Engaging 4x4 Problem

[CRHPaul]

Newbie here. Went to take a look at a 91 Explorer w/ auto locking hubs that I would like to purchase. Took it for a test drive and put it into 4wd. Everything seemed fine, the light indicated it was in 4wd and to me it seemed it was. I shut the truck off and started it again, but now the 4wd indicator light was on, the 4x4 low light was flashing and the abs indicator light was on. Pushing the 4x4 high or low buttons did nothing now, and I couldn't tell if it was in 4wd or 2wd. I asked the owner about this and he said that is has happened occasionally, but was unable to get is out of this mode while I stood there watching him play around with it. From searching in the archives it seems this 4wd flashing is common, but I never saw a clear answer of what the problem could be. Should I stay away from this truck because of this problem, or is it a common simple fix? Thanks.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. Chances are that turning off then starting in 4x4 did something goofy to the electronics. Could be easily fixed by disconecting the battery. But the fact that the ABS light stayed on makes me suspect something bigger....... Unless you are getting a really sweet deal, the owner has lots of maintenance records and he used/maintained the 4x4 system periodically, I'd shy away. JMHO