Help! Auto engage 4WD issue!

[sharrison]

I have just aquired a 1997 Explorer XLT 4WD last week. The truck works great... except for two related issues.

1)While driving (with 4WD switch on Auto) the "4WD" and "4WD LOW" lights on the dash flash on and off - this happens occasionally at high and low speeds.

2)The 4WD engages under normal driving conditions (this happend twice today).. while driving slow on dry pavement... and I know this is very bad for the axle and hubs!

What could be causing this? How can I fix this... should I have a dealer or transmission guy look at it ASAP? Is there any way to set 4WD OFF (not auto.. - auto/high/low are the options on this model) while I get figure out the solution (or get it fixed)?

The battery was just replace... could this have screwed up the computer settings?... or are there potentally larger problems?

I would appricate any help! Thanks.

 

[01EB5.0]

SOunds to me like a transfercase problem. I would have ford check it out if the problem continues. I have not had much experiance with this problem. ALso the 97 can nbot be put in 2WD mode. Good luck!
P.S.: Welcome to this great site!

 

[chux]

4wd engaging

Hi from down under.
If you do a search on this topic there is a lot of imformation on this site .
First thing i would look at is your speed sensors on the transfer case , i had the same problem on my 97 and it was the front speed sensor behind the electric motor on the transfer case.
I cleaned them both and that gave me a quick fix for a little wile.
seeee yaaaa

[Edited by chux on 09-10-2000 at 05:50 PM]

 

[gijoecam]

In the meantime...

In the meantime, I wonder if there's a fuse you might be able to pull or a connection you might be able to unplug that would render the 4wd inoperable to prevent the t-case from locking up. (Leaving you with 2wd only is a lot better than replacing driveline components!) I know this isn't a fix for the problem, but it might prevent damaging anything more.
-Joe-

 

[chux]

4wd engaging

Yes when you are sure your not in 4wd high just unplug your eletric motor on your transfer box , i did it to mind for about a month but you will not be able to select 4wd high or low unlesss you reconnect it .
seee yaaa

 

[sharrison]

Where is it?

How do I find the electric motor (and plug) / Transfer case / and speed sensor on my Explorer? I am somewhat technical, but less so with automobiles.

Thanks for any help you may have to offer.

 

[chux]

4wd engaging

Will look under your ford and you will see your transfer case {where the front and rear tail shafts meet in the middle of your explorer}.
The electric motor is bolted on the drivers side rear of the tranfer case between the case and just in front of fuel tank .
The plug for this motor seats ontop of the motor {black and square plug}.
To get to the front speed sensor you must remove this electric motor , easy just four bolts if i remmber right.
The rear is just under your rear tail shaft as it comes out of your transfer case,both speed sensors have three wires coming of of them {green,purple,gray} i think.
Seee Yaaa

[Edited by chux on 09-10-2000 at 08:23 PM]