Shift Motor

[kdogg212001]

for the front end on all or atleast first generation explorers i have notice that alot of peoples symptoms lead to the shift motor for the front wheels not engaging !!! everyone says hit it with something but i have no idea what the shift motor looks like so i was wondering if someone has a pic or a link to a pic so i can see what i am working with??

 

[Buckshot_1]

When you find it, it is about the size of a pop can behind the transfercase. Do not hit it, it will crack the magnets in the motor. Best think to do is rebiuld it, there is a forum on this site on how to do it. It was simple, and takes about an hour to do.. Just don't hit it, I found out the hard way...

 

[puddle jumper]

i just did a "rebuild"of the shift motor myself today and everything went smooth with the info i gatherd on this site, i printed out the segments i needed and took them outside with me to referr to while under the truck, DeRocha included a link to a site in one of his posts on the subject which i used , it was , Dead Link Removed ,, very helpful site, (thanks DeRocha !!) i also backed the truck up onto ramps to get more working room,, hope this helps and good luck !!

 

[DeRocha]

Here is a link to a New Shift motor picture. The shift motor is attached to the transfer case and is used to rotate a Selector shaft on the T-case into 2H-4H-4L positions. The 1st gen shift motors 91-94 tend to have the most problems and a subsequent re-design appears to have dramatically reduced problems with this unit. I would also suspect that lack of use is a big cause in failure as the shift motor can get frozen in postion. Once you get your shift motor working you should engage it a minimum of a few times per/ month to keep it in good working order.. (I generally do this on rainy days)