4x4 low nothing happens (2010 4.0L 4x4 XLT)

[cwyman1]

I have a 2010 4.0L 4x4 XLT. When I try to put it in 4x4 low nothing happens. I can switch between 4x4 auto and 4x4 high, but 4x4 low doesn't do anything. I've tried it in "N" as well as "P" (I expect to get a warning to put it in "N" while it's in Park). I get no codes, no lights, nothing when pushing the button either. Maybe the switch? Bad wire? Where should I start to look?

 

[410Fortune]

To low range shift you must be:
Traveling less then 4 mph ( I always do it at a dead stop)
Truck in N
Foot on brake

Then it should shift in or out of low
If it does not then first thing to do is check fuses

 

[cwyman1]

Thanks. I tried what you suggested already and I get nothing. Do you happen to know which fuses I should check and what fuse box they're in?

 

[410Fortune]

I do not! I am not that familiar with the 2010 model but I am sure we can look it up!

Looks like fuse 23 for v6 trucks, fuse 26 if you have the v8
This fuse is for for the whole 4wd so it’s likely not blown since you have 4hi

Ford Explorer (2005-2010) Fuse Box Diagram

Power Distribution Box 2005-2006 2007-2010 Fuses Specifications No. A Description 1 50 Battery feed 2 (passenger compartment fuse panel) 2 50 Battery feed 3 (passenger compartment fuse panel) 3 50 Battery feed 1 (passenger compartment fuse panel) 4 30 Fuel pump, Injectors 5 30 Third row seat (left)

knigaproavto.ru

Now on the older trucks with this issue it is 99.9% of the time an issue with the shift
Motor on the transfer case. Sometimes they just need a tap with a hammer to get to abs from 4 low. Sometimes they are just slightly out of adjustment, and other times the shift motor needs a rebuild
Before you do all that you can try to pull the 4wd fuse, wait a few, put it back try again. Basically reset the system
Sometimes the 4x4 system will start allowing the 4
Low shift after a battery disconnect, you can accomplish same thing by pulling fuse

 

[cwyman1]

I do not! I am not that familiar with the 2010 model but I am sure we can look it up!

Looks like fuse 23 for v6 trucks, fuse 26 if you have the v8
This fuse is for for the whole 4wd so it’s likely not blown since you have 4hi

Ford Explorer (2005-2010) Fuse Box Diagram

Power Distribution Box 2005-2006 2007-2010 Fuses Specifications No. A Description 1 50 Battery feed 2 (passenger compartment fuse panel) 2 50 Battery feed 3 (passenger compartment fuse panel) 3 50 Battery feed 1 (passenger compartment fuse panel) 4 30 Fuel pump, Injectors 5 30 Third row seat (left)

knigaproavto.ru

Now on the older trucks with this issue it is 99.9% of the time an issue with the shift
Motor on the transfer case. Sometimes they just need a tap with a hammer to get to abs from 4 low. Sometimes they are just slightly out of adjustment, and other times the shift motor needs a rebuild
Before you do all that you can try to pull the 4wd fuse, wait a few, put it back try again. Basically reset the system
Sometimes the 4x4 system will start allowing the 4
Low shift after a battery disconnect, you can accomplish same thing by pulling fuse

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll give it a go.

 

[Bazz270]

Low IC indicator might be an issue.check your IC indicators,then check trans harn thru the 4x4 module to the IC

 

[cwyman1]

Low IC indicator might be an issue.check your IC indicators,then check trans harn thru the 4x4 module to the IC

What is IC?

 

[410Fortune]

Instrument cluster? Just a guess

 

[Bazz270]

Yep.sorry

 

[Bazz270]

Generally

After low mode buttom pressed
Explorer gen four 4x4 module should try to engage the low mode motor ,low mode button should flash at this time.then after low mode engaged,transfer case engage click experienced and Instrument cluster "low" indicator should stay solid and 4x4 high indicator should be turned off.

Full 4x4 module pinpoint diagnostics test routine fully described by oem workshop manual.

Engage motor or other 4x4 system components replacement without proper electronic/harness diagnostics procedures are not recommended.

 

[cwyman1]

Yep.sorry

The "4X4 LOW" indicator light, lights up when first turning on the ignition. So, I know the light itself works. There is also a light on the "4X4 LOW" button and that doesn't light up at all. I've tried pressing it as well as holding it in for about 10 seconds.

I checked the fuses and also disconnected the battery for about 20 minutes and still nothing happens.

I also tried moving the adjustable foot pedals all the way forward to see if that helped because I read that in some vehicles with the pedals towards the driver it may not trigger a switch indicating my foot on the brake.

 

[Bazz270]

Try to perform 4x4 module reset and diagnostic check thru forscan or Ford IDS tool.then check the whole 4x4 related harness conductivity (using multimeter)from Instrument cluster main connector to 4x4 main connector to the button plug connector.

Button resistance check might be performed too (described too in Workshop manual)

 

[cwyman1]

Generally

After low mode buttom pressed
Explorer gen four 4x4 module should try to engage the low mode motor ,low mode button should flash at this time.then after low mode engaged,transfer case engage click experienced and Instrument cluster "low" indicator should stay solid and 4x4 high indicator should be turned off.

Full 4x4 module pinpoint diagnostics test routine fully described by oem workshop manual.

Engage motor or other 4x4 system components replacement without proper electronic/harness diagnostics procedures are not recommended.

Should I get a error code if the 4x4 low mode motor doesn't engage? The lack of the code and no light on the button makes me think it may be a bad switch on the dash??

 

[Bazz270]

unfortunately I don't remember about any engagement motor codes.

 

[tonyrover]

I have a 2010 4.0L 4x4 XLT. When I try to put it in 4x4 low nothing happens. I can switch between 4x4 auto and 4x4 high, but 4x4 low doesn't do anything.

Afternoon I have just purchased a 2010
4x4 exploer with the same problem did you solve yours or sell the truck.

I would appreciate any help.
You have been where I am at.
It sucks. Thanks Tony.

 

[410Fortune]

Low range shift vehicle must be in neutral, stopped and w foot on the brake

Not park, neutral

Try that