Low Range 4x4 not working

[Randog]

Howdy guys, I'm new to this forum and Explorers. This board looks great from what I've seen browsing around here a little. I just bought my Explorer about 3 months ago. Its a 1991 Eddie Bauer, nice truck but it has a few bugs to work out. It seems the low range won't work, or at least the light on the dash beside the button won't go on. High range seems to work good, but no luck with the low gear. Anyone here might know what the problem is? Thanks in advance.

 

[Raschied]

Low Range

First off, are you putting the tranny in Neutral before trying the button? The transfer case won't shift into low range unless you have already engaged 4x4, and put the transmission into neutral.

Laugh if you want, some of you, but 4 out of the 10 Explorer owners I almost bought from didn't know this little factoid, and thought low range was broken.

If you've already tried that, then most likely the electric motor isn't working. there is an electric motor on the transfer case that makes the switch between ranges. Check fuses, relays, etc. first. If that all checks out, and you've got a buddy, have him tap on the transfer case motor while you try the button. Sometimes, it just freezes up when it's not used for a while.

 

[Randog]

Thanks for the quick response Raschied, as soon as I read your response I went out and tried your recomendations and low and behold 4 low range now works! Boy do I feel stupid thanks again!

 

[Raschied]

No worries, Randog! I just bought into the X Brotherhood. Took my '94 XLT out for a little off-roading today, in fact.

Beautiful country up there in BC! I hope to get back there sometime soon!