4x4 does not engage and rear wiper does not wipe.

[93 x_SPORT]

Vehicle: 2001 Explorer Sport 4x4 w/2WD, 4X4 HI, and 4X4 LO. I tried searching and found nothing. The subject is the quick and to the point version of my problem. Below is the long drawn out explanation. Help PLEASE!

I decided I would try to fix the rear wiper and the 4x4 issue I'm having. I checked the fuses for both and they appear to be ok. Having changed one of these transfer case shifter motors before (with success), I assumed that would resolve my issue. Also, I just "assumed" that the rear wiper motor was probably bad too.

So I purchased both motors. This evening they arrived in the mail. First, I pulled the rear hatch interior piece off and swapped out the wiper motor. This was fairly easy and straightforward. I decided I would see if it worked before I attached the wiper arm. Plugged it in, turned on key, turned wiper switch, and nothing. It didn’t move; make a sound, or anything. I searched and could find no reason why this would be. Then I double-checked the fuse…it was fine.

I was frustrated so I decided to move to the 4x4 for a little bit. This time I decided to check the new motor before I pulled the old motor out. I removed the plug from the old motor, plugged it into the new motor, started the car, and switched to 4X4 HI. It didn’t work so I tried putting it in gear and switching it 4X4 HI again, nothing.

So, what would cause both the 4x4 to not engage and the rear wiper to not function? Neither of them act like they are even trying, no noise or anything. Could this be two separate issues?

 

[93 x_SPORT]

Forgot to mention, the lights on the switches light up when the headlights are turned on. I pulled the radio bezel out and both switches appear to be plugged in just fine. The rear defrost and cigarette lighter both work fine.

 

[93 x_SPORT]

I pulled a couple fuses and relays in the box under the hood and replaced them (one at a time of corse...and now the rear wiper works. I just tried the new 4x4 motor again, just in case the issues were related and it still does not work. So, one item fixed one still broken. I will do some more searching on the 4x4, but if anyone has any ideas or links to known threads I would appreciate the help.

Thanks!

 

[budwich]

good work but you might want to try a meter and check for voltage at the switch.

 

[93 x_SPORT]

good work but you might want to try a meter and check for voltage at the switch.

Are you talking about the wiper or the 4x4?

 

[93 x_SPORT]

Oh and I'm having a hard time trying to find anything on the 4x4. Which wires should have voltage at what time?

 

[budwich]

check them all.

 

[my98nnj]

Just a quick note - The rear wiper will not wipe if the hatch or glass is open.

 

[93 x_SPORT]

Just a quick note - The rear wiper will not wipe if the hatch or glass is open.

I thought that might be why it didn't work the first time I tried. So I closed the hatch and tried again and it didn't work. Now magically, it works. Not sure what happened.

 

[93 x_SPORT]

Finally found more info using search (it's tough to find good key words for this subject). I read that the 4x4 control module (in the passenger side kick panel) can go bad. Also read that the test for this is to watch the 4x4 lights before you start the car. They should turn on, then turn off, if not the module is bad.

The 4x4 lights do not turn on. I'm going to make sure this thing is plugged in. If the 4x4 control module is bad, where is the best place to get one? I looked on ebay and they are about $200. I have to believe you can find it cheaper than that?