In and out of 4WD

[rookieshooter]

My 97 EXP. goes in and out of 4wd. by its self no matter what the road condion is like. The only way I can stop it is to get under it and disconnect the wiring harness that goes to the transfer case. On the dash it constantly blinks that it is in 4wd. NEED HELP!!!!

 

[jimbo74]

does it have the auto 4wd? what system does it use? if it is auto 4wd, then its normal for it to go in and out at will

 

[rookieshooter]

Yes it has auto 4wd that used to work fine, only going into 4wd when needed. Now it will go into 4wd on perfectly dry pavement and is a bit-h to turn. I used to be able to turn on the 4wd on and off manually by the switch on the dash, now 90% of the time it will not get out of 4wd like when I am leaving the farm and getting on dry pavement.

 

[dreamr]

So, correct me if I misinterpreted.
Your vehicle is engaging 4hi on it's own? With the control track system it does engage when wheel slip is detected, but it shouldn't be causing you to bind up in the corners. If it is the solution is likely not going to be to pleasant.
First find a tranny shop in the area and have them pull the GEM codes. It'll have to be a tranny shop or ford dealer as typical scanners only read the EEC unless it is "ford enhanced" software they have installed into their scanner.

More than likely either the TOD relay is malfunctioning (55 dollars)
or the GEM is going out (280 dollars)

There are several other components in the system that could be responsible for a malfunction, but I am betting it is in one of those two. I could be wrong though

Follow the below link to a thread where I had to deal with 4x4 issues. I am directing you there, for I went through the entire system from one end to the other a couple times in that thread. Perhaps it can help provide a solution.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128134

good luck.

 

[rookieshooter]

Whoa, sounds like I better get to a dealer after reading those posts. I forgot to mention that the OD light flashes too. I might first try to find some of those sensors I read about in the above posts and try cleaning them first before the dealer thing. Someone I knew said one of his friends had the same problems and like you said, cost him $300.00. I"ll let you know if I find out anything.