4x4 not working

[Tiwtin]

So I just traded my old truck for a 91 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer. I took it up to the mountain today which had some fresh now around. The guy that traded the truck to me said that the 4x4 worked perfectly (and thats the main reason I traded for it) but he was sadly mistaken. I had slid off the road (luckily some guy in a Jeep and a Blazer pulled me out) and when we were trying to turn around, the front tires wouldn't spin. The rear ones were though and the button for 4x4 was on. I even tried with 4x4 Low on but it still didnt work.

What should I check to see what is broken? And how much would it cost to get fixed?

 

[ranger-93]

I assume its push button 4x4 correct? Are the dash lights for 4hi and 4lo both working? If its manual transfer case skip this. Can you hear the electric shift motor working and engaging the transfer case? If all the above checks out I'd start looking towards the front hubs, especially if their auto hubs. Auto hubs have tendecy to break sometimes. Also people assume to fill the auto hubs with grease which is opposite of what should be done. There's a few threads on auto hubs here I know of and probably more I haven't seen. Check the basic stuff above than start going in depth.

 

[Tiwtin]

The lights turn on but no sounds. It is an automatic and push button.

 

[ranger-93]

push button means electric transfer case.

idk about 4hi but i do know that when putting it into 4lo the transmission HAS to be in neutral and not moving. you're doing this correct?

easiest way to verify the shift motor is working is to get under the truck and have someone else put the truck in 4x4 and you should hear the motor enage the transfer case.

if this all checks out ok than start looking into the hubs, i assume they are automatic hubs correct?

 

[Tiwtin]

They are probably automatic hubs. I checked the ESCM and it is working correctly. I turned off all sounds in the truck and put it into 4x4, the ESCM clicked, and the light turned on but no sounds. I put it in neutral and shifted into 4x4L, the ESCM clicked, and the light turned on and I heard a clunk. When I turned off 4x4L the same sound happened. How do I look at the hubs?

 

[Reejerey]

If they don't have a turnable dial on the face of the hub they are automatic. Also they will say automatic 4x4 on the face if they are automatic. If they are manual hubs, you have to get out and turn the dial on the end to get the to lock in.

My guess would be that if they are manual hubs you didn't lock them in when you got stuck, especially since you aren't positive what style you have.

The auto hubs are crap, they tend to break/not engage. you can try removing the tires, cleaning them with brake clean then soaking them in atf overnight and reinstalling them, all while inspecting for damage/excessive wear, or you can replace them with manual hubs.

Summit racing has Mile Marker manual hubs (IMO on par with warn, but I'll let you know when I get mine) on sale for 84.50 plus shipping, linked here. They claim these are stainless steel bodies with aluminum dials. They're lifetime guaranteed just like the Warn manual hubs are, and at that price they're a steal compared to the 150-200 bucks you'll pay for anywhere else for any set of manual hubs or the 300+ per side you'll pay from the dealer for the automatic hub assemblies. Even used auto hub assemblies are going for 50+ each at the junk yards in my area, and are getting harder and harder to come by.


there's a very detailed thread about our hubs located here

 

[Iron Weasel]

They are probably automatic hubs. I checked the ESCM and it is working correctly. I turned off all sounds in the truck and put it into 4x4, the ESCM clicked, and the light turned on but no sounds. I put it in neutral and shifted into 4x4L, the ESCM clicked, and the light turned on and I heard a clunk. When I turned off 4x4L the same sound happened. How do I look at the hubs?

Typically the LED next to the button and the light on the dash won't come on unless the shift motor engages correctly.

An easy way to check and see if the transfer case is engaging is to put the transfer case into 4WD and place the transmission in a forward gear (with the engine off, of course) and then reach underneath and grab the front drive shaft and try to rotate it. If the transfer case is engaged, you shouldn't be able to rotate the shaft very much, but there will be a little bit of play. If you're able to make several revolutions with the shaft, then it's definitely not engaging. To check the front hubs, take the transfer case out of 4WD and put the transmission in Park (auto) or neutral (manual). Once again, get underneath and rotate the front drive shaft. This will simulate 4WD being engaged and if the hubs are working, after one or two revolutions of the shaft, if the hubs are working then they should lock and you won't be able to turn the shaft.

 

[Tiwtin]

The hubs on the front tires say 4x4 Automatic so I am assuming that they are automatic hubs. The LED next to the button and on the dash do turn on when I turn it on. I just don't know how to grab the driveshaft just by reaching under...

 

[little x]

Doesn't sound like your problem. He sold you a truck and stated the 4x4 worked. It doesn't. Take it back and tell him to fix it and give you a loaner car while he is fixing it.

 

[Tiwtin]

Doesn't sound like your problem. He sold you a truck and stated the 4x4 worked. It doesn't. Take it back and tell him to fix it and give you a loaner car while he is fixing it.

Problem is he is an unemployed person. The reason I traded him my truck is because he was going into a painting business with his son.

