Push button 4x4 engaging motor

[Scroggins]

So since I bought the Explorer a few weeks ago the 4x4 has worked fine, not that ive had to use it. The guy I bought it from said it was not working when he first got it, so he pulled the electric engaging motor off and cleaned the bushings and connections. i know the first gen push button can be touchy(had it on my 92' Ranger) but is this something I should plan on doing periodicly, or is it better to just get a new engaging motor?

 

[FirstExplorer]

On the 1st generation explorers it is common to have a broken plastic bumper in the shift motor preventing a shift into or out off 4x4. Link to the thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123542 for more in-depth information.
You may want to trouble shoot a 4x4 shift problem. As a quick test you can start the engine, press the 4x4 high button, and then listen very carefully for relays clicking from the 4x4 computer located in the left rear tire-jack compartment. Open the compartment and place your ear near the computer and have someone press the dashboard engagement button. You should be able to hear the relays clicking if the dashboard shift button is correctly sending its signal to the 4x4 computer. If you hear the relays, then the shift motor is "lost" due to a worn out bump-stop in the shift motor. If you cannot hear any relays you should then replace the computer.

 

[Scroggins]

thanks FirstExplorer. Like I said ive poped it in and out of 4 once or twice with no problems, but always good to make sure there is not something wrong.