? about 4wd system

[wizaugh]

I'm looking into possibly buying an 01 Explorer. I just took it for a spin and I think there's something wrong with the 4wd system. Going into 4l or 4h, it takes about 10-15 seconds to engage. Going back to Drive from either of those positions takes about 30 seconds. The dealer swears there's nothing wrong with it, but I'm kind of weary. Any input?
Thanks!

 

[gijoecam]

Assuming it's a 4-door, the 4high engagement should be nearly instantaneous. Going from 4high to 4low, you must be stopped, in neutral, with your foot on the brakes, then flip the switch to 4low, and the shift should take only a couple of seconds topps. If it's taking longer for either, I'd steer clear unless you want to futz with it (or unless it's a killer deal!!)

-Joe

 

[wizaugh]

Switching into 4h/4l, I hear a click coming from the dash, then a few seconds later I can hear it engage. Disengaging is the part that's scaring me. Kind of makes me wonder if something is on it's way out. Are there any common issues with these?

It's an 01 Explorer Sport with 100k, all options, dealer is asking 5900, KBB private party value is 7050, so it's a decent deal and exactly the amount I'm looking to spend.

 

[gijoecam]

OK, being a 2-door, that's a different story... The 2-door for the '01 model year has a more conventiona 2wd, 4high, 4low setup. It *can* take a few extra seconds to engage 4high if, for some reason, the lockup collar doesn;t want to mesh with the gears it engages. It happens once in a great while if you're stopped, but rolling slightly often eases the lockup.

Disengagement can be an issue if there's any driveline bind-up. The extra pressure sometimes cannot be overcome by the shift motor. driving straight ahead when trying to make the shift into or out of 4wd will generally help. It should nto be necessary to back up, unless one tire is low on air, or severely out of size. (Those issues can cause bind-up in 4wd)

I'd check on the 4low engagement and disengagement. Like I said before, into and out of 4low means, STOPPED in NEUTRAL with your foot on the BRAKES, then flip the switch. From 2wd to 4high, you can shift on the fly, and when driving straight ahead, it should take no more than a few seconds.

-Joe

 

[xdviper]

Alright I have a question also. I shifted into 4WD Low no problem just 10min ago. I heard it engage gears but when I took it of and put it into High, It stayed on Low for a minute or two then I put it back on Low and then Switch back to High and then high came back on, I did this all on N with brakes. But the problem is, after putting on Auto, and back to D, I heard this thud or a loud sound coming from the engine. I can't exactly describe the sound, but the car preformed the way it always did after I drove it. I drove it up to 40MPH and then the car sounded normal. Is there something I should be worried about? Can the weather effect it? Weather was almost 104*F here.