99 Explorer won't switch to 4 WD

[atilla137]

Hello. I just bought a 99 Explorer and brought her North to use as a bush truck. Drove up here with no problems. Switched into 4 WD high and then into 4WD low. Indicator light shows that I'm in 4WD low but she wont climb the hill and neither front tire spins. Please help. Anything I can hit with a hammer?

 

[crazymind]

did you look at the conetectors on the shift motor make sure its a clean connection? if thats good it could be the motor itself or you could have a short some were if the lights are showing that you are in 4wd

 

[drdoom]

Put the hammer away...

How exactly did you go about shifting into 4LOW?

 

[atilla137]

With the switch on the dash with the truck in neutral and my foot on the brake. Where is the shift motor please. I just bought the truck this week.

 

[atilla137]

I don't know if the previous owner ever used 4 WD and I just had it oil sprayed. FYI

 

[crazymind]

the motor is on the transfer case itself i cant remember were but itll be either on the drivers side or the passanger side. its got a wiring harness going to it with a black connector and at the top (were the wires go into it) there is blue if its never been messed with it

 

[atilla137]

Crazymind. I checked it and all the connections look good. When I switch into 4WD low you can hear a click and a clunk but neither front tires spin on a steep grade. My neighbour is going to have a look at it. Anyway to put it permanently into 4WD low? She will never have to touch pavement again.

 

[atilla137]

the motor is on the transfer case itself i cant remember were but itll be either on the drivers side or the passanger side. its got a wiring harness going to it with a black connector and at the top (were the wires go into it) there is blue if its never been messed with it

Better late than never?
When my neighbour checked it out he found a bent pin in one of the main connections. He straightened it out and the 4WD has worked flawlessly ever since! So I believe that the friend I bought it from had never actually had it in 4WD.

 

[Mbrooks420]

It would have had 4wd, just not low.

 

[Texas78028]

Thanks for the update...
I am having the same symptoms with a 1996 Explorer. No front drive out of the t-case. I will start with the actuator connections and verify it's getting the proper signal / voltage down there.