No 4WD

[thethirdmurph]

So I decided to take my ex off the beaten path a little and found out my 4Wd isn't working.. I have an 02 xls I changed out the control module about 2 years ago and it has been working fine.. When I hit the 4x4 high button the light comes on and it acts like its in 4wd but it's not. When I try to put it in 4low it clicks a couple times like it's trying but never actually goes in. Any insight?? Thanks guys

 

[thethirdmurph]

nobody has experienced anything like this?

 

[thethirdmurph]

ok even though I have had no responses... I believe it's the transfer case motor. Does anyone know where I can pick one up cheap?

 

[IZwack]

Have you tried searching? Cauz you're definitely not the first person to experience 4wd engagement problems.

Or try browsing the Transmissions & Transfer Cases section: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109. There are a few "sticky" threads at the top of that forum that are worth reading.

Off the bat, I'll tell you not to buy that transfer case motor just yet, you'll probably end up wasting your cash.
In addition, did you read the vehicle manual on how to engage 4LO? Because your vehicle should be stopped, transmission in Neutral, and foot on the brake (to prevent the vehicle from rolling freely).

 

[thethirdmurph]

I didn't mean to sound rude.. I did do a good bit of searching. Everyone seems to be talking about the control module behind the dash. I have replaced that and I'm pretty certain it is in working order. My truck has 160k and I'm thinking the transfer case motor is locked. And yes after 160k I have put it in 4 low a couple times..

 

[IZwack]

4wd engagement is independent (has nothing to do) with the shift motor -- but rather an electromagnetic clutch. The shift motor only moves when the vehicle is engaging LO range.

The fact that its making a clicking sound in 4LO probably means that the shift motor is fine. What you can do to test the shift motor is remove it from the transfer case, but keep it electrically connected, and turn the dash to 4LO --- the shift motor should then turn maybe 30 degrees or so (you may have to put the motor's body against the transfer case to get a "ground"). Rotate the dash switch back to AUTO (or whatever that switch position is called on your vehicle) before you put the shift motor back on to align it with the transfer case.

To check 4HI, you can get a voltmeter and tap the infamous "brown wire" at the back of the transfer case. When you place the vehicle from AUTO to 4HI, the voltage to the brown wire should go Hi (12v or higher).

Below is a picture of your transfer case (made by Borg Warner, model number 4411). The red arrow points to the "brown wire" that enables the physical end of 4wd engagement.

 

[thethirdmurph]

I removed the motor and tested like your talking about and it didn't move. the clicking I was speaking of is coming from the control module behind the glove box.

 

[IZwack]

Strange.. but I guess dig in and see what's clicking.

 

[thethirdmurph]

Well I took the transfer case motor apart and it was def locked up. I cleaned it up and put a little grease on appropriate parts. Hooked it up to 12 volts and it took off spun free both ways. However when I reinstalled it it's not moving. There was a blown fuse under the hood I replaced.. I figured it was just from the motor being locked up. any ideas??