4x4 Auto light blinking, '02 4.6L Limited

[dhays]

I noticed it today that periodically when driving the 4x4 Auto light will blink slowly about 8 times then quit. The truck seems to run normally but this has me a bit concerned. Any ideas?

 

[nascar_intimid]

maybe a short??

 

[Curtis]

My fathers did this, except his light would flash 10 times, wait 2 mins then flash 10 times agian over and over.

chances are its the 4x4 control module (CM)

Its a module about 4"x4"x1" behind the glove box.
And in 02 it was a very common problem (dads is a 02 too)

If you search for 4x4 control module here you'll find lots of posts.
even seach for 4x4 light flashing

Contact direct ford parts
http://www.directfordparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=214290
they have the cheapest parts around. and I found customer service to be great too.

If I were you I would disconnect the module now as you never know when it will engage 4x4. maybe it wont but you dont know.

Using your VIN direct ford parts can supply a new updated version which should correct the problem.

After replacing the module on my fathers 02, the problem was resolved.


On a side note, I did find here on this board that some who had this problem found a ground wire loose on the shift motor for the transfercase. We checked my dads and his was fine. Give that yours is an 02, my money is on the module.

 

[dhays]

Thanks Curtis. Great information. I'll check it out.

 

[rrgone]

You mean the 4 high and 4 low lamps on the left side of the cluster are blinking? I don't think there is a lamp for the 4X4 Auto function unless there's something in the Message Center.

If you're talking about the 4 High and 4 Low lamps blinking then that means there's something wrong with the 4WD system. Curtis is right about it likely being a bad 4X4 Control Module since your's is an '02. I had to change mine out too, and I got my new module from forddirectparts.com.

Good luck.

 

[dhays]

Update:

The 4x4 Auto indicator light on the dash was flashing.

I took it into the dealer. They pulled the codes and then found some moisture in one of the connections. Not sure which one. They dried it out, put in some dielectric grease, and reset the codes. No problem after that. An hours labor and no parts. I got off easy.

 

[Curtis]

Update:

The 4x4 Auto indicator light on the dash was flashing.

I took it into the dealer. They pulled the codes and then found some moisture in one of the connections. Not sure which one. They dried it out, put in some dielectric grease, and reset the codes. No problem after that. An hours labor and no parts. I got off easy.

Now thats the outcome we'd all like to have when something happens!

 

[KyleCurts]

Using your VIN direct ford parts can supply a new updated version which should correct the problem.

Hey Curtis, can you do this online? Use your VIN to look up parts and accessories?

Kyle

 

[Curtis]

Hey Curtis, can you do this online? Use your VIN to look up parts and accessories?

Kyle

Hey Kyle
I think you can look it up and find the 4x4 control module, but there are different build dates to consider and I dont think the site is that smart.
So the best bet is to do a parts inquiry with your VIN from the site, and they will reply within a day or so.

 

[DavidS]

I'm ready to disconnect the 4X4CM on my '02 Explorer EB 4.6L. Mine tries to go into 4WD everytime it has to pull even a slight grade. All this started after the dealer replaced the 4X4CM after the 4WD lights started blinking. As time has went on it only gets worse. When you let off the gas when it's doing this, it jerks sideways slightly which is alarming when it's wet. The dealer first told me that the lube needed changing in the front transfer case, that they'd seen this alot and it usually fixed it. It didn't and now they're saying the wheel speed sensors need replacing for large dollars. Would it hurt it to run it without the 4X4CM? I guess I could also do the brown wire mod but I'm a little nervous cutting and rewiring things. Since it hardly ever snows in this area, 4WD isn't necessary. I've only had to put it in 4WD one time in five years. Any comments?