replaced 4x4cm, still no 4x4 - '02

[Russ in CT]

FIXED! I have all the classic 4x4cm symptoms, no lights on dash, no lights on 4x4 buttons, nothing happens you press any of the buttons (no lights, no sounds, nothing). Its an '02 EB, 4.0, 108K miles, with an early build date (0201) which I just purchased. The 4x4 didn't work when I got it.

There is a new battery in it from the PO, date sticker says battery was installed 11/07.

So everything points to 4x4cm. So I bought a new 4x4cm (ordered online from the popular Vegas Ford dealer, gave them my VIN). But still no 4x4. Symptoms are exactly the same as before the new 4x4cm.

Suggestions? How can I verify the new 4x4cm is the correct one? Its not the same p/n, but since they improved it, it should have a new p/n.

I can look at the 4x4 motor next, but would it give me the symptoms I have (absolutely no lights, no clicks or anything audible when trying to engage 4x4?)

 

[Russ in CT]

Bump.

What do I look at next? None of the 3 switches light up when the headlights are on. No sound at all from the 4x4cm (relay click or anything) when trying to activate 4x4.

When starting the 4x4 hi & lo dash lights go on, hi goes out, then lo goes out. Not sure what is normal since it never worked since I got it.

Checked and rechecked the fuses.

Suggestions?

 

[Russ in CT]

Fixed! It was the switches. They weren't even plugged in. PO must have been in there working on it and forgot to reattach the connector on reassembly (4x4 has never worked since I got the truck amonth ago).

I was a little suspicious of something like this as the radio was very loose. They also forgot to screw the radio mounts back in, so it was just sitting there held in by the bezel.

Plugged the switches back in, presto, I have 4x4.

FYI, the bezel just pops off with a bit of persuasion. Its held on by 6 press-in snaps, one at each corner and a pair along the midsection. This is the large black, or silver textured,or wood grain (depending on Explorer model) bezel that surrounds the radio & heater controls. Pop it off, and you can access the switches & wiring.