BWM Brown Wire Mod 3rd Gen

[Limited02]

does anyone have any evidence that this will increase mileage?

The only way to see a possible increase in gas milage would be to pull the front driveshaft. Doing th BWM or pulling fuses only stops the 4x4 from kicking in during wheel spin.

The only reason I haven't done the BWM is that I don't spin the tires enough to justify spending the time and money to do it and spending 10 seconds to yank a fuse is easier, cheaper and provides the same results.

 

[stsmoker]

couldnt find a simple 25amp switch at Advanced Auto...but did find a 20amp and got some 14 gauge wire. Doin the mod hopefully tomorrow. Cuttin it at the TC unless i can somehow trace it back to the engine compartment...doubt it though. Will try to get pics up if i do it tomorrow. wish me luck!

 

[stsmoker]

Got the Mod done...everythings seems fine. Checked to make sure the clutch isnt engaging by turning 4wheel hi on and cuttin it sharp...no wheel hop. But when the switch is on, everything is normal . Still have to pretty up the switch and all. But will have pictures as soon as it stops raining outside and i fix the switch up a litttle more....but right now ima go have me some fun in the rain

 

[sicx13]

I may be having TC problems too in my '02 X. I would like to diagnose the low speed turn shudder-skip by isolating the rear wheels to see if its a clutch pack/chain problem or a rear D/other problem. Would simply unhooking the harness from the TC disengage the front A4WD? Thanks guys.

Hey my moms 02 had the same skip-shudder on lowspeed turns. i unplugged the harness at the T-case and it hasnt done it since. oh and by the way its a 4.6 v8.

 

[sicx13]

damn didnt realize this thread was dead lol

 

[IZwack]

damn didnt realize this thread was dead lol

LOL !!!11!!!eleven!1!!

 

[animex2]

Another happy explorer driver with the BWM!

Up is 2WD, Down is 4WD.

 

[DangerRangerXLT]

Why do I need a switch? If I cut the wire.. then i won't have auto 4x4, but i'll have use of my HIGH and LOW options right? and to put it back into 2wd i'd just push the AUTO on the dash... right?

 

[animex2]

What if I don't want auto 4x4? If i cut that wire will it simply delete the auto 4x4 option and allow me to use 2wd?

Read the thread man!

If you cut that wire, your front axle will never spin again.

Hence, why you need to put a switch onto the wire.

When the switch is off, the signal from the PCM to the Transfer case that says "spin the front axle" never reaches the Transfer case, therefore, the front axle wont spin, therefore, RWD.

When the switch is on, none of the connections are broken, and everything will work 100% normal.

Hope that helps.

 

[DangerRangerXLT]

thanks that's what i needed to hear! So from what i've read all I really need to do is add a simple on/off switch to do this? I don't need all those relays and things like that?

 

[animex2]

thanks that's what i needed to hear! So from what i've read all I really need to do is add a simple on/off switch to do this? I don't need all those relays and things like that?

Thats all I did, yes. I believe the relay is for if you wanted an indicator light? but I could be wrong.

I just cut the wire, crimped on 2 lengths of wire onto each end of the brown wire, and wired those two wires to a simple on/off switch. On - normal operation, Off - RWD.

 

[DangerRangerXLT]

It worked! Now I'm just curious as to why a relay is used..

 

[Limited02]

You are wondering as to why there is a switched needed?

If so, that's because you are now only 2wd if you cut the wire. Having a switch means you can turn it back on when it's rainy outside or something, and when the tires slip, the 4x4 will kick in and keep you moving. Without the switch, you are just spinning around. I don't feel there is really any need to do the BWM unless you are wanting to spin the tires. That's why I will pull out the #17-18 fuses and have a little fun. There is no gain from doing the BWM in terms of MPG.

 

[steve09812]

You are wondering as to why there is a switched needed?

If so, that's because you are now only 2wd if you cut the wire. Having a switch means you can turn it back on when it's rainy outside or something, and when the tires slip, the 4x4 will kick in and keep you moving. Without the switch, you are just spinning around. I don't feel there is really any need to do the BWM unless you are wanting to spin the tires. That's why I will pull out the #17-18 fuses and have a little fun. There is no gain from doing the BWM in terms of MPG.

I could just pull a fuse instead of cutting wires ?
What fuse ? In the engine bay or under the dash , got any pics ?

 

[IZwack]

The fuse 4wd fuse is defined in your owners manual - look for the fuse box diagram.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Limited02]

I could just pull a fuse instead of cutting wires ?
What fuse ? In the engine bay or under the dash , got any pics ?

Under the hood on the drivers side, you will see a fuse panel. Open it up and remove #17-#18 fuses. Then go enjoy wearing out the rear tires

 

[steve09812]

Under the hood on the drivers side, you will see a fuse panel. Open it up and remove #17-#18 fuses. Then go enjoy wearing out the rear tires

Lol, thanks


I didnt get a manual with my preowned vehicle, hence why I asked.
Thanks

 

[Limited02]

Lol, thanks


I didnt get a manual with my preowned vehicle, hence why I asked.
Thanks

When you open the fuse panel, it has numbers on it so finding the fuses should be cakewalk.

 

[steve09812]

When you open the fuse panel, it has numbers on it so finding the fuses should be cakewalk.

K, easy enough. But do I need to do this any particular way ?

Like with the car in neutral, or off , etc....

Dont want to mess anything up

 

[Limited02]

Just have the car off, pull the fuses, restart and waste your tires