) based upon my VIN.

Before you pull the trigger on a new 4x4 Control Module let me know. I purchased one from eBay on the slight chance that it would fix my issue but it was the wrong part for my Ex. It was only $40 and I knew it wouldn't work but for $40 I had to try it. I ended up getting the correct part from Silver State but that didn't work either. So I guess my issue is not the 4x4CM but that's for another thread at another time. If the eBay module I have is the correct part for your Ex, you can have it for the cost of shipping.

Here's the info on my original module:
1L24-7H473-AD
Motorola Model: 01MU152B02
Date Code: 01032
Serial #: 21026878

Here's the info on the module I received from eBay.
2C54-7H417-CA
Motorola Model: 2MU231VC05
Date Code: 01355
Serial #: 21689323

Let me know.

 

[Dario]

WOW!
Thanks Rondo.

I ran the part # through FordParts.com (for my VIN #) and it came up blank.

Plus, I need to figure out a way to test mine. Scanner maybe?

 

[BigRondo]

WOW!
Thanks Rondo.

I ran the part # through FordParts.com (for my VIN #) and it came up blank.

Plus, I need to figure out a way to test mine. Scanner maybe?

I know that it sucks not having any 4x4. Mine wasn't working last winter, and still isn't, and my Ex goes nowhere in the snow with only rear wheel drive. So if I can help you get yours going, I'd be happy to help.

As far as I know, only a scanner that will read Ford specific codes can be used for retrieval of those kinds of codes. Removing the 4x4CM is easy enough. Once it is removed we can compare the info on your CM with the info on mine. Silver State should have told you the part number that you need to order. We can use that number for comparison also.

To get to the 4x4CM:
Just to be safe, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
Then open the glove box, pinch in the sides so it'll drop all the way down. Then, unscrew the first "gold" colored bolt closest to you, then the black one.
After you do that, that silver colored bracket swings out and you can get to the 3rd bolt, another gold colored one, in the back. You may be able to see the info on the module without having to remove it, I can't remember. If you don't have to disconnect the module, then disconnecting the battery is not necessary.
After that, you have to really kind of "pinch" or press the little "tab" and then jiggle the 2 electrical connector until they come out.

Installation is the reverse of removal - reconnect the negative battery terminal is the last step!!!

According to my owner's manual, if you disconnect the battery there is a procedure you must do so the computer can relearn things such as idle speed, etc. If you need this procedure, I can post it for you. If you need an owner's manual Dead Link Removed.

 

[Dario]

Thanks again.

Silver State gave me the part #1L2Z7E453A based on my VIN.
I checked that with FordParts.com (again, based upon my VIN) and it came up with 'Auto Trans Gear Recognition Control Unit With 2 Spd Trans Case With Ctl Trac ; Automatic Transmission'.

The image Ford showed does look like the 4WD CM but AllData does not call it what Ford seems to.

Before work I was able to pop out the glove box (spilled all the contents onto the floor of course -slow motion too ). Later today or tomorrow, with a mirror and a flashlight, I ought to be able to read the numbers.

Also, I am looking at an Equus 3160 Scanner. Might that do the trick?

 

[BigRondo]

Thanks again.

Silver State gave me the part #1L2Z7E453A based on my VIN.
I checked that with FordParts.com (again, based upon my VIN) and it came up with 'Auto Trans Gear Recognition Control Unit With 2 Spd Trans Case With Ctl Trac ; Automatic Transmission'.

The image Ford showed does look like the 4WD CM but AllData does not call it what Ford seems to.

Before work I was able to pop out the glove box (spilled all the contents onto the floor of course -slow motion too ). Later today or tomorrow, with a mirror and a flashlight, I ought to be able to read the numbers.

Also, I am looking at an Equus 3160 Scanner. Might that do the trick?

That is a hell of a scanner and seems to do quite a lot. But it only reads Emissions & ABS codes not Manufacturer's codes. As far as the module goes, 1L2Z7E453A is the same part number as the one I got from Silver State so the eBay module I have won't work with your Ex. Too bad, that would have been too easy though, right?

 

[Dario]

. . .that would have been too easy though, right?

Too true and thanks again for the generous offer.

So that scanner won't read mfr's codes.:thumbdwn:
Does anything in that price range (< $300) read Ford codes as well?
We're an all Ford family.

 

[BigRondo]

Too true and thanks again for the generous offer.

So that scanner won't read mfr's codes.:thumbdwn:
Does anything in that price range (< $300) read Ford codes as well?
We're an all Ford family.

Yeah, sorry it didn't work out. Here is a good thread on scanners:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=291912

 

[Dario]

I finally got around to changing the 4WD CM this weekend. While it appeared to be a 15 minute job, as most things go on this truck it was quadruple that. Of course that's partly due to a lack of a small wrench which necessitated a run to the hardware store.

Anyway, all is fixed and all is well. Just awaiting the first dumping of snow!

 

[BigRondo]

I finally got around to changing the 4WD CM this weekend. While it appeared to be a 15 minute job, as most things go on this truck it was quadruple that. Of course that's partly due to a lack of a small wrench which necessitated a run to the hardware store.

Anyway, all is fixed and all is well. Just awaiting the first dumping of snow!

Glad you got it fixed. Thanks for the update. Think snow!

 

[EasyRhino]

I finally got around to changing the 4WD CM this weekend. While it appeared to be a 15 minute job, as most things go on this truck it was quadruple that. Of course that's partly due to a lack of a small wrench which necessitated a run to the hardware store.

Anyway, all is fixed and all is well. Just awaiting the first dumping of snow!

I'm thinking that won't be too long. At least you're ready.

 

[Irish62]

BigRondo...do you still have the Ebay part...I'm going to check mine as it may be why my 4x4 hi light flashes...started doing that after I spun out on ice...like doing a donut

 

[BigRondo]

BigRondo...do you still have the Ebay part...I'm going to check mine as it may be why my 4x4 hi light flashes...started doing that after I spun out on ice...like doing a donut

Welcome aboard!!

I will have to check and see. I can't remember if i sent it to someone or not. I do have the original that I think is still good, since replacing it didn't fix my problem. What eventually fixed it was repairing the bad ground on the transfer case shift motor. Your welcome to it.

Here's the info on my original module:
1L24-7H473-AD
Motorola Model: 01MU152B02
Date Code: 01032
Serial #: 21026878

What part of Maine are you in? I might be smelling a road trip!!!!!!

 

[kevin38917]

Problem still not fixed

I replaced my 4WD CM yesterday and I still can't get it to engage or get any indicator lights on the dash. My fuses are good (under the hood and inside the cab). Can anyone help me out with this? I sure would appreciate it.

 

[jesusfreak]

I am having problems with my 4wd. The 4low light in the cluster comes on with the key switch but not the 4high. The 4low light on the switch doesn't light up either. As far as i can tell it will not engage the front differential at all. When i test drove it the 4low light would come on but didn't have any place to test it.
I have checked all the fuses and all are good. I haven't checked the ground on the transfer case or the connections to the switch or modules.