93 Explorer, 4WD worked 24 hours ago, but..

[Rockanomicon]

Well, Ive got a stock (for the most part) 93 Explorer XLT.

Yesterday I turned on the 4WD (push button 4WD), on the way home from Costco. The light lit up, I could tell by the way the vehicle felt and drove, it was in 4WD. After driving it up the hill to my apartment, I turned off the 4WD because the pavement was drying out. I cant remember if I disengaged the hubs before I parked it for the night, or not.

Anyway, I was driving it to the store this morning, and it wouldnt kick over into 4WD. But it feels like the hubs might still be engaged, at least there seems to be some vibration.

Any ideas what might be wrong?

The temp. has been at or below freezing for days now, I dont know if that might make a difference.

 

[DeRocha]

Welcome to the site.. Your problem is common and theres lots of info diagnosing and fixing it. The HUBs have zero connection with the push button 4x4 system.. Pushing the 4x4 button will engage the 4x4 shift motor located on the transfer case and shift it into 4x4. This will lock the front and rear drive shafts together and send power 50/50 front and rear.. Anyway if you sit quietly in the truck and hit the 4x4 button can you hear relays clicking in the trunk area (near the windshield resevoir)? If you can the most likely cause would be a breakdown in the shift motor.. Try gently tapping the shift motor with a rubber mallet (which can jar the geared sensor into making better contact). Then try the 4x4 button again.. If this works it indicates your shift motor is on its last legs and will need to be rebuild ASAP before it goes out completely...
Luckily this part can be fix by anyone with basic skills for NO money. Take a peek at the following thread and follow the various links on rebuilding the shift motor..

Shift motor problems