93 Explorer Won't Go Into 4WD

[mark relly]

Explorer 4 door w/ auto hubs, the dash 4WD light button is light up as if it is in 4 WD but it is not, the light will not go off. It will not switch into 4 WD when I hit the button, yes the light is always on. When I push the button I heard a relay in the rear of the car (a computer control on the inside wall) clicking but it does not engage, so the button must be working... It will not go into 4WD low either when I prees the low button, 4 WD low light is not on and will not go on... Yes I resat the the dask button connector, and disconnected the main car battery overnite to see if it would reset....

 

[yob_yeknom]

Has it ever been in 4wd before? If so, how long has it been since then?

Do you mean the 4wd light is always on, like on even when in 2wd?

 

[mark relly]

Was working fine upto 3 weeks ago

Light does stay on..

 

[yob_yeknom]

Okay, I'm not really familiar with the pre '95 models, but I know that '95 and later models store codes when something goes wrong with the 4wd system. If someone knows if the earlier models store codes and how to retrieve them, let us know to make this easier. I'll do a little guess work to try and figure it out for now though.

Okay, the light stays on even after resetting the computer. You put it in 2wd, disconnected the battery over night, and the light was still on when you reconnected the battery? Having it in 2wd and resetting the computer should make the light go off. It wouldn't know there was a problem until you actually tried to put it in 4wd.
Hmmm... possibly the low range indicator light is burnt out and really they should both be on, indicating a problem with the system.
Possibly something is stuck in 4wd making it think its in 4wd and keeping the light on. Have someone watch the front driveshaft while you move the truck in 2wd. It shouldn't turn. If it does, the t-case motor may have failed and be stuck in 4wd, but the hubs are not locked so you can't tell its in 4wd.

Just a couple of ideas to throw at you. The t-case motor is a common thing to fail, which is why I'm suggesting checking it first.

Let me know what you find out.

 

[gt_stang88]

I had the same problem last winter. I took it to ford and they put on a new 4 wheel drive actuator, and electric motor on t-case. Parts& labor was $386. That hurt the wallet, but it fix it.