4x4 high light flashing 10 times every 2 minutes

[Curtis]

Ive searched for this problem and only found one matching thread.
That was resolved by a broken ground on the shifter motor for the transfer case. This was after they owner bought a 4x4 module and shifter motor. I don't want to do that.
The explorer will not go in 4x4 high.
There are no other symptoms. No bucking or grinding etc.

Does anyone have a good way to diagnose this?
Its an 02 XLT 4.6.

 

[Curtis]

after much research, and recomendations from this site, I contacted Direct Ford parts and got a new 4x4CM for a good price - $150
So I bought it, and am on vacation now visiting my parents (its my dads X with the problem)
Well I just installed it and I still have the problem.. I big let down.
we have 4x4 low, but the light just flashes 4x4high even if you dont press the 4x4button.

I though I read here that if you have 4x4low, it means the shift motor is working ok so what else could it be?

 

[awdrocks]

Try:

Apply break, put in neutral, press 4x4low, then back to park. Then drive it shortly to see if low engaged. Then do the same but press the Auto4X4. Make sure its in Auto4x4 with no blinking 4x4 light. Disconnect the battery for about 5 minutes and see if the problem comes back.

 

[Curtis]

Try:

Apply break, put in neutral, press 4x4low, then back to park. Then drive it shortly to see if low engaged. Then do the same but press the Auto4X4. Make sure its in Auto4x4 with no blinking 4x4 light. Disconnect the battery for about 5 minutes and see if the problem comes back.

I will try this first thing in the morning...Thanks!

 

[awdrocks]

I will try this first thing in the morning...Thanks!

When you press the 4x4low in N with the break wait until you see the dash engage 4x4low.... same with Auto4x4. Maybe it needs to do a cycle and a computer reset to set it all straight.... worth a shot.

 

[rrgone]

Too bad about the new module not fixing the problem. How about the selector switch? Try this:

 

[rrgone]

Well, I see that pic didn't come through very clearly. You are suppose to remove the switch from the dash, unplug the connector from the back, and check resistance between pins 2 and 3 on the back of the switch as you press the buttons to change modes. The tolerance is +/- 1% from the values shown. Good luck, let us know what you find out.

 

[Curtis]

Actually I might not be sunk yet.... I emailed Direct Ford Parts with the part no. of my original part, the part no. of the new one and the part no. I was told I needed and it appeard I got the wrong part number. So Direct Ford Parts is sending out the correct part for me which is about $30 more but they are covering it ! Nice to do business with them...

I'll have the part new soon so Ill let you guys know.


Curtis

 

[cjones101812]

if the new part does not work, check for codes.

 

[awdrocks]

Actually I might not be sunk yet.... I emailed Direct Ford Parts with the part no. of my original part, the part no. of the new one and the part no. I was told I needed and it appeard I got the wrong part number. So Direct Ford Parts is sending out the correct part for me which is about $30 more but they are covering it ! Nice to do business with them...

I'll have the part new soon so Ill let you guys know.


Curtis

When I replaced my tranfer case module, it was for an updated module. My Ford contact guy told me the one I had from factory came with a defect and it was updated. Now I dont know if the updated unit started waaay after and maybe yours is like my original, or your 04' already came updated.

Here is the new part number that replaced my old TC module:
stamp # 1L24-7H473-AF (old module) cross's-over to part # 1L2Z-7E453-A (new module)

BTW: You are talking about the tranfer case module that is behind the glove box right?

 

[awdrocks]

Update?

 

[Curtis]

no update yet....Ford Direct parts wont ship to canada where my dads X is...and I am too for another couple weeks vacation...

So when get back to the US, I have to send the incorrect module back and Ford Direct will send me the correct part number module. THen i'll have to mail it back to dad in Canada again. so its gonna be a while. I hope this does it, the last thing I want him to do is to have to put his X to the dealer to figure this out... he needs his 4x4 this winter.

 

[awdrocks]

no update yet....Ford Direct parts wont ship to canada where my dads X is...and I am too for another couple weeks vacation...

So when get back to the US, I have to send the incorrect module back and Ford Direct will send me the correct part number module. THen i'll have to mail it back to dad in Canada again. so its gonna be a while. I hope this does it, the last thing I want him to do is to have to put his X to the dealer to figure this out... he needs his 4x4 this winter.

But was it the transfer case module thats located behind the glove box?

 

[Curtis]

But was it the transfer case module thats located behind the glove box?

Sorry, for got to add that.
Yes, this is the 4x4CM behind the glove box

 

[whitemage25]

My X did the same thing when I ran for a while with the 4X4 switch unplugged..... I'd seriously check all the connections and verify the switch is working properly before I spent any more money.....

 

[awdrocks]

Sorry, for got to add that.
Yes, this is the 4x4CM behind the glove box

Yeah I think thats really considered the transfer case module as its what controls the transfer case from engaging and disengaging. Check those part numbers I supplied up top.

 

[Curtis]

Ok after Ford Direct Parts switched out the wrong module for the correct part number for free (except shipping) the problem is worse... well sort of.

With the old module,
- 4x4 high light flashes
- no 4x4 high
- no but 4x4 low light would come on and gearing seemed lower but still only had 4x2 with either setting when tested on a slipery surface

with the new module
- 4x4 high light flashes
- no 4x4 high
- no 4x4 low
- module does not even click

So Im thinking deeper than the module.
Im pricing a transfer case shift motor today.

 

[cjones101812]

have you checked for codes yet?? the PCM detects a problem so the code(s) will help find the problem. even if you have to pay 1/2 or 1 hour labor, it's normally better than guessing.

 

[Curtis]

Another Update...

So with the recent snow, I need the 4x4 as the truck is usless in 2wd. So my father had to put it in for service.

It only took an hour for them to tell us the problem was the control module.
I told the mechanic that we had put a new one in, it didnt solve the problem, and FordDirectParts realized they gave me the wrong part number. So FordDirectParts gave me a new one and we just tried that, and it was worse.

So the mechanic asked me to bring out the "newest" control module from FordDirectParts. He did some research and figured out that the last control module was for a vehicle with traction control, something my dads X doesnt have. Make no wonder it didnt work.

So they have ordered the proper part number control module and its being flown in today....$380. Ill have another update later this afternoon hopefully.

As for the incorrect module from FordDirectParts, I emailed them and I must say their customer service is great. They will take back the control module no problem. Im just out the shipping to get it to them.

 

[rrgone]

Whoa, that just sucks. :thumbdwn: My faith in fdp is slipped a bunch. we've sent a lot of people to them for 4X4 modules...think I'm going to quit and find another dealer with internet parts dept that's not getting lazy. Good luck to you and your dad and thanks for the update.