98 xlt stuck in 4x4

[kippa]

My explorer is stuck in 4x4. The light isnt on but on any hard surface i cant turn hard or it will clunk and crab walk. I have heard it could be the actuator unit on the side of the transfer? I may be wrong. Also when on ice/snow it will clunk hard while excelerating almost like something is slipping! any info would be great!

 

[kippa]

anyone?

 

[Boomer12]

Your 98 should always be in 4wd in one form or another, auto (4x4), 4x4 high, or 4x4 low...

So what position is your switch in???

 

[gijoecam]

With the switch set to 4auto, if it's binding as though it's in 4high, we need to first determine if it's a mechanical problem or an electrical gremlin.

Crawl underneath it and unplug the large connector to the transfer case. This will cause the 4wd lights to blink. Don't worry about that. Take it for a drive. If the problem goes away, we have an electrical gremlin to find. If the problem persists, we have a mechanical problem with the transfer case.

Simple enough? Check it out and let us know what you find!

-Joe

 

[kippa]

I will try that! i put a new 4x4 actuator on my transfer that wasnt it. checked all my fuses nothing! Still binds up and crab walks! scanned for codes Nothing. dissconnect battery to reset ecu. this is really ticking me off!

 

[gijoecam]

We could've told you it wasn't the shift motor... The shift motor has nothing to do with transfer case lockup on a second-gen Explorer.

There are two groups of problems that can cause it: Mechanical and electrical. Unplugging the t-case from the electronic controls makes a clean-cut between the two halves of the system. If the problem persists while the control system is disconnected, it must be a mechanical issue. If unplugging it makes the problem disappear, the control system is actuating the t-case for some reason. In either case, it'll merit some further investigation.

-Joe

 

[kippa]

yea i know got it all installed to:thumbdwn: Well its still stuck in 4x4 when i turn the switch from 4 auto to 4 high the light comes on but when i turn it to 4 low it doesent. also when the key is on should i have power going to that transfer case modual i replaced? thanks guys!

 

[IZwack]

Thread merged, cleaned up.
Thanks gijoecam! I didnt even know there was another thread.

kippa -- please dont double post.

 

[kippa]

sorry just trying to figure this thing out so i dont have to pay to get it worked on. I appreciate all of your help!

 

[gijoecam]

Thread merged, cleaned up.
Thanks gijoecam! I didnt even know there was another thread.

kippa -- please dont double post.

I didn't realize it either until an hour ago. THanks!

 

[kippa]

well its not in 4x4 anymore. i changed that modual on my transfer case. changed my transfer fluid. jacked it up off all 4 wheels put it in neutral and it goes into 4 high and 4 low now. i can hear it click into 4 low sometimes sounds verry loud going in and out but its all working now so far also what do you guys think the clunking would be on exceleration kinda slipping but clunks loud too?