HELP! No 4x4 Light

[fordprobegirl]

Okay, so I had a few issues last winter, but I narrowed it down to the automatic hubs. I have since switched over to manual ones. I swapped over the hubs according to the directions, and didn't see anything about having to do anything electrical. I have power at the switch (even tried another one just to be sure) but the 4x4 lights don't even come on. I tried to check the module in the back, but didn't know if the results were valid seeing as I can't get a 4x4 light. Please help, expecting a snow storm tomorrow!

 

[Michiganbear]

probably need to replace or rebuild the shift motor. if you hear clicking from the area of the module, the motor is likely the cause.

 

[fordprobegirl]

No clicking at all, no light no nothing.

 

[DeRocha]

Did you already read the 4x4 troubleshooting guide?

The relays clicking in the back are key in determining the 4x4 unit has received the input from the dash button.. It can be very difficult to hear if you have a loud vehicle.. That is why a helper comes in handy to do the listening part.

 

[mikeinri]

Your first post is a bit confusing, fordprobegirl. You "narrowed it down to the automatic hubs." Were you having the no-light problem then? If so, it's possible that you didn't need hubs.

As you mentioned, there is nothing electrical associated with the hubs. If the module, shift motor, lights, etc. are working, you should be getting power to the front drive shaft. At that point, everything becomes mechanical (u-joints, differential, axles, hubs).

Follow DeRocha's links, and you should come out of this OK. Let us know how you make out.

Mike

 

[fordprobegirl]

There is no clicking at the module at all, before the light would come on, but it would "pop" out of 4x4, because the hubs as they spun were kicking out. I narrowed that down by checking all the u joints, etc. I hadn't used my 4x4 all summer, and when I went to press the button, this year, there was no lights or clicks or anything. Since last year, I had replaced the hubs to manual, changed the radio, put in subs and an amp, and changed the egr sensor and fuel filter... I double checked all of these components to make sure I didn't affect any wiring throughout the system (just trying to think of everything) There is power at the switch, but doesn't appear to be at the module. We tried with the ignition both on and off, and cycling the switch on and off as well. The power at the switch, when clicking it, it does cycle power to it. I did read the thread, and would be very helpful if I got to the point of narrowing down the issue. Does anyone know the wiring schematics for the 4x4 system? Where the sequence goes? Does the process start at the switch, module, fuse, etc? If I do have a wiring issue it would help to know where the wires are going in order to track them down. Thanks.

 

[apentico]

Hello thank you all for your information on the explorer 4x4 problems….but incase I missed it I have to run something by you to verify. I have the no lights no 4x4 problem as well.
I bought the explorer from a grandma that has never put it in 4wd. When I crawl under and had my smoken hot wife hit the switch I get a click at the shift motor nothing else, I can still hear a relay somewhere in the truck clicking over as well…not to mention there is a ton of oil, grease and road grime all over the motor and wiring harness
Based off what I have read this would be a problem with the motor, probably being stuck and either I need to give it the thump approach or rebuild/replace the motor correct, and clean it all up.

 

[DeRocha]

... hit the switch I get a click at the shift motor nothing else, I can still hear a relay somewhere in the truck clicking over as well…Based off what I have read this would be a problem with the motor, probably being stuck and either I need to give it the thump approach or rebuild/replace the motor correct, and clean it all up.

Correct.. if your hear the relays clicking the 4x4 computer has received the button press input and "Tried" to engage 4x4 but something in the shift motor prevented it from engaging 4x4 (as you've read most often it is simple broken stop bumper).

 

[DeRocha]

fordprobegirl - What happened when you performed the 4x4 computer test? Did you hear the 4x4 relays click when the system used to work?

Has the battery been low/dead at any point? If so maybe unhooking the negative battery cable for 10min will reset all the computers in the car.

 

[rocco123]

Had the exact problem with a '91 (no lights, no engagement). Removed the transfer case motor, cleaned the switch contacts, applyed power to get the motor moving & reinstalled. No problems since. Sometimes they just get "lost" between switch positions and you have to get it moving again. Good luck.

 

[polecat]

i have the same thing wrong with mine no lite no click i do have power to the swich and the comp.

 

[rocco123]

Did you try to jumper the motor to get it moving & find it's position?