How to troubleshoot '02 4x4 not engaging?

[joseph1]

I have seen several posts where the problem was the module? Is there any way I can troubleshoot the module other than replacing it to see if problem fixed? Saw post for 90's explorer where the module had a self-test button and light. Dealer wants $60 to diagnose.

My '02 with 80k miles would not engage a couple of wks ago. Worked ok last time used-probably 2-3 yrs ago. Does not work in Auto, Lo or Hi. Cannot hear a click behind glove box where module is supposedly located. When starting engine, the 4x4 Lo lite comes on briefly then goes off. Hi light does not come on. No light goes on when pushing the selector buttons.

Did have to jump start and replace the battery a month before this. Also, have noticed a slight vibration when taking off from a stop while turning the wheels. Intermittently does this briefly forward and reverse, but not every time. Saw one post that seemed to indicate a similar condition was caused by 4 wheel drive or traction control attempting to engage? Possibly related or something else?

 

[Prof. Wernstrom]

Welcome to the forums, if im not mistaken a dead control module on 02's is extremely common thing, so you probably will be better off just getting a new one.

It is located behind your glove box *I think Im sure someone else here will give you a full out walk through soon* you can go to directfordparts.com and find them for a little over 100 dollars compared to the 400 a dealer will try to charge you

Just un screw your glove box and it should be right there.

 

[Curtis]

Yip directfordparts.com is the cheapest place around for the module.
Give them your VIN and they'll get you the module you need.

I have seen several posts where the problem was the module? Is there any way I can troubleshoot the module other than replacing it to see if problem fixed? Saw post for 90's explorer where the module had a self-test button and light. Dealer wants $60 to diagnose.

My '02 with 80k miles would not engage a couple of wks ago. Worked ok last time used-probably 2-3 yrs ago. Does not work in Auto, Lo or Hi. Cannot hear a click behind glove box where module is supposedly located. When starting engine, the 4x4 Lo lite comes on briefly then goes off. Hi light does not come on. No light goes on when pushing the selector buttons.

Very similar symptoms as my Dads 02.
A new module made everything work.

Did have to jump start and replace the battery a month before this. Also, have noticed a slight vibration when taking off from a stop while turning the wheels. Intermittently does this briefly forward and reverse, but not every time. Saw one post that seemed to indicate a similar condition was caused by 4 wheel drive or traction control attempting to engage? Possibly related or something else?

Id say the jump start did it. The early modules seemed to be very fragile and changing a battery or jumping was a causing thing that may have caused the issue.

 

[joseph1]

Reset 4x4 Control Module?

Has anyone heard of resetting the codes in the control module which sometimes fixes the problem?

I called a salvage yard looking for a module and the guy said to reset mine by removing the positive battery cable with the ignition key on and waiting about one minute. Any harm in trying this? I previously removed the negative cable but without the key on and this did not work.

 

[Asmegin]

Hmmm do you think the module will fix my problem:

4x4 Auto is the only thing that doesn't work. When I accelerate it BANGS hard about 4-5 times but I still fishtail all over the place. Shifts are hard on auto as well.

When I press 4x4Hi, it works PERFECT. Smooth acceleration, no bangs, smooth shifts, no fishtailing. 4x4Lo works as well.

For like 30 minutes last week Hi/Lo lights on the dash were flashing while in Auto but have not since. That was in a snowstorm too.

 

[bmilinski]

4 x 4 stuck in 4-WD

'02 Explorer V6, 4.0
I had to unplug the control module because it won't go into 2-WD-hell on drive pavement !
When I plug it into the control module it goes into 4-WD right away withoit me pushing/slecting 2-WD.
I took it into a PRO Tranny repair shop and he said it could run into lots of $$$.
He did say though that wehen a control module goes bad, nothing works.
It baffled him too that whe you disconnect the control module it goes back into 2-WD.

Any suggestions? I did chect/test the counsel switches and they seem to be OK.