92' XL: 4WD not engaging, Winter is coming!

[ki1022]

I have a 92' Explorer XL with electronic push-button 4wd. After pushing the button, nothing happens and the 4wd will not engage.

First of all, what is the proper procedure for switching into 4wd? By the way, I have automatic locking hubs which are working ok.

How is the 4wd actually engaged by the button? An electronic actuator? A vacuum connect?

 

[ki1022]

...and this is a stock explorer, not modified. I posted in the wrong forum, sorry.

 

[IZwack]

Thread moved to Transmissions, Transfer Cases and Differentials.

Try searching and/or browsing that sub-forum -- this topic comes up maybe about once a month.

 

[coombs]

4x4 prolbem

i had a 92 about a year ago withthe same push butten in the dash it done the same thing all it was was the switch on mine check to see it it is getting power then go from there the push butten is good till you need it and it wont engage like when your out in the woods lol anyway try that

 

[JDraper]

I take it punctuation isn't your strong point........

 

[Gadget X]

The proper technique for switching to 4WD is to push the 4WD button when you are either stopped, or not moving very fast. To switch to 4LO, you need to first be in 4WD, then stop and put the transmission in neutral, then push the 4LO button. When you push the 4WD button do you hear a click coming from the left rear of your truck? That is where the control module is located behind the panel that opens to store the jack.

 

[Donner]

3 buttons

I have a 92' Explorer XL with electronic push-button 4wd. After pushing the button, nothing happens and the 4wd will not engage.

First of all, what is the proper procedure for switching into 4wd? By the way, I have automatic locking hubs which are working ok.

How is the 4wd actually engaged by the button? An electronic actuator? A vacuum connect?

Do you have 3 buttons to choose from? 4auto 4hi and 4lo?

 

[JDraper]

Do you have 3 buttons to choose from? 4auto 4hi and 4lo?

1st Gen Explorers only have 2 buttons. 4 High and 4 Lo. There is no Auto mode.

 

[Donner]

okay

1st Gen Explorers only have 2 buttons. 4 High and 4 Lo. There is no Auto mode.

So the vehicle is in 2wd until either button is depressed? How do you get out of 4wd?

 

[JDraper]

So the vehicle is in 2wd until either button is depressed? How do you get out of 4wd?

Push on...push off .

 

[Gadget X]

So the vehicle is in 2wd until either button is depressed? How do you get out of 4wd?

I can't help it... How do you depress a button?....just remind it that it will never be anything more than a button!!!
(I know, I know, it's not that funny, but it makes me laugh every time)

 

[Donner]

Got it...

Push on...push off .

So push on it automatically goes to 4hi... but you have to select 4lo if you want 4lo. But in this case, the poster is not sure if it's a button or if it's 4wd that is not functioning. The locking hubs are working, but how does that relate to if the 4wd is working or not?

Is there a solution based on the information provided?

 

[Glen4X4]

if the hubs didn't work then when the 4X4 is engaging he wouldnt have 4X4. It don't really have anything to do with whether the t-case is getting engaged or not though.

 

[Glen4X4]

there is the voltage test to see if there is power going to the switch then try try and use a hammer on the t-case and t-case shift motor to try and resolve it that way. If it is trying to engage then you would hear a clicking coming from the driverside rear at the quarter panel area.

 

[Donner]

Silly!

I can't help it... How do you depress a button?....just remind it that it will never be anything more than a button!!!
(I know, I know, it's not that funny, but it makes me laugh every time)

Aveces, el idoma mi escapa... but since you need an iron to press clothes, you need an object to depress a button. American English is fading away... You did make me laugh though, not easy to do

 

[Donner]

How can that be?

if the hubs didn't work then when the 4X4 is engaging he wouldnt have 4X4. It don't really have anything to do with whether the t-case is getting engaged or not though.

If the hubs are working fine, as stated, then the button has to be controlling them. If so, the button is fine, it would be the 4wd itself that has the issue, not the power source or button. So the hubs can't be working fine if they don't allow 4wd to engage, correct?

(I don't mean to confuse things, I'm just trying to see how this works

 

[Glen4X4]

I have never heard of the hubs now allowing the 4X4 to engage. Usually the T-case/shift motor get stuck in position because of not being used in most cases or just get worn out. This is a common issue for the 91-94 ex's

 

[Burns]

Ok lets give a little run down on how to work a transfer case for a 1st gen explorer.

1st: Press the 4wd button on the dash. Once. The light will come one by the switch and then one on the opposite side of the check engine light.

2nd: If you want to go to 4lo. Put the truck in park or N and possible press the break. Then press the button. Lights will come on again.

Do the reverse to turn it off.

If you have a prob with nothing going on you have a fuse or relay dead. You could also have a stuck transfer case shift motor.

 

[Glen4X4]

or if your truck is a 5spd you can just press the clutch for 4-low

 

[Burns]

Whoops forgot that part. Hey and i have a 5speed to ha ha lol