Help with 4WD

[Swee294349]

locked my hubs in earlier this week and went to push the 4x4 button and nothing happened. I didn't hear anything engaging and the light on my dash didn't light up. anyone ever have this problem? if so what could it possibly be? sounds to me it could be the transfer case but i wouldn't know where to start.

Please help.

thanks

 

[asp84]

This seems to a very common with GEN 1 explorers. The problem is due to dirty contacts inside the shift motor. You might want to reset your 4x4 shift module in your rear jack compartment. (if the red light is on)

If ya do a search, this is a highly discussed topic with lots of info out there concerning how to clean the contacts.
Good Luck,
Al

 

[Swee294349]

right on....thanks man.

 

[ajevenson]

Ya cleaning the contacts is self explanatory once you have the shift motor out. Here's a link to the write up I did when I did mine. It doesnt mention cleaning the contacts but it does tell you where to mark stuff.
Dead Link Removed

 

[Swee294349]

sweet... i'll try that. thanks

 

[dan*the*man]

i have a similar problem on my 95 X. i dont have to lock the hubs or anything though, all i have is a lil switch that has 2wd, 4wauto, and 4w low. when i turn the switch to 4w low, i hear something engaging, and i know the gear ratio changes cause i feel it when i hit the gas, but the front tires dont spin, the light comes on and everything, but the front tires dont spin. I need this crap working before the snow gets here! any help/suggestions/comments is appreciated.

 

[justin's_94]

the problem is the contact points like everybody has pointed out, but you do not have to take it apart. Don't laugh when I say this, but honestly hit the electronic motor with a hammer(perferably rubber mallet). This will loosen a lot of the crud in there and after 3 hits, mine engaged with no problem. I have to do this sometimes when I go a couple of months without using the 4wd.

 

[ajevenson]

I would say that's a temporary fix at best. The last thing you want is to be stuck in an area that you cant get out of in 2wd and be crawlin under you vehicle and bangin on the motor, moving the truck ahead, banging on the motor again. Pulling the motor and cleaning the netire thing up only takes 1 hour to do from start to finish for those who have never done it before and then you're guaranteed some peace of mind. I value peace of mind a lot more than $0. Especially in the middle of nowhere...

 

[Explorer_5.0]

i had a similar problem with my 92 explorer sport i had a few years ago, the 4x4 switch was bad

 

[TPLYNCH]

DantheMan - not sure if you got it fixed, but your're problem was/is probably the vacuum disconnect of the front differential. 95-96 had this. If one of the vacuum lines running to the differential pop off or get crimped, the front axle won't engauge.