Explorer AWD: 4x4 Lights not illuminating. What to check? Where to start?

[82Ryan]

Hi, I picked up a cheap 1998 Explorer AWD, 5.0L (Eddie Bauer) recently with a lot of miles. Figured it would be a fun side project to fix it up.

When I got it I wasn't sure if the 4WD was working because the lights on the dash didn't work. I've since verified that the AWD is working, so at least I know I'll be ok in the snow this winter. But I'd like to get the AUTO/4HI/4LO switch (and corresponding drive modes) working. Currently the 4x4 dash switch doesn't seem to be doing anything. The dash light doesn't illuminate when a different 4x4 mode is selected and I don't feel any difference in how it drives. I've checked the fuses, but beyond that I don't know where to look at or what to check. The switch could be bad, but I don't know how to test it properly. I could've missed a fuse since none have an obvious (to me) label for 4WD. I suppose it could be an issue with the transfer case?

Anyway, I'd appreciate some advice on what things I should be looking at. Thanks!

 

[RustyMacintosh]

MY EB is AWD and a V-8 but does not have the switch, you are in AWD all the time.

 

[drdoom]

Someone must have changed the bezel with one from a 4x4.

 

[1998Exp]

Hi, I picked up a cheap 1998 Explorer AWD, 5.0L (Eddie Bauer) recently with a lot of miles. Figured it would be a fun side project to fix it up.

When I got it I wasn't sure if the 4WD was working because the lights on the dash didn't work. I've since verified that the AWD is working, so at least I know I'll be ok in the snow this winter. But I'd like to get the AUTO/4HI/4LO switch (and corresponding drive modes) working. Currently the 4x4 dash switch doesn't seem to be doing anything. The dash light doesn't illuminate when a different 4x4 mode is selected and I don't feel any difference in how it drives. I've checked the fuses, but beyond that I don't know where to look at or what to check. The switch could be bad, but I don't know how to test it properly. I could've missed a fuse since none have an obvious (to me) label for 4WD. I suppose it could be an issue with the transfer case?

Anyway, I'd appreciate some advice on what things I should be looking at. Thanks!

Are you sure you have the 5.0L engine? The 5.0L only came with an All-Wheel-Drive transfer case. That case is all mechanical/hydraulic, and always in AWD mode. There is no control and no AUTO/4HI/4LO switch. The only switch that this vehicle might have come with is ON/OFF ROAD. It is located in the same spot on the dash that the 4WD switch occupied on the V6 models. This switch does not affect the transfer case, but only the air-charged shock absorbers (if so equipped).
So something in your story does not match up. Either it's not a 5.0L, someone replaced the transfer case with a 4WD case taken from an F150, or the switch you have is some sort of after-market replacement that doesn't do anything.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Most likely your radio bezel peeled and was replaced with one out of a 4wd.

As noted you are always in AWD. You do not have the capability of 4 high, and you don’t have low range. There’s no way to add it without swapping out the AWD transfer case for a 4406 out of an F series truck.

 

[domct203]

When you first start the truck and the instrument cluster illuminates all indicators do you see a 4H or 4L light?

 

[82Ryan]

When you first start the truck and the instrument cluster illuminates all indicators do you see a 4H or 4L light?

No, no 4x4 lights illuminate. Which I thought meant that there was an electrical problem, but apparently someone may have replaced the bezel.

Are you sure you have the 5.0L engine? The 5.0L only came with an All-Wheel-Drive transfer case. That case is all mechanical/hydraulic, and always in AWD mode. There is no control and no AUTO/4HI/4LO switch. The only switch that this vehicle might have come with is ON/OFF ROAD. It is located in the same spot on the dash that the 4WD switch occupied on the V6 models. This switch does not affect the transfer case, but only the air-charged shock absorbers (if so equipped).
So something in your story does not match up. Either it's not a 5.0L, someone replaced the transfer case with a 4WD case taken from an F150, or the switch you have is some sort of after-market replacement that doesn't do anything.

It's definitely the V8 5.0L. Everything looked stock under the hood and in the cab, so I assumed the switch or the electrics just didn't work. Guess I should remove the radio and pop off the bezel and see what's behind the switch, and confirm that it's not connected to anything. Here's a picture of it. Looks like switches from other explorers. Thanks!

 

[domct203]

No, no 4x4 lights illuminate. Which I thought meant that there was an electrical problem, but apparently someone may have replaced the bezel.



It's definitely the V8 5.0L. Everything looked stock under the hood and in the cab, so I assumed the switch or the electrics just didn't work. Guess I should remove the radio and pop off the bezel and see what's behind the switch, and confirm that it's not connected to anything. Here's a picture of it. Looks like switches from other explorers. Thanks!

View attachment 165426

You should be able to pop off the bezel without removing the radio, just go slow. If you just pop that side loose you can probably peek in with a flashlight.

Don’t be surprised if there is nothing connected to the switch.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Something connected to the switch means nothing. The 5.0s have the appropriate wiring for the 4wd switch. It actually plugs in in the exact same place, it just goes no where.

If it’s a 5.0 you just have the more common 4wd bezel.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I originally planned on getting the 4wd bezel, and using it for my plow up and down.

 

[974X4BLACKSPORT]

The bezel holds the radio, pull the radio and look behind the switch for wires, the radio is very easy to remove, I made tool out of small files to release the tabs on the radio.

 

[82Ryan]

Something connected to the switch means nothing. The 5.0s have the appropriate wiring for the 4wd switch. It actually plugs in in the exact same place, it just goes no where.

If it’s a 5.0 you just have the more common 4wd bezel.

So it came from the factory with a non-functional switch? That seems odd. The salesman would have to explain that the 4x4 dash switch does nothing. Why wouldn't it just have a blank to cover the hole on the dash instead?

 

[domct203]

I think what Mbrooks420 is trying to say is that the wiring is there regardless of AWD/4X4, and it possible that the switch is hooked up to a harness, there is just nothing on the other end.

You are correct, it would not come from the factory with a non-functional 4WD control.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Domct is correct. The V8s and 2wds had a smooth bezel, but the 4wd wiring is there, and clips onto the bezel where the switch would be if it had selectable 4wd, which no V8s ever came factory with.

 

[82Ryan]

Domct is correct. The V8s and 2wds had a smooth bezel, but the 4wd wiring is there, and clips onto the bezel where the switch would be if it had selectable 4wd, which no V8s ever came factory with.

Alrighty then, thanks! I'll stop worrying about it. Maybe I can mount another power port in that spot. That would be handy.

 

[8TZX]

Ebay has multiple bezels

2wd Ranger Explorer 2x4 Radio Heater Switch Vents Dash Bezel Trim Power Outlet | eBay:

$ 35.00

99 5.0L AWD
249K Miles
Original Owner

 

[Mbrooks420]

That’s not a bad idea. The second powerport is a little out of the way

 

[drdoom]

No, no 4x4 lights illuminate. Which I thought meant that there was an electrical problem, but apparently someone may have replaced the bezel.

In your photo, that is a bezel from a V6 ControlTrac.



It's definitely the V8 5.0L. Everything looked stock under the hood and in the cab, so I assumed the switch or the electrics just didn't work. Guess I should remove the radio and pop off the bezel and see what's behind the switch, and confirm that it's not connected to anything. Here's a picture of it. Looks like switches from other explorers. Thanks!

View attachment 165426