4x4 problem

[Klutch]

Hi my explorer started having trouble with its 4x4 system, and I've already looked in Maniak's sticky about 4x4 troubleshooting but it didn't list my problem. So the problem is that my explorer shifts into 4x4 by its self when im driving down the road. The light in the dash is dimly lit all the time and when I press it, it either lights up all the way or just stays dimly lit.When the 4x4 turns on I hit the brakes and it turns back off after a few seconds.Has anyone else ever had this problem and does anyone know how to fix it? I also just bought a switch and a shift motor last fall to fix my 4x4. Can anyone help me? Thanks.

 

[cculter]

where did you buy your shift motor from? It sounds like the shift motor is not lined up. (your plastic washer is probabally broken.) This is easier to explain http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123542&highlight=shift+motor+rebuild

 

[DeRocha]

Hi my explorer started having trouble with its 4x4 system, and I've already looked in Maniak's sticky about 4x4 troubleshooting but it didn't list my problem. So the problem is that my explorer shifts into 4x4 by its self when im driving down the road. The light in the dash is dimly lit all the time and when I press it, it either lights up all the way or just stays dimly lit.When the 4x4 turns on I hit the brakes and it turns back off after a few seconds.Has anyone else ever had this problem and does anyone know how to fix it? I also just bought a switch and a shift motor last fall to fix my 4x4. Can anyone help me? Thanks.

In the troubleshooting guide it indicates BOTH the button Light and the dash 4x4 light must be on to have 4x4 on (are they in your case?). When you indicate 4x4 is shifting into 4x4 itself do you hear and feel the T-case locking up? Does your 4x4 system work if you press the 4x4 button?

 

[Klutch]

yes the 4x4 system works fine when I want it in 4x4 but when i push the button normally the light goes out but it doesn't, it just becomes dim. I think I may have a broken hub too because every once in a while I hear a grinding noise like there is a rock stuck in the brakes. I can't hear the T case locking up over the noise of my tires, but I can feel it kick in. I think this weekend I'll pull apart the hubs and take a look.

 

[DeRocha]

Its fairly common on 1st Gen explorers to periodically have a dimly lit LEDs next to the 4x4 buttons. Mine tend to appear dimly lit a few times per month, more often when it gets cold out. Rest assured you vehicle is not in 4x4 unless both the dash and button lights come on. The grinding noise is another animal and can be brakes, wheel bearings, or hubs. Worn or heavily greased autohubs tend to buzz or chatter when going around corners (the hub mechanism is partially trying to engage). If you lock the hubs and the noise goes away then a good hub cleaning is in order.

 

[Klutch]

Worn or heavily greased autohubs tend to buzz or chatter when going around corners (the hub mechanism is partially trying to engage). If you lock the hubs and the noise goes away then a good hub cleaning is in order.

ok that is exactly what is going on with mine. thanks alot, I'll have to get in there and clean everything or if they are worn then I geuss I'll have to plan a trip to the junkyard. thanks again