Flashing 4wd lights - help!!!

[FROD]

My much-loved North-Face is doing very well in her old age, except for one thing. The curse of the occasional flashing 4WD lights has developed into a permanent problem. This is my second Explorer and the old one (sold for peanuts) never had this problem - typical! I used to be able to sort it by simply disconnecting and reconnecting the battery and it would stay sorted for months, but now the lights start flashing again after just a day or two. My local trusted mechanic has deserted me, and I don't have a clue! Neither does my local 4WD 'specialist'. Everything else about her seems fine, and I would dearly love to get the 4WD problem properly sorted, even if it costs, though I can't afford to buy expensive parts on the offchance they might do the trick. Does anyone please have any suggestions as to what I might do? Thanks for reading this. And thanks even more if you have any suggestions! Cheers, Paul.

 

[janolsson]

Sounds like the selector motor on the transfer case. Could be as simple as unplugging the lead and cleaning the contacts and replugging.
You could also try cycling the positions on the switch (leaving time to engage etc) a few times as without use the motor could have seized somewhat.
If you do a search in the transmission section there are threads on this motor. IIRC you can free it off with some long nose pliers. Also i think i remember there is a bit of plastic that breaks but again don't quote me on that

 

[fingers21]

I had the same problem, mine turned out to be the switch had gone all nasty inside. Worth a try, take the centre panel off, remove the switch (2 screws) and take it apart, it's really easy an there is no nasty surprises inside it. Give it a clean, especially the copper ring thing and put it back together. If it works, it's cost you nothing but 20 minutes of your time.

 

[JDraper]

Take a look at this link. It should help you solve your problems. http://www.explorerforum.com/Singleton/web/pages/tcase.html

 

[janolsson]

Just an additional thought. How is the wear on the tyres? even front to back as this can cause the system to throw a wobbly if they are significantly different. As little as 5% difference in rolling radius has been known to cause problems on some vehicles.
There are some interesting stickies in the transmission section on transfer cases, brown wire mod and shift motor.
Jan

 

[FROD]

Sounds like the selector motor on the transfer case. Could be as simple as unplugging the lead and cleaning the contacts and replugging.
You could also try cycling the positions on the switch (leaving time to engage etc) a few times as without use the motor could have seized somewhat.
If you do a search in the transmission section there are threads on this motor. IIRC you can free it off with some long nose pliers. Also i think i remember there is a bit of plastic that breaks but again don't quote me on that

Many thanks. I'm going to try and find some time to have a play with her in the next couple of weeks. A couple of years ago when I first I had this problem a mechanic friend of mine sorted it by pulling apart the multi-plug by the transfer case and cleaning the connections, but my local 4WD garage say they've tried this and it doesn't work. Resetting the computer by disconnecting the battery stops the lights flashing but only for a day or two. I will have a little play myself and a look at stuff on this site as you suggest - then if necessary will try another garage. Fingers crossed! I'll let you know how I get on. Thanks again. Cheers, Paul.

 

[FROD]

I had the same problem, mine turned out to be the switch had gone all nasty inside. Worth a try, take the centre panel off, remove the switch (2 screws) and take it apart, it's really easy an there is no nasty surprises inside it. Give it a clean, especially the copper ring thing and put it back together. If it works, it's cost you nothing but 20 minutes of your time.

Blimey - I hope it's that simple! I'll have a play sometime soon and will let you know. Thanks very much for the message. Cheers, Paul.

 

[FROD]

Take a look at this link. It should help you solve your problems. http://www.explorerforum.com/Singleton/web/pages/tcase.html

Many thanks for this. I really don't have much of a clue about these things but I know someone who does, so if I can't get it sorted myself I'll print all this out and see if he can make sense of it. Thanks again. Cheers, Paul.

 

[Luis696]

Did you tried to engage 4x4 once you've reset computer? I had same problem few months ago, had to reset computer quite often, then I found a thread explaining that engaging 4x4 high and low after reset will put motor in a correct position. It help me worjt a try, what I've done, I've engaged and disengaged 4x4 couple of times always making sure you can hear it is engaged, especially at LOW. Hope it will help.

 

[janolsson]

I didn't look at that link posted but i have read a couple of threads on rebuilding the selector motor, if it come to that they are in the tranny section