96 Explorer grinding

[JWalsh]

I test drove a 1996 Ford Explorer today that had been well taken care of. While test driving I decided to test the 4wd auto and low. When I was going to park the car after already turning off 4wd back to 2wd it sounded like the car was having trouble. I guess the car was stuck in 4wd, then at the next stop it just wouldn’t move anymore. When trying to turn off 4wd nothing would happen. And when I tried putting the car in park I heard a horrible grinding noise each time (about 3 times). Eventually I turned the car off in neutral and once turned back on it seemed back to normal. Any ideas on if there’s an issue or am I the issue. Thanks

 

[Pete Deering]

I test drove a 1996 Ford Explorer today that had been well taken care of. While test driving I decided to test the 4wd auto and low. When I was going to park the car after already turning off 4wd back to 2wd it sounded like the car was having trouble. I guess the car was stuck in 4wd, then at the next stop it just wouldn’t move anymore. When trying to turn off 4wd nothing would happen. And when I tried putting the car in park I heard a horrible grinding noise each time (about 3 times). Eventually I turned the car off in neutral and once turned back on it seemed back to normal. Any ideas on if there’s an issue or am I the issue. Thanks

It sound like you, change from 4wd low to 2wd drive without the car being in neutral and your foot on the brake. The sound is the gears meshing, the drive gears were still rotating.

 

[JWalsh]

It sound like you, change from 4wd low to 2wd drive without the car being in neutral and your foot on the brake. The sound is the gears meshing, the drive gears were still rotating.

Will this be an issue or do I just have to be more cautious when doing the change?

 

[Squirrelmaster]

Generally speaking, you need to always be in neutral when shifting into/out of 4low. This isn't necessary switching between 2wd and 4high, but failure to do so when going into 4low can result in damage to the transfer case.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

be careful & make sure foot on brae and in neutral when shifting from 2/4H to 4L.

 

[JWalsh]

be careful & make sure foot on brae and in neutral when shifting from 2/4H to 4L.

Sounds good. I’m planning on buying it, I’ll just be extra careful when using the 4wd.

 

[Pete Deering]

Sounds good. I’m planning on buying it, I’ll just be extra careful when using the 4wd.

Just read the owner manual that came with the car. There are alot of features. also get the access code for the keyless entry!

 

[JWalsh]

Just read the owner manual that came with the car. There are alot of features. also get the access code for the keyless entry!

I’ll be sure to do that! Thanks A lot for the response. Thought I might have messed up big time.