It's not like 4x4 is THAT important to me.

The radiator has a leak in it too, but I am getting a new radiator for christmas and my friend is helping me put that in. If I get the money I will just fix 4x4 at that time haha!

 

[Tiwtin]

And, it turns out, he won't return my phone calls. I even called him on my friend's phone and he wouldn't answer...

 

[huntman58]

4x4 is never important to any one tell they need it and owning a FORD I would hate to be pulled out by a Chevy, Dodge or Jeep. As my pride runs deep and if it’s avoidable then avoid it I say.

So with that clean your hubs and then fill them with ATF and let them soak then dump it out so there is a light coating on them and try it then. If still not working he may have done you a favor as it would be a good time to go manuals that way even in reveres they will be locked in and only locked when you want them to be.

One of the biggest reasons auto do not work is they get gummed up with grease and junk and become stuck then when forced they break or the plastic washer breaks. But cleaning them and looking at the washing will not cost much and may even give ya back 4x4.

 

[Tiwtin]

Yea, Ill check them out this next weekend when I work on the radiator with my friend. Should be able to clean them out.

 

[ranger-93]

If they don't have a turnable dial on the face of the hub they are automatic. Also they will say automatic 4x4 on the face if they are automatic. If they are manual hubs, you have to get out and turn the dial on the end to get the to lock in.

My guess would be that if they are manual hubs you didn't lock them in when you got stuck, especially since you aren't positive what style you have.

The auto hubs are crap, they tend to break/not engage. you can try removing the tires, cleaning them with brake clean then soaking them in atf overnight and reinstalling them, all while inspecting for damage/excessive wear, or you can replace them with manual hubs.

Summit racing has Mile Marker manual hubs (IMO on par with warn, but I'll let you know when I get mine) on sale for 84.50 plus shipping, linked here. They claim these are stainless steel bodies with aluminum dials. They're lifetime guaranteed just like the Warn manual hubs are, and at that price they're a steal compared to the 150-200 bucks you'll pay for anywhere else for any set of manual hubs or the 300+ per side you'll pay from the dealer for the automatic hub assemblies. Even used auto hub assemblies are going for 50+ each at the junk yards in my area, and are getting harder and harder to come by.


there's a very detailed thread about our hubs located here

i just recently (few days ago) went to summit and picked up the milemarkers for 84.50. for some reason they just feel heavy enought to be all stainless steel maybe im wrong??

 

[little x]

Problem is he is an unemployed person. The reason I traded him my truck is because he was going into a painting business with his son.

It's not like 4x4 is THAT important to me.

The radiator has a leak in it too, but I am getting a new radiator for christmas and my friend is helping me put that in. If I get the money I will just fix 4x4 at that time haha!

Ahh, I thought you traded at a used car dealership, didn't realize it was 1 on 1.

 

[surf]

When you may want to confirm the shift motor is working correctly before focusing on the hubs. There is a sticky that explains how a plastic bushing breaks inside the shift motor which causes the malfunction. It is a quick and cheap fix.

 

[Bani]

[How do you start a new thread. I know I have done it in the past. Anyhow:]

A question on 4 x 4WD. I have 2005 Explorer XLT

What is 4 x4 Automatic?
What is the difference between it and 4 x 4 High.
Does anyone use 4 X 4 Automatic?
The manual does nor tell much about 4 x4 Automatic

Another question on the rear mirrors on driver and passenger side – are they foldable?

Thanks!

 

[DeRocha]

[How do you start a new thread. I know I have done it in the past. Anyhow:]

A question on 4 x 4WD. I have 2005 Explorer XLT

What is 4 x4 Automatic?
What is the difference between it and 4 x 4 High.
Does anyone use 4 X 4 Automatic?
The manual does nor tell much about 4 x4 Automatic

Another question on the rear mirrors on driver and passenger side – are they foldable?

Thanks!

You are posting questions concerning a 2005 explorer in a forum dedicated to 91-94 explorers.. You should ask your questions in the appropriate forum so that it can be seen by the correct audience..

 

[DeRocha]

Yea, Ill check them out this next weekend when I work on the radiator with my friend. Should be able to clean them out.

After reading through all the posts it is clear your electronic 4x4 system is working correctly and that your auto hubs are likely blown. Cleaning and degreasing the hubs may get them working again, but autohubs are notorious for crapping out and often at the worst possible time.

Manual hubs are nice because they have no delicate internal components to break leaving you in 2H.. They are either locked or unlocked..

Take a peek at the following threads which contain some useful info..
4x4 Troubleshooting guide
Cleaning automatic hubs

 

[bullrush]

I would just replace the auto hubs with warn manual locking hubs, mine have never let me down, heard a lot of guys that have had their auto hubs blow, if it's not the shift motor (your truck is engaging 4x4) I would replace them with manuals, maybe even just replace them anyway? It's going to happen sooner or later. I'm pretty sure the warn hubs have a lifetime guarantee too!!! just my 2c peace