Testing function of 4wd

[mattwill]

Hi all

I have a 97 explorer xlt which ive owned for two and a half years. We have had a lot of t case issues with it (I think the common shift fork problem). As it was under a dealer warranty we had to keep taking it back to where we purchased it to get it repaired. Anyway we recently took it in because it had started making a grinding noise on deceleration (this has been the problem which has been recurring for most of the time weve owned the car). It looks like this time the problem has been fixed properly as it has been three months and it hasnt recurred.

THe only problem is I dont think it is shifting into 4wd low now. When I turn the knob to 4H the dash light indicates that it shifts to 4H but when I try and shift to 4l the dash light doesnt change to indicate 4l.


My question is how can i tell if the 4wd is engaging at all and how can i tell if 4l is engaging.

thanks

Matt

 

[techieman33]

Are you putting it in neutral with your foot on the brake when you try and shift to low range? To test it get on a gravel road or in a field, and put it in 4 low. When you start to drive it you'll feel the difference and know.

 

[mattwill]

Just had a bit more of a play with it.

With the engine running the car will shift into 4H according to the dash lights but wont shift into 4L (again according to the dashlights)

However, with the ignition turned to acc or on but the engine not running, then turn the 4wd knob to 4L and then start the car the car will start with the 4L light on.

Is this normal? ie. does the engine have to be switched off to shift to 4 low? I assume not.

Okay the next problem is that when I shift to 4L as described above (engine off) when I go to start driving the car there is absolutely no power in forward or reverse gears>

Any help is appreciated!

thanks
Matt

 

[gijoecam]

Engine idling, stopped, in neutral, with your foot on the brakes, THEN SHIFT INTO/OUT OF LOW. Follow the instructions and report back.

 

[J-150]

take your truck out to the country and run it on some gravel roads to see if the 4WD is working at all

 

[mattwill]

Okay with the engine idling, in neutral, foot on brake the car wont shift into 4low

If the car is in 4H will it be a pretty obviously different feel to auto mode??

thanks
Matt