Does anybody know what this means?...

[interlude]

Sometimes when I am driving, the 4x4 lights and the 4x4 low lights inside the console flashes.

It only happens sometimes. Is it bad? should I be worried?

 

[zukman]

sounds like a short in the wiring

 

[gijoecam]

It simply means that the system has detected a fault, stored the code, and disabled the 4 wheel drive. Nothing to be alarmed about.

 

[Cobraguy]

...unless you need 4WD!

 

[interlude]

i do need it! Since I live in cold ass Canada I definitely need my 4x4!!

I have seen those OBDII readers hooking up to computers to run diagnostics, I have been thinking about getting one. Is there one you guys would recommend?

Do the 1997 explorers have an OBDII?

If I get one it would be perfect since this is my winter/camping/snowboarding vehicle, and I would be able to use it on my m3 as well.

 

[gijoecam]

A 97 Explorer will be an OBD-II vehicle. Unfortunately, the 4wd problem is not an OBD-monitored device. Trouble codes for the 4wd system are stored in the GEM, and scanning them reauires an NGS or WDS scanner (or equivalent). The cheapest one I've seen was an AutoTap scan system for a laptop, and it was $700. (last I heard they were no longer being sold)

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...

 

[interlude]

A 97 Explorer will be an OBD-II vehicle. Unfortunately, the 4wd problem is not an OBD-monitored device. Trouble codes for the 4wd system are stored in the GEM, and scanning them reauires an NGS or WDS scanner (or equivalent). The cheapest one I've seen was an AutoTap scan system for a laptop, and it was $700. (last I heard they were no longer being sold)

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...

damnit.. then I ill have to look for a local shop that has one to scan it. Should i be looking at a specialty 4x4 shop? or will an average mechanic shop have the scanner you mentioned?

 

[gijoecam]

damnit.. then I ill have to look for a local shop that has one to scan it. Should i be looking at a specialty 4x4 shop? or will an average mechanic shop have the scanner you mentioned?

Search the forums here... You'll see that the rear axle speed sensor solves the problem 9/10 of the time...

The other 10%, you're on your own!

 

[interlude]

Search the forums here... You'll see that the rear axle speed sensor solves the problem 9/10 of the time...

The other 10%, you're on your own!

awesome thanks again