Flashing 4wd lights???

[Bowen]

I have 4500 miles on my 98 XLT, no real 4wd action (other than the slight use this winter). I was driving today and both the 4wd high and low lights were flashing at the same time, about five times, then again about a minute later. After work, I drove it again, and it did not happen. The local dealer said that he had never heard of it, have any of you? I am thinking faulty sensor.
Oh, and when this was flashing, the 4wd would not engage, I have not yet tried it since, did not want to get stuck in 4wd and have to drive on the dry road.

 

[greengoose]

[This message has been edited by greengoose (edited 07-14-1999).]

[This message has been edited by greengoose (edited 07-22-1999).]

 

[ClutchJr]

Bowen,

My 1997 Explorer Sport also has the same problem!

Anyone Else?

The problem I have is that I never know when it is going to start flashing, it definetly doesn't happen when I am at the dealer......

 

[NickD]

Just a question? Do guys have the new feature on your explorers that automatically engages the 4wd when it sences slickness? I know that they have that in some

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93EB

 

[Walrus]

May not be the cause of your condition but I have experienced the same thing. Research led me to others who had the same problem. Traced it to faulty/dirty sensors on the drive shafts. The sensors read the relative speed of the shafts and use that info to "decide" when to engage 4x4 on the command trac system. If the sensors fail their respective start-up test, the lights flash as you described and the 4x4 will not engage.

When mine did it, I just removed the +battery cable for about 5 minutes and re-attached. It has worked ever since without re-currence. The sensors are hall vane-effect devices like the early cdi ignition plates in the distributor. I have had a geat deal of experience with this type of device in industrial equipment. Metal dust and some types of greasy dirt will cause the same problem.