4X4 won't shift when cold

[billton]

Hello All,

I have a '91 Explorer Sport that won't shift into 4 wheel drive when the temperature is very cold outside (say, freezing or below). It seems to shift just fine during warmer weather though. Normally, when I push the 4X4 High or Low buttons, I can hear a series of clicking, hear it engage (clunk), then the indicator light comes on. When it's very cold outside, this doesn't happen. Also, there have been times when the indicator light would come on, but actually it was not in 4 wheel drive.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[TPLYNCH]

your shift motor is probably freezing up. May be water in there? anyway, see attached for how to remove/clean the shift motor.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123542&highlight=shift+motor