dash switch trouble (newbie)

[justin69]

what up guys newb here. Lotta good info on here that I have read so far. I just bought me a 94 XL Explorer. It has been sitting for about 5 years. I gotta a sweet deal on it. I just had to slap a new fuel pump in it and gave the guy $300 bucks and drove it home! I have tried alot of the trouble shooting that I have read on here. The only thing I havn't read or found yet is, what if I press the dash button and I don't hear the relays switch in the back. I did get the 4 blinks from the LED when I did that test but, no sound at all when I hit the switch. I pulled the switch and tried another test since I don't have a multi meter. I used a test light. When I stuck the test light in the slot that contols the 4x4 button and pushed the button, it lights up very dim. Same with the 4 wheel low button, very dim light. I don't remember which wires they were but I think 2 of the other wires were live with a very bright light. Any info will be greatly appreciated!

 

[reapereviltwin]

Are you referring to the 4x4 dash switch? What slot are you checking? Is it the harness connector behind the control button panel? Was your key switch in the "on" position. (I noticed mine must be in the "on" to supply the power to the panel)
Multimeters are pretty inexpensive, test lights are a good tool, but I am one for a multimeter and knowing what the voltage is.

 

[justin69]

yes the 4x4 dash switch. The key was on. I pulled out the panel with the 4x4 switch. don't remember which wire it was but yes, the wire harness behind the button.

 

[reapereviltwin]

I'll do some more checking on my rig for the wireing, I have a mod on my rig that I tapped into that harness so I have an idea where you are checking. If memory serves me well, I had 12vdc at a couple of wires. Still have my 4x4 engagement switch, so I can use that also. (removed when a manuel xfer installed)
Will get back to the thread as soon as I can. There are a heap of great wrenches on the forum, more info will follow.
Sweet deal on your X Justin, any pics?

 

[gmanpaint]

First off, are you in Neutral, and foot on the brake with engine running when you select low range?

Do you feel / hear the 4x4 shift motor engage when selected to low range? Can you feel your in low range when placed in drive?

The 12v system is run on grounds. There is always power running to everything. Placing a test probe on a certain tab will make a ground and will cause a dim light I believe. I have never been able to hear the relays in the back of the rig myself. But they are almost all the way to the back, and covered up by a interior panel. I am old and deaf though

If your problem is not being able to engage 4x4 low, (after following the proper engagement procedure) the shift motor my have failed or needs a cleaning and parts.

If this is not your problem I apologize for not fully understanding what your after here.

 

[justin69]

First off, are you in Neutral, and foot on the brake with engine running when you select low range?

Do you feel / hear the 4x4 shift motor engage when selected to low range? Can you feel your in low range when placed in drive?

The 12v system is run on grounds. There is always power running to everything. Placing a test probe on a certain tab will make a ground and will cause a dim light I believe. I have never been able to hear the relays in the back of the rig myself. But they are almost all the way to the back, and covered up by a interior panel. I am old and deaf though

If your problem is not being able to engage 4x4 low, (after following the proper engagement procedure) the shift motor my have failed or needs a cleaning and parts.

If this is not your problem I apologize for not fully understanding what your after here.

it's the 4 wheel drive in general. I took off the panel in the back and hit the 4x4 button with a broom stick with my ear close to the module and still heard nothing

 

[justin69]

I'll do some more checking on my rig for the wireing, I have a mod on my rig that I tapped into that harness so I have an idea where you are checking. If memory serves me well, I had 12vdc at a couple of wires. Still have my 4x4 engagement switch, so I can use that also. (removed when a manuel xfer installed)
Will get back to the thread as soon as I can. There are a heap of great wrenches on the forum, more info will follow.
Sweet deal on your X Justin, any pics?

nope no pics yet. It's white, and fully stock. interior is almost perfect! I just barley got it legal to drive today. it still had 05 stickers on it LOL!

 

[justin69]

bump

 

[Wakeboy1337]

My 4wd computer isn't working aswell. IF I unplug the two flat connectors and test it, it get the blinks and a SINGLE click. I tried a second set of buttons, nothing. I Wonder if the relays went bad, and I also wonder if you can pull the relays off and stick on new ones.

 

[justin69]

so maybe it's my copmuter that srewed up? I think I'm just gonna buy a new set of buttons and see if that will work.

 

[reapereviltwin]

Sorry for the delay in getting back on the thread, the wire that I tapped into is red with a yellow stripe, the wiring diagrams that I have don't have the 4x4 switch shown. I took the harness to the transer out, so I have no clue what the wiring colors are.
Can you check for power to the engagement motor from the switch?

 

[justin69]

well.......... screw the buttons! I much prefer a manual shifter anyway, and I'm all about doing mods. so stay tuned and pics will be up eventually. I will soon have a modded out manual shifter! OOHHHHH YYAAAAA!!