new exploder owner with some problems seeking help

[swproturbo]

WRONG FORUM!! sorry... not a "crisis"... MODs please move

just picked up a '92 silver 4dr explorer 5speed. It's got a new rebuilt jasper motor and I just put in a new clutch. Runs like a champ, but it's got some issues and i wanted some of your expert advice on what to try for a fix.

First problem: the gas gauge doesn't work and neither does the temp gauge. Don't know if it's coincidence that they both don't work or if its a bad cluster or sending unit or something.

2nd problem: The heater blows out semi-warm air. I did a search and had some results on a possibility of the "blend door" being stuck but seems like it was mostly for the 2nd gen ('95-). I was wondering what the chances are that it is a bad heater core or a clogged one? Could i try backflushing the core w/o removing it from the car?

Last problem: Biggest problem, the 4WD doesn't work. I've been told it could be the auto locking hubs going bad (i was told by a former ford mechanic that this is common). If that's the case would you guys recommend the manual hub conversion? In addition, the 4x4 button doesn't light up so from searching the forum I thought that could mean the transfer case motor is going bad. If that's the case I found a replacement here:
http://www.1aauto.com/1A/4WDrive/Mazda/Navajo/1AFWM00006/127407
I know it's aftermarket but anyone have any experience with this part?

Thanks in advance for any insight you guys can help with.

-Stan

 

[Critical_Level2]

The heat and temp problem could be a stuck open thermostat. When mine was stuck open the gauge barely moved and it blew out semi warm heat. You could try that, thermostats only run a few dollars.

 

[boominXplorer]

THANK YOU FOR SEARCHING!!!!

When you try to put it in 4x4 does it sound like its trying to engage in the TC but just not gettign to the wheels? Or does it seem like it wont even lock in?

 

[dman726749]

check all the fuses for the gauge cluster to make sure tehy are good before you start replacing sending units

 

[greenbeer]

If it's your heater core, that only took me about 15min to replace, where as my Towncar took 8 hours.

 

[RangerX]

Check here http://draco.acs.uci.edu/explorer/ for info on the gas guage, and lots more. You might want to bookmark it since you have a first gen.

And welcome to the site!

 

[swproturbo]

The heat and temp problem could be a stuck open thermostat. When mine was stuck open the gauge barely moved and it blew out semi warm heat. You could try that, thermostats only run a few dollars.

I don't think that's the problem because the gauge doesn't move at all. How hard is it to replace the thermostat anyways? Thanks for the help btw

 

[swproturbo]

THANK YOU FOR SEARCHING!!!!

When you try to put it in 4x4 does it sound like its trying to engage in the TC but just not gettign to the wheels? Or does it seem like it wont even lock in?

It makes no sound and the 4x4 or low gear light does not come on. The only thing i noticed is that it seems to put some electric load on the car when i press the button because it changes the idle speed while depressed. The more i read this sounds like the TC electric motor is bad. I don't need to remove the transfer case to gain access to the electric motor right? Thanks

 

[swproturbo]

Check here http://draco.acs.uci.edu/explorer/ for info on the gas guage, and lots more. You might want to bookmark it since you have a first gen.

And welcome to the site!

Thanks for the link... lots of useful info on there.

check all the fuses for the gauge cluster to make sure tehy are good before you start replacing sending units

I'll check that out first thing tomorrow. thanks

If it's your heater core, that only took me about 15min to replace, where as my Towncar took 8 hours.

Are there any good write-ups on replacing the heater core?

Thanks again to everyone for their help.

 

[Robb]

off topic:

WOW!!!

4 posts and you have 1) realized yourself that your thread didn't belong in 911 and asked for it to be moved, 2) know how to use the SEARCH feature, and 3) know how to properly quote multiple people.

You are a PERFECT EF member!! Thanks and Welcome!!!

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Where is the heater core on the 1st gens? I believe the 2nd gens are behind the passenger side of the dash - which is the 8 hour job. I am guessing the 1st gens are like some f-series trucks with it right behind the glove box? But I do not believe you can blow out all the gunk that will be in it - and if you did it could go into your radiator or worse your engine; so i'd suggest you just buy a new one if its behind the glove box and fix it. We fix a lot of heater cores now a day (winter time in VA) and we usually get about 170-190F out of the center duct! Good luck!

-Drew

 

[Skibug]

By you saying that you don't hear or feel a clunk type sound or sensation when you press the 4x4 button, this sounds like a stuck shift motor. And when you say that it puts an electric load on the system, do you mean that you see the dash lights etc... dim somewhat? It could be putting the signal to the shift motor, but it is stuck. Crawl under there and wack it a bit with a rubber hammer or something to see if it will work then. That has been a temporary fix for many here. Probably needs replacing. And no your don't need to remove the TC to get the shift motor. It is mounted right on the back of it.

See this link for a repair job on the shift motor.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123542

 

[dmf415]

Here's a new method on fixing your blend door if you completely broke that piece that turns the door. http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~dmf/blenddoor.htm