Bad News!!

[Fhantazm]

It seems I wasnt as lucky as I thought socring this Navajo. Come to find out the 4X4 button does nothing. No light, NADA. Im kinda pissed. I have done a search and turned up a couple of posts here and there related, but nothing exact. Has anyone else had this problem? And what are some troubleshooting steps I can take?? Thanks in advance for your input!!
-Alex

 

[tbomb]

does it make any noises at all? my old 91 sport used to make a helluva lot of racket when id hit the button, and sometimes id have to hit it a bunch of time before it would light up and 4x4 would engage. i think there was some kind of transfer case issue, or something. sorry, but i dont know much about how the 4wd system engages.

 

[88vert]

You might want to check the shift motor on the transfer case.You might want to check behind the dash and make sure the switch is plugged in

 

[Fhantazm]

No,
It makes no noise at all. Nothing. Just a dissappointing silence.


And this weekend, sometime, IM going to check the switch itself, and fuses/solenoids/relays. I will probably pick up a Chiltons manual, but im not sure how much help it can be. If anyone has any info on which fuse/solenoid/relay to check, Id be graciously appreciative, and would even consider danciong at your wedding.

 

[JDraper]

That's actually been a fairly common problem. Check out Dead Link Removed . It has plenty of info on what to look for and how to fix it.

 

[Fhantazm]

Originally posted by JDraper
That's actually been a fairly common problem. Check out Dead Link Removed . It has plenty of info on what to look for and how to fix it.

Just printed it out. Thanks for the link!

 

[Fhantazm]

Actually,
On the way home, while driving a 2wd Explorer in a snow shower mind you, i decided to listen for any clicks when the button was pressed. Low and behold when i pressed it, I heard a click, and then another click. So it must be the actuator. I will follow the instructions in that guide, as soon as it dries up here. Thanks again!

 

[TPLYNCH]

Welcome to the club! Nice truck. Here are some tips to keep it running it's best......

1) Can't quite tell if the hubs are manual, but if they are not, I'd suggest changing to manuals, especially if you plan to do any offroading.

2) Read thru the info at the following site, and bookmark it. It is a great asset, especially for first gen owners. Dead Link Removed

3) Noticed you have a manual tranny. Make sure the rubber plugs on the top of the tranny have been replaced with metal caps. You'll read why (and how to do if needed) at the above site!

Good luck and happy driving!

Sorry, I should have included that in the list of things I told you to check on your first thread..... If you are getting the click from the rear of the Ex, then the chances are it is a shift motor problem. All the info on how to fix is on the site I reference (it's the same one that Jeff gave you also).

 

[410Fortune]

Are you kidding? that is a blessing in disquise!
When my buddy bought his 93 Ex EB 4x4 we got $2500 knocked off the price because the touch drive 4x4 didnt work, spent half an hour rebuilding the shift motor (my 5th one I have rebuilt) and BLAMO! saved $2500 for nothing!!! hahaha stupid dealer.........

rebuild thread with pics here.......

www.therangerstation.com

 

[FordZilla]

Hey at the price you paid you could rebuild the thing comepletely and still be way ahead of the game. You did good and I bet it is a pretty easy fix to get you back wheelin'.

 

[Fhantazm]

Cool,
Thanks for the uplifting guys! I was a little pissed, but im over it, now that I know its pretty easily fixed.

 

[Fhantazm]

For those that care heres the scoop.
The motor was burnt up. No cleaning, etc could fix this bad boy. It had to be replaced to the tune of $275.00. That was the cheapest instock price I could find. Fords silly a$$ wanted $350!! Well 4x4 works again, and im a little broker, but content, nonetheless. We have more bad weather forecasted for this weekend.

On a side note, I had a rather embarrasing experience. 4Lo did not work. I called my mechanic to inform him of this, fully expecting him to say "bring it in". Well after a quick 30seconds i was in the truck trying his suggestion. As it turns out, my Explorer noobishness reared its ugly head. I wasnt pressing the clutch in when engaging 4lo. Doh!!

 

[410Fortune]

yOU ARE THE FIRST PERSON TO HAVE A NON REBUILDABLE SHIFT MOTOR THAT I KNOW OF.........

OOps sorry for the caps.......
In the future you may find one in the junk yards, usually the first thing to go off an Explorer (gone faster then a working tranny!) but if you look hard enough you an still find them once in a while....I keep a trail spare.........

Glad it was a simple fix, now if you have auto hubs you might think about getting rid of those too............

 

[Fhantazm]

Yah, I have pretty much decided to put the manual hubs on. Im sure they will hold up a lot longer. Plus the auto hubs have GOT to be showing some age. Whats a decent set of manual hubs cost? I guessing around 50=60 each.

 

[410Fortune]

warn manuals are about $80 a pair
Also you will need the manual hub soindle nuts.
These can get pricey new, you can buy them from a junk yard for much cheaper. Any straight axle D44, TTB Dana 44 or TTB Dana 35 spindle nuts will work (all the same).
You need one inner, one lock washer, and one outer for each side........

You throw all the auto hub junk away..........

 

[94WhiteEB]

I bought the whole auto hub (sorry, learned the were inferior to the manuel ones too late) assemby from someone off ebay. I have a 94 and they are for a 93, will I be able to jack my car up and stick it in there myself or do I need to take it to a shop? I have no mechanic experience but I have changed a tire once.

 

[TPLYNCH]

You should be able to do it yourself. Do the reverse of what you do taking them off. The instructions to remove them can be found at the singleton maintenance site or on the FAQ's section of this site.

 

[94WhiteEB]

Alright, I will, thank you.