Somethings wrong, I think the differential

[4squared]

So I own a 98 Explorer Sport with 70,000 miles on it. Recently after the first snow fall it has been driving like crap. When ever I turn the wheel sharply it makes a horrible noise, and if it is turned all the way in either direction it doesnt move except for jumpy spurts. Also the 4X4 high and 4X4 low indicator lights blink on and off simultaneously for about 10 seconds approximately every 2 minutes. I asked someone about it and they told me I could be out of differential fluid or the differential could be shot all together.

So does anyone here know what the problem is or even better the solution. I know a little about cars but im new and ignorant to 4X4's and differentials. If it is only differential fluid that I need, how much does that cost, and If i need a whole new differential how much would that cost, and would a junkyard be a good option to look for a replacement?

 

[ahhjaws]

I couldn't really tell you if that whats wrong exatcly, but a diff fluid change would run you about 30-40 at a mechanic, and just the cost of the fluid and a diff cover gasket if you do it yourself. If your gears are fried, you won't know until it's torn apart to see what damaged. Gears would run probably $300 or so, axles shafts, bearing, it will all add up. You won't need a new diff housing just everything inside it. I wouldn't drive it anywhere except to a repair shop to prevent more damage if that is in fact the problem.

Have you noticed any leaking around the diff cover or wheels?

 

[4squared]

no, i havent noticed any leaking... I think what the problem is that the 4wd isnt disengaging, so when Im turning and the back wheels spin at different speeds as theyre supposed to, the front wheels though they shouldnt have any power at all are still powered and running at the same speed. Thats just my thought at the moment, Im bringing it into a repair shop first thing monday. Any other comments or thoughts are more then welcome.

 

[Billy177]

you might want to change the transfer case fluid as the blinking 4x4 lights indicate a fault in the transfercase

 

[jbsker]

help

Mine does the same thing and changing all the dif fluids and the transfer case fluids did not help! Someone else must know what is wrong ?

 

[Ranger Al]

My guess it the shift motor is stucked. Try crawling under the truck and get a rubber or light mallet and tapp onto the shift motor on your T-case. Maybe a good time to invest in a new shift motor or have your old one rebuilt or clean out...

 

[Doug]

Sounds like it's stuck in 4wd, try tapping the t-case and shift motor like suggested and then try shifting it into 4wd and back to 2wd. It's possible your hall effect sensors are gone and may to be replaced though more than likely it's your shift motor that needs cleaning.

 

[jbsker]

Have done some tinkering with the motor on the transfer case it seams to be shifting into 4 low also in to 4 high. Ford is trying to sell me a $300 4*4 module that is in the back behind the jack panel but $200 dollor to test to make sure and dont want to waste the money. Also mine is a auto 4*4 and a four door I guess that makes a big difference in the part.

 

[Doug]

Have done some tinkering with the motor on the transfer case it seams to be shifting into 4 low also in to 4 high. Ford is trying to sell me a $300 4*4 module that is in the back behind the jack panel but $200 dollor to test to make sure and dont want to waste the money. Also mine is a auto 4*4 and a four door I guess that makes a big difference in the part.

Run, don't walk from that ford dealership. You DO NOT have a four wheel drive computer. 1st Gen Explorers did but since 95 the t-case has always been controlled by the GEM. More than likely your shift motor needs to be cleaned, there are threads out there on how to do this all you have to do is search.

 

[TPLYNCH]

The flashing lights indicate an error code in the transfer case. Your driveline systems are indicative of the system staying in 4x4. Try disconnecting the battery for ~30 minutes to see if the shift motor/GEM will reset and get you out of 4x4. The shift motor is only used to shift to 4Low. 4Auto/4Hi are controlled by an electromagnetic clutch. On the '98, you can install a switch on the brown wire under your drivers seat to give yourself 2wd and stop the driveline binding as well. Search for Brown Wire Mod for instructions.

 

[Ranger Al]

Run very fast away from the Stealership! You can clean your shift-motor yourself and I think you could find it at this website. www.therangerstation.com

 

[4squared]

Hey yall, the dealership wanted 150$ just to look at the thing so we figured that wouldnt be the best option. I took someone on heres advice and disconnected the battery cables, works perfectly now. Thanks alot.