Mechanically Safe and Personally Safe to drive like this ?

[PitCrew]

Hello All, I need some advise.

I have disconnected the shift motor wires and taped up both the wire harnesses (to keep connectors clean). Is it still mechanically and personally safe to drive the explorer this way? or could this cause damage and or make the explorer unsafe to drive? Noting the wire harness (disconnected) has the shift motor and other wires in it too (not sure what the other wires are for ?)

1998 Explorer XLT 6 SOHC Auto Located in Australia

Asking as Im having an issue with the transfer case and or shift motor and this is the vehicle we use to drive the kids to and from school (10kms round trip) so I need to get it going until I get the explorer fixed.

I have started another thread listing the actual issue, but no one has responded to it (probably as its a little long and info overload).

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=342597

Thanks in advance
PitCrew

 

[rego]

I don't think that would make problems. Wish I had a more firm answer than that for you.

 

[IZwack]

It should be fine mechanically. You might get a blinking 4HI/4LO on the dash but it's obvious why.

 

[PitCrew]

Thank you for your replies,

I was expecting the dash 4x4 lights to flash but they don't.

When I turn the 4x4 knob the light for that section lights up. With the shift motor connected the 4x4 low light comes ON, no matter what the 4x4 knob is turned too. Transfer case not in low 4x4.

Disconnected the shift motor as concerned that, if driving with the 4x4 knob turned to auto but the 4x4 Low light ON, if suddenly the electrics worked correctly the explorer might go "Oh Crap, you should be in low 4x4", trying to put the shift motor to low 4x4 would be very bad if driving at speed.

Have tested the explorer on dirt, all seems ok so will do a road test.

Will let you know how it goes and if I fix the problem I will update.

If you have any input please feel free to respond.