How do u know when 4x4 module is bad?

[02XLS]

How do u know when 4x4 module is bad? Just curious 'cause I seen a few posts on it and figure that is my next repair..lololol. Also where is it located?

Thx...

 

[ToneDog]

just jumpin in for a listen

 

[pb3]

you need to search around the site a bit more. i know it's been discussed at lengths. it's located behind the glove box. think there is a sticker on it that says 4x4cm or something.

you'll know it's bad when you have a studder under hard acceleration.

 

[ghoppa]

I have an '02 XLT 4.0L, w/44K on it, bought used with 28K, that has a severe binding in the front end when making tight turns at low speed, as if the 4wd was trying to engage. So far the trans. case has been replaced, all sensors have checked out ok, & now my mech. has disconnected the 4X4 mod. and the banging in the front end has stopped. I really like this truck, as far has the room & equipment etc, but so far it has cost me big $$$ just to keep it in my own garage and not in my mechanics...no wait...it's back in his....Stay tuned....

 

[mlowney]

dose your 4lo and 4hi lights flash at the same time

 

[oldford78]

I have disconnected my 4x4 computer cause it was locked to 4wd I have never had the lights flash as asked previously, however when I plug it back in I can hear a relay inside click (I think locking it in 4wd). I am at my end with this I cant afford a 300 computer and am thinking of doing th "brown wire mod". If you have any insight on this problem let me know.
Thanks

 

[pb3]

ghoppa: i believe that to be a common complaint, however it is normal operation. the traction control believes that there is slippage and what you're noticing is the transfer case engaging when doing those tight turns as in drive thru's.

 

[ghoppa]

This is definatley ABnormal operation,this thing binds up so hard sometimes, it almost brings me to a stop just pulling into my driveway, which isn't that tight of a turn.....As far as the lights flashing,my 4H light flashes but my mech. says that is normal when the 4WD is disconnected and to put some miles on it and see what happens....so far,no binding. It's probably some 5 cent resistor on the 4WD module that burned up my first transfer case! I remember reading something about a "brown wire mod" possibly here or on another forum....??

 

[BrooklynBay]

There is a brown wire mod sticky thread in the transmission section.

 

[IAmTodd]

When our '02s went bad it was 2WD only. No lights, no functioning. Found out one day trying to quickly pull out of somewhere.

 

[mlowney]

my 4x4 problem was the shift motor. but the binding was a sized up caliper. u might want to check that before cutting in to things but thats my 2 cents.
good luck

 

[oldford78]

I know its my computer OR a sensor feeding it if I unplug it it runs great but as soon as I plug it in it clicks a relay locking it in.

 

[jwright4]

mine is bad right now...jerking/hesitation on hard accelerations......... unplugged the 4x4 module.. everything is fine now... gotta get it fixed before it snows though... $160.00 shipped on: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=214290. and it's right behind the glove box..looks easy to replace.

 

[02XLS]

I was curious and wanted to look up the cost of the part but nothing comes back to 4x4 module...what is the correct name for it???

 

[oldford78]

Maybe we should go for a groop buy on these WOW there are a lot of problems with these.

 

[jwright4]

yah, it does seem to be one of those "cure all" type issues....... when no one would suspect it and replaced transmissions etc becuase of it. lol i'm not sure what the part is called on that site because i couldn't find it either. so i emailed them with my vin and that is the price they sent back for the 4X4 Module. Hope that helps

 

[mlowney]

I think it called 4x4 control module

 

[ghoppa]

4X4 module behind the glove box was the culprit. Replaced and all is well. Well almost...now on to the left front wheel bearing. I did email Ford about the 4WD problem, and they sent me a Customer satisfaction form to fill out, asking me what I thought about their vehicles, and to list any complaints or concerns I have. I guess they trashed it when they realized I had run out of room on their form, because I haven't heard back from them yet. Not that I would expect them to reply....This Exploder is probably going to be the last Ford I ever buy.....I think its time for Toyota!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for the update.

 

[evilmike198]

my '04 xlt v6 suffers from the same ailment; abs light on intermittently, and 4wd high light on intermittently. there is occasional binding in the front end, but whenever i hear/feel the vibration or binding i'm able to pull to the side of the road and put the truck in reverse for 15ft, then back into drive and be on my way; that usually 'fixes' the binding for the short term.

i've already ordered a new rear wheel speed sensor to eliminate the abs light, and i've narrowed down the binding between the shift motor and the 4wd control module. i figure i'll start with the control module; it's the easiest and least expensive. i've read that it's located behind the glovebox. what does it look like? where exactly is it located? and how does one go about replacing it?

i would consider myself an 'advanced shadetree mechanic'. i can do most things myself. i essentially rebuilt my old mercedes e420 part-by-part, so i'm confident i can repair a ford. but if there is something too difficult, or something that requires tools i don't have i take it to my trusted independent mechanic. i dread taking it to the dealer.

i guess its worth mentioning that all of this--the abs light and 4wd light flashing and their associated problems-- occurred, literally, as my truck ticked over to 50k miles. i have video of me driving on the highway as the odometer hit 50k and then the abs light and 4wd lights come on. but ford still doesn't believe me.

thanks for the help!
mike