Problems already!!!

[GaryPatt]

Ok so as i said in another post, i was going under the bonnet today, most fluids were very low ie. Brake/oil/coolant but power steering was almost non exsistent so....topped them all up, cleaned engine, new air filter as it was pitted.
NOW io am suffering from a noise from engine which i can only describe as chirruping when engine running, it seems to stop and start when car is at a standstill but is now there all the time? seems to be coming from bottom of engine but that might be just me, checked belts and all there and seem ok

Also 4x4 wont seem to engage? when i stop car put it in nuetral and select weither 4x4 or LO the light on dash does NOT go on, i canm drive ok but does not feel like in lo box? when driving with 4x4 or LO selected the light on dash will come on for a sec then go off?
Please can someone tell me this is not a trans box issue.....pleeeaasseeeee

Gary

 

[SB98UKexplorer]

sounds like that beast wasnt well looked after, can you hear the transfer box clunk or buzz when it engages, also do you get any 4x4 high/low flashes like s.o.s code, with the 4x4 high you should notice your steering is tighter and fights when you full lock due to no diff in the front, its direct drive.

 

[GaryPatt]

Problems

no noises from transfer box when it engages apart from in reverse?? it defo does not like reverse, it bangs....well a very noisy clunk at least
4x4 light flashes on dash when engaged but does not seem to drive any diiferent, why cant we just have a lever thingy like LRs...so much easier and less hassle...in or out!

Gary

 

[SB98UKexplorer]

it could be the switch or the box, hard to tell, i dont kno the codes for the flashing light sequance, im also not sure if the fualt can be read on a obd2 reader.

 

[GaryPatt]

Thanks

Thanks for quick reply, i just know this thing is going to cost me money.....
so if its the Trans box is it ok (as in non damaging) to drive it normally?

 

[Howard]

Sometimes the shift motor sticks (lack of use mostly). Do a search on shift motor and you can find out how to diagnose/test and repiar it. Other noises could be the serpentine belt slipping.

 

[GaryPatt]

Provblem update

OK so disconnected battery for 10 mins (as recc in another post) no joy.
checked fuses and 4x4 switch fuse in left on dash when drivers door open, NO FUSE?? so put a fuse in and i now have lights, wonder why fuse to switch was removed???
When i engage 4x4 high the correct light comes on but does not feel or drive any different, when i engage 4x4 LO the car seems to drop to left at front and get a bad/nasty knock from underneath , lots worse in reverse or when turning left??
Gary

 

[Howard]

The explorer does not have a central differential, so please only use the 4x4 on slippery surfaces. Otherwise you will get wind up in the transmission system which could lead to serious breakage. To get into low you must be stationary, in neutral and have your foot on the brake.

 

[jays1]

OK so disconnected battery for 10 mins (as recc in another post) no joy.
checked fuses and 4x4 switch fuse in left on dash when drivers door open, NO FUSE?? so put a fuse in and i now have lights, wonder why fuse to switch was removed???
When i engage 4x4 high the correct light comes on but does not feel or drive any different, when i engage 4x4 LO the car seems to drop to left at front and get a bad/nasty knock from underneath , lots worse in reverse or when turning left??
Gary

my ex drives like normal in high as well, well pretty normal did feel a little odd,but is was really icy and slippy so could not tell what was causing the strange feel.Its just the same as when you drive it in normal gears, i believe as its automatic and shifts to high when wheels slip (the i could be very wrong sentance is here again)
my ex also makes a really big clonk when low is engaged,i just took that to mean that actual metal peices where moving lol.but have used it to pull off really bad mud with no probs.

 

[GaryPatt]

Thanks Jays1 and Howard

Howard, so are you saying the car is behaving normally now i replaced missing fuse?
Why would someone remove fuse unless (my opinion) there was a problem with 4x4?

Gary

 

[Howard]

There is no way I can tell from what you say that it is working normally or not. I only point out that in either 4x4 high or 4x4 low the front and rear axles are locked together, so when you turn a bend the front tries to go around at a different speed to the rear. Something has to give, usually a drive shaft. On slippery surfaces the wheel will spin and all will be fine. From the sound of things it would seem to be going into 4x4 low and I guess 4x4 High as well, otherwise wind up would not occur. 4x4 Auto is good for all but the very worst conditions as this uses the control track system of electronic clutch to vary the amount of drive to the front axle depending on wheel slippage at the rear. The more slippage the more the clutch is engaged until it is fully on. As to why someone would remove the fuse is anyones guess. There may have been a minor fault which is now ok after resetting the computer. Only time will tell. Best thing is to go somewhere really muddy and try it out. Generally if there is a fault the 4x4 lights will flash a code to indicate what the fault is. If they are steady then the computer does not read any fault codes. Hope that helps.

 

[blueka]

I'm only in liverpool and have some spare parts if you need them mate, but I goto canada a week on wednesday for a month, or if you need any other help, just shout

Si

 

[GaryPatt]

Thanks Blueka

Not sure what i will need yet as still trying to find problem, Thanks though

Gary

 

[blueka]

if you wanna come over, I've got the haynes manual and I don't mind helping

Si

 

[GaryPatt]

update

OK so now changed fuses and 2 relays, reset 4x4 Module and checked connections to shift motor, cleaned and replaced (gave it a tap for good measure) YES......now i hear a click from switch when i engage 4x4 HI or LO
Progress!!"!! so i am just going to accept (pretend) that i now have 4x4 in all modes and leave well alone.
Thanks for help and suggestions
Si, i am sure we will be meeting soon and thanks for offer of help
So now...after working in the boot (i now know wrong place!!) my sigma alarm/anti-theft device?? locks the doors after 10 secs....so i had boot door open when it armed c/l and now boot wont open?? could have been already sticky though...more work for tomorrow as its raining.
The bulbs i ordered from US arrived today and yes you guessed it DONT FIT or infact look anything like the bulbs i am trying to replace? ebay item 370145522120
I really like this 4x4 up to now and including niggly issues i have had but you are going to get this from me for sometime i think, Soooo difficult to work on unless you have the hands of a 6 yr old??? i find it really hard to get in to change bulbs, into rear left hand jack area...without removing the whole interior trim as it seems to be in like one piece?
NOW with Land Rovers.......
THANKS again for all help

Gary

 

[Howard]

I know you will find this hard to believe but good ol Halfords have all the bulbs you need and a list as to which one you want. Which bulbs are you trying to replace? To change the rear cluster lamps you open the hatch, undo the two screws on the cluster and pull the unit off.

 

[GaryPatt]

Bulbs

Head lights
I wanted to change to a brighter bulb so i opted for these as they told me they are a replacement part with no mods to headlights needed??
Xenon HID 9007 Headlight Bulb ebay item no. 370145522120
Guess they were wrong?
I will try Halfords , thanks
Gary

 

[Howard]

The head lamps are standard H4 fitting and yes you need small hands.

 

[blueka]

Howard, I went to halfords for the rear bulbs cos I've now got the same back lights as you, and they don't sell em.. had to goto fords for em... still got my discount so it's not 3 bad...

Si

 

[Howard]

Ah well things vary from place to place. My Halfords in MK had plenty, even dash ones. Such is life.