4x4 light flashing

[tracker1962]

I just got my alternator fixed thanks to all the answers form this site. My next project before winter hit is getting my 4x4 working again.
I did a search here and found how to rebuilb the shift motor but I'm hoping it's not that complicated. I have read to check the conections or may have to change the selenoid. That would be where I want to start and hope for the best.
I have a 2004 Explorer. I'm not a mechanic but have tools and mechanicaly inclined. I simply would need to know what to look for and where to look. Advise as to what to look at before tearing things apart. Then guidance to change this selenoid if need be. Any advise, links, pics, what ever, would be appreciated. Tracker.

 

[2003vstrom]

I have 02 limited that I bought that needed the the 4x4 fixed and only the 4x4 low light came on, the 4x4 high never came on, I bought the updated 4x4 control module and installed it, then My 4x4 high light worked when the truck was started seemed to shift into 4x4 high and low find, then I started driving it then the 4x4 high light started to flash it flashed 10 times then would go off for about 2 mins the would flash again 10 more times, I have a obd II software on my laptop and I pulled the code from the 4x4 CM and had a P1824 code, (the clutch relay circuit failure), so I found a article about how people were having there trannys replaced, when the gasket between the transfer case and the transmisson are replaced with the aftermarket gasket it cause problems, I guess the Oem gasket has 2 metal washers in it to make sure there is a proper grounding for the transfer case to work right, because there is a wire that goes back to the 4X4 CM to verify that the clutch has made a complete circuit, I unbolted the wire and made up a 12 gauge wire that has 2 ring terminals and regounded the transfer case to the cross memeber that goes just behind it, I took it out for a test drive last night and found some loose gravel and got on the gas hard and it would kick in like it should tried the 4x4 high worked great, tried 4x4 low worked great , back to 4x4 auto then drove around in the gravel pit and got on the gas about 4 more times and worked great, then when my light would flash before is when I would get on it, when I was on pavement, I tryed that and nothing my 4x4 light stayed off, then I drove about 70 miles today and everything perfectly fine. did you happen to have your tranny replaced at all?

 

[tracker1962]

2003vstrom, thanks for the reply. Goodness, have the trany replaced?? Just got this vehicle from a dealer. Don't discourage me!! It's a 2004 with 80 KM'S.
I have to admit that I read your post quickly and will go back to it for advise.
All was working well when I purchased the vehicle late last winter. The light started flashing late in fall. I will take your advise and get under there with safety precautions, and check grounding issues. Where should I look for connections and servos/actuators?
When I put it in LOW 4x4 the 4x4 LOW light stays on steady but I can't be sure it's in 4x4.
Waiting replies and thank you all. Tracker.

 

[2003vstrom]

no not have the tranny replaced, I`m just saying that when I bought mine about 3 weeks ago the guy told me that 1 1/2 years ago that he had the tranny replaced, he said he bought a brand new tranny from ford and had another tranny shop put it in, so that when I found this article on the internet, about the ground issue with the after market gasket, I didn`t mean you had to replace your tranny, because i had tested the electro mechanical clutch with a voltmeter and seemed to be fine, and it would work some times and sometimes I would get the flashing 4x4 light, I would clear the code then it would be ok for a little bit then it would give me the code again, so I decide I would just make up a ground strap from the transfer case to the main cross member on the frame, and looks like it took care of my problem. yours could be the shift motor, I don`t know, you will just have to start checking things out. I WOULD GET THE CODE PULLED FIRST AND THAT SHOULD POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION