Control Trac

[Geoff123]

This subject has been discussed over and over again. I am just wondering why my 96 x limited would be make a funny noise when starting out in 4wd. It snowed here the other night and I was testing out my 4wd, for i have just gotten this truck and wanted to know how the 4wd worked in snow. It is fine when accelerating slowly and normally. I hit the gas hard a couple times at stop lights to see what happens. My 4wd seemed to make a loud noise, almost like it was slipping or not fully catching. Is this just a normaly control trac noise? It works fine when accelerating hard, just makes that funny noise.

let me know explorer fanatics
Geoff

 

[Robert]

The noise you heard was the transfer case diverting torque from the rear to the front since you caused the rear tires to loose traction. Your 4WD High mode is an Auto 4x4. It is in 2WD until the rear tires slip. It will make noise as the torque moves to the front, usually accompanied by a slight vibration.

 

[Geoff123]

thank you very much sir, i figured it was normal but who knows.

Geoff

 

[Xplodor]

Yeah, our 4wd system makes a bunch of wierd noises. I'll tell you that it's all normal. I'd start worrying if it stopped/didn't make all the noise.

 

[Geoff123]

Cool, I just used to drive quite a few luxury cars for a local dealership. We used to beat the crap out of them in the winter around the parking lot and I didnt experience the 4wd noises and the jerkyness of the ford 4x4. It was all new to me, and i guess i just expected it to work like those b/c those are the only other 4x4's i have ever driven. Stupid to think a ford would work as smoothly and quitely as a lexus or a mercedes.

Thanks for all your help guys
Geoff

 

[TPLYNCH]

Geoff, your GEM may need to be reflashed to eliminate the harsh engagement. I think there was a TSB for this on the '95-'96's if I remember correctly.

 

[Geoff123]

Speaking of the GEM, mine is bad, i think. My low beams dont work and from what I am hearing on here is is probably the GEM. All fuses and such are ok. Do you think the GEM would cause all of this and replacing it will get rid of it?

Thanks
Geoff

 

[Geoff123]

sorry another one,

where is the GEM exactly?

 

[TPLYNCH]

It's behind the dashboard. Not exactly sure where tho. It's $300+ to get replaced at Ford if memory serves....

 

[Adam Berger]

I think the GEM is located behind the radio.

 

[mbryda]

Originally posted by Geoff123
Stupid to think a ford would work as smoothly and quitely as a lexus or a mercedes.

An extra $10-20k will buy a lot of sound deadening insulation!