Before I go tearing stuff up.....

[dummy]

Can someone tell me (or point me to a writeup) on where the 4wd control module is? I hear it clicking on the passenger side - so I assume kick panel down there somewhere....but it's COLD here and I'm looking for someone to tell me exactly where it is so I don't go tearing into things with no plan

I need to get the number off of it (2001 sport) so I can get a new one.....

Thanks guys.

 

[99SportX]

The 4wd shifting is controlled by the GEM. It is located behind the radio on the drivers side of the opening. The only thing in the passenger kick panel area is some wiring and the airbag module.

How do you know you need a new one?

 

[dummy]

hmmm - interesting.

I had a dealership check into it (they replaced a hub and shortly thereafter my 4wd stopped working) and they told me that it was bad.

Long and short of it is - my 4wd clicks a bunch prior to kicking in. That happened for a day or two, then it would take about 15 minutes of driving before it would kick in. Now, (2 days later) it won't kick in at all (no clicking when I turn the knob).

So, do I need to remove the radio to get it out? Thanks for your help

 

[MATTS02]

Did they check the t-case shift motor? Those things are notorious for getting all junked up inside and not working. Put it in 4 wheel drive, crawl under it and GENTLY tap on it a few times, see if that helps. It's easy to take one out, take it apart and clean it. Worked for me.

 

[99SportX]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=208678

Should be the same on your 2002 Sport.

I still have doubts as to whether it is the GEM or not. I would definitely go for the shift motor first.

I kind of find it funny how many threads pop up regarding 4wd and AWD once a big snow storm hits. When the shift motors don't get used for long periods of time it is more likely that it will fail or just get stuck. Evey once in a while it is a good idea to shift it through all modes. I shift mine into low every once in a while in the summer and just drive forward in a straight line in the driveway for a short distance and then shift it back. It just keeps things moving.

 

[dummy]

GREAT link - Thanks!

According to the symptoms I posted here (and what the dealer told me) it sounds as if this is pretty much the problem. Other things have been "intermittent" as well - which I can now point to the GEM. The radio acting funny until the car is warm, the rear wiper not working until the car is warm....include this and I'd be surprised if it's anything but the GEM

Or, if you disagree please let me know. This has been a huge help, thanks again guys.

 

[99SportX]

The fact that you have other symptoms sounds like GEM would be the culprit. Go for it!

edit: In that thread, the GEM wasn't the problem for one dude. He just had to clean the contacts on the fuses under the hood and everything began to work.

 

[dummy]

Yeah, I saw that too - I'm going to clean the contacts and see what happens. I've already checked the fuses and they are not the problem....

But, I noticed that there was no dialectric grease on the contacts so it very well could be corroded (or the contact just dirty enough to cause a problem). I'll post back with my resolution when I get there!

 

[dummy]

An update to this - the module IS behind the passenger kick panel and NOT The radio on the 2001 Explorer Sport 4x4 (or at least it was in my truck).

This was so easy to change - thanks to Smokin' Joe for the good lookout, I got the newer model replacement for this at a big discount (here is the item I bought - GREAT seller and very helpful - will run your VIN and verify that you are ordering the correct part - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...0415748379&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWNX:IT) and install was a snap. I popped off the finisher piece that covers the carpet (snaps), then popped off the kick panel with one snap attached and removed 2 bolts. Installed the new one and it was done - 4x4 again!

Hope this helps others who have this issue, I will try and shoot a couple pictures if I have time and update with them for reference....though they aren't really needed!

 

[gijoecam]

A little late to the party... Holidays...

Indeed, as you discovered, for '01, they went back to a *conventional* t-case function on the SPORTs and SportTracs controlled by a separate module. The 4-doors retained the on-demand system controlled by the GEM.