4X4 Control Module

[Buttsy]

Mine was replaced in October and I noticed a drop in gas mileage soon after. After the first snowfall, I went playing in the snow and noticed that my X wouldn't auto engage the 4X4 no matter how hard I tried to spin the tires. Before the swap, it would do it rather easily. At the time, I assumed my new tires were gripping really well not thinking it might be in 4WD at the time. Tonight, as I entered my snow covered inclined driveway, I noticed it didn't spin were it normally would have in past years. I had my son get out and watch the tires as I gunned it going up the drive and sure enough, both driver side tires were spinning. Seems its locked in 4 High with no cluster indication. I've pressed the 4X4 Auto switch many times. Pressing the 4X4 High switch makes the cluster indication come on and I hear the module click but can't say I feel or hear the switch motor engage. I confirmed it will go in and out of 4 Low.

Anybody else tested theirs or seen the 4X4 engage automatically after going to the new control (and improved?) module? Feedback much appreciated...

 

[Critter92X]

Seems its locked in 4 High with no cluster indication. I've pressed the 4X4 Auto switch many times. Pressing the 4X4 High switch makes the cluster indication come on and I hear the module click but can't say I feel or hear the switch motor engage. I confirmed it will go in and out of 4 Low.

If I understand your post right.
In 4x4 auto you won't see any cluster light come on when it goes into 4 wheel drive.It might be staying engaged in 4x4 if your in the snow (I couldn't say)I can feel mine (rear tires)slip for a second when I go from dry pavement into snow going uphill but there is no indicator to show one way or the other when it's in 4x4 auto.

If your mileage dropped it's possible it's not disengaging but it's also possible it dropped due to the colder weather.

 

[rrgone]

Hi Buttsy. Not sure I understand your question(s) either. Are you thinking you're stuck in 4High? Wouldn't you be able to tell on dry pavement?

Or is your question whether there's an indicator on the dash cluster for when 4X4 Auto engages? I don't know about that one. I don't get an opportunity to drive on slick stuff much any more or I'd give it a try. I lived in Seattle when I bought this Ex where they get snow and ice once or twice a winter. Not much of that here.

edit: I don't know where that stupid smiley came from. Can't seem to get rid of it either...

 

[High_Order1]

I don't get a light in my 05. All that happens is my rear wheels spin a *teeny* bit, then I hear a clunk and all the wheels go.

Kinda disconcerting the first few times I heard it.... it sounded like the U joints blew out.

You could disconnect the 'brown wire' everybody talks about, then go find a slick spot? If I understand my lurking correctly, no power to the case = no 4wd regardless of what the controller thinks should be happening.

 

[Buttsy]

Yea, I think its stuck in 4 High. How can I check on dry pavement? Try to light 'em up? Before the switch to the 4x4 CM with new part number, my X would switch to 4 High (cluster 4X4 light would come on) when detecting rear tire spin. That's what its supposed to do, right? Now it won't do it. My thinking (at first) was that Ford found a weakness in the old CM and, with the fix, they killed the auto 4X4 feature. Far fetched I know. Now I think my X is constantly in 4 High or acting like an AWD vehicle. Hope I'm clearer now....

 

[Critter92X]

.... (cluster 4X4 light would come on) when detecting rear tire spin. That's what its supposed to do, right? ....

No it's not supposed to when your in auto 4x4.At least all of them I've seen,there's no indicator light in auto mode.Just a slight clunk and the switch into 4x4 no light.

 

[Critter92X]

When your on dry pavement,stopped and you cut the wheels hard and pull up if it moves smoothly it is probably working like it's supposed to.If it's stuck in 4x4 you should be able to feel a jerky feeling when the wheels are cut hard.

I wouldn't try the burn out to test it.

 

[KENTECH]

I have an 02, and it does not have an indicator for 4x4 auto either. If i put it in 4x4 it will indicate on the dash. Other wise in auto it will slip the back tire and then all the rest kicks in.

KENTECH

 

[KENTECH]

Hey Critter;

How the weather on that side of the state. I heard that a lot of your area was getting rough. The interstates around St. Louis were shutting down in spots.
Drive Careful!!
All it does here is rain.
KENTEC

 

[Critter92X]

/\ So far it missed me.I got about a 1/2" of snow around daylight this morning and that was it.I've heard a few other places close by wasn't so lucky.

 

[Buttsy]

OK, sounds like I was hallucinating in the past. Seems to do fine in a tight turn. I'm still going to put it up on blocks when the weather improves and see for myself.