Solved Flashing 4WD light - 6 times

[memhorn]

I have searched -- really -- but cannot find a post that addresses what a flashing 4 wd high and low light means WHEN it flashes SIX times every two minutes. I am busy with work now and cannot get it looked at, so hope it is OK to keep driving. Mine is a 98 SOHC 4wd with 3.73 and limited slip, I am pretty sure.

Thanks for any info, and I apologize if I did not find an existing post directly on point.

Michael
Austin, Texas

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Yeah, this is talked about a lot on this forum. It's a code that stands for a sensor issue. Most people fix it by replacing the speed sensor in the rear differential.

-Drew

EDIT: This is the sport trac section - moved to stock 95-01

 

[ARTURPOLAND]

I had the same problem

I had the same problem. Please, check big fuses in the engine compartment. In my case one of them was blown. unfortunately i don't remember which one.

archie

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

i had the same problem try reseting the computer.....via pulling the neg. battery terminal for 20 min before you rplace anything.

 

[memhorn]

Thanks for all the input. I had found one post saying that replacing fuse No. 26 (a 10A fuse) fixed the problem. Another post suggested replacing the speed sensor, and several posts mentioned unhooking the battery, though later posters think this is only a temporary fix.

I will mention all these possibilities when I take it in to a shop, but right now I don't have time. Sounds like it won't hurt anything to keep driving till I have time.

Again, thanks.

 

[dwalin]

I will mention all these possibilities when I take it in to a shop, but right now I don't have time. Sounds like it won't hurt anything to keep driving till I have time.

afaik it means faulty transfer case integral shift position sensor. unplugging the battery will do you no good because flashing 4wd lamps do not indicate any error code that is stored in computer -- they just give you a hint that transfer case is not working as it should. you can try to debug it in more detail: when driving in 2wd on slippery surface, stop completely and turn on 4wd auto. the 4wd lamp should turn on and stay on. then go and feel that transfer case is turned on and you have your front wheels powered -- feels like slight vibration on gas pedal and steering wheel. then go to solid surface like a pavement and after that -- voila, you have 4wd/4wd low lamps flashing. it means, computer tried to turn off front driveshaft but was unable to determine its position and fired an exception. at least, so does mine. i also have this problem and plan to replace t/c shift motor/sensor assembly somewhen before next winter. until that time, i don't think i'll ever need 4wd mode so it is perfectly safe to delay this replacement.