4x4 troubleshooting

[victorye3]

I have a 1993 Ford Explorer 4dr 4x4 XLT and my 4x4 wont work. It is a automatic system and I know the light on my dash is supposed to come on when I push the button, but it doesnt come on. I think I might have a fuse out but im not sure where to check. Or if i have to put it in a special gear to engage it?

 

[Ray Lobato]

Welcome to the Site.
I think you'll find just about everything you ever wanted to know about your Explorer right here.
You didn't say which gear you were going into or not , but in general to put it into 4wd you must be in neutral, foot on the brake and then push the button.
If it still doesn't work, then you might have some problems with the shift motor. It can be taken out and cleaned, then put back in. I know there is a write up on this on another board, but can't remember the site address. Maybe someone else can post it for you. You could also do a search on 4x4 problems and get it that way too. I do remember seeing it posted here not too long ago. Hop you get your problem fixed.
I see you live in Tulare, There are a few of us that wheel in Hollister and over by Shaver lake. You are more than welcome to wheel with us the next time we get together. Hope this helps.

 

[X24]

in order to put it into 4X4 HI you just need to push the button on the dash. DO NOT DO IT WHILE MOVING. it says that you can (and you can indeed) but it will only cause unnecessary wear on the hubs. in order to put it in 4X4 LO you need to be in 4X4 HI AND in neutral. if you push the button to put it into 4X4 HI and hear some clicking going on towards the back of the truck but the light doesnt come on and the rear wheels still spin when you give it gas, then it is probably a problem with the transfer case motor. if it hasn't been used in a while it is probably frozen. it is a good idea to use your 4X4 often even if you dont need to. that will keep everything in working condition. I had that problem when i had my 93. i just had someone hit the transfer case motor with a hammer (not too hard) while i kept pushing the button. then i put it in drive and hit the gas and it all unfroze. The tranfer case is pretty much directly under the drivers seat. i would say try all you can before you take it into the shop. if you take it in there they will probably tell you that you need a new transfer case motor, transfer case, hubs, u-joints the whole 9. anyway, good luck and if you have any questions just ask. there will be someone on the board that knows the answer.