I think it's broke! Should I still buy?

[jeffescortlx]

I test drove a mint perfect 2002 XLT4.6 V8 with 90k, every think seemed great, but me and the sales man (and he's owned them) could'nt get 4WD low to engage. We read the manual, said to put it in neutral with brake on and shift into 4 low...but it would'nt. The 4 low light on the switch would blink for 30 seconds or so, then turn off and go back to 4 High. We tried from auto 4wd and and high 4wd. Just would'nt go into low.


So I've been doing some reading on the shift motor, if thats the problem, I can fix it. Could it be a computer modual? Neutral or speed Sensor?

I dont mind getting my hands dirty, but I want to know how much I should ask him to knock the price down because of the problem?

Also, the drivers side door lock button only works if the key is in the ignition, but the passengers side works no matter what.

Thanks for any help!

 

[IZwack]

I think its still good. I mean most people dont even need 4LO as 4HI and AUTO will get them through thick and thin.

 

[steventadams]

If there is an issue with the truck that is going to cost you money to fix, I would tell him you'll buy it at the price you first negotiated after he fixes the problem, or tell him you will bring the truck to a shop for a diagnostic and ask him to cut the price by what the mechanic says the repair will cost (+5 or 10% or so maybe to cover the extra costs and hassle).

But as IZ said most people don't need 4Lo ever but I'd rather have it but not need it than need it and not have it.

 

[jeffescortlx]

ask him to cut the price by what the mechanic says the repair will cost (+5 or 10% or so maybe to cover the extra costs and hassle)

Thats what I want to do, have him drop the price of what ever it will cost IF it was taken to a shop, but then I'll just fix it my self.
But I dont know whats wrong, or how much it will cost...thats what I need an idea of.


He does have a good price on it allready, $6700 w/ spanken new tires, 1 owner.

Oh and thanks for the quick help guys...hope to buy it tomarrow.

 

[steventadams]

Well if you decide to buy (which is sounds like you did), you're in the right place to find help fixing your problem...

 

[jeffescortlx]

Well thats good, maybe I'll become a regular here.

Any idea's on the problem?

 

[jeffescortlx]

One more thing, I did hear a relay click by the glove box when I pushed the 4wd low button.

 

[bisjoe]

You are to be congratulated for trying the 4x4 high and low before buying. Many if not most people don't find out it doesn't work until the first time it snows and they need it.

 

[gijoecam]

Indeed, use it as a bargaining chip... Either get it in writing that they will have the problem repaired at their expense before you purchase it, or find another one. Personally, I would not fork over a penny until the system worked.

It *could* be the shift motor, the control module, or the relay(s) in between. Without a full diagnostic by a Ford dealership with the proper diagnostic system, it's a guessing game at best. It could be a crappy connection somewhere, or it could be all of the above mentioned problems.

Now, that being said, the fact that the light is blinking and it's actually trying to shift leads me to believe it's *probably not* the 4wd control module. I would think that it's either the relays/fuses that power the shift motor, or the shift motor itself, but again, without some more testing, there's no way to know for sure.

-Joe

 

[jeffescortlx]

Basicly what is happening, is the for 4x4 modual is waiting for either a neutral signal, or brake signal (binks then times out). The 4x4 high and 4x4 auto seem to be working ok, so I think the transfer case motor is working.
So Bet it's either switch or sensor.


The dealer has it in the shop right now as I type. He's gonna call me soon with the problem and we'll go from there.

As long as the transfer case is ok, I'm not worried to much about fixing it.

 

[jeffescortlx]

You are to be congratulated for trying the 4x4 high and low before buying. Many if not most people don't find out it doesn't work until the first time it snows and they need it.

Thanks. I'm a "car-guy". So yeah, I look over all that stuff and have a fairly good idea on whats going on.


It's for the wife, not me. She had a 1989 or some thing full size Bronco as her first car, she loved it. Me and my buddy wreched the motor, and body was too rusty to make it worth while to fix. She she's been mad at me ever since. So now she's getting this. :

 

[jeffescortlx]

Well guy's the shop never got a chance to look at it, but we worked out a deal that I would buy it as it sit's now, for $300 taken off. So I'm getting it for $6480. I hope that covers the parts to replace or rebuild what ever does'nt work. I'll be doing the labor my self.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Yeah- make sure you have them fix it. Simple reason- There are too many Explorers for sale to settle for one with issues.