Tranny and 4x4 Problems

[auffantr]

Hello, new to the forums, glad to have found a good community.

My problems is this, whenever I have to engage the transmission into R or D, my transmission needs like 1 sec delay in order to actually be in gear. I did a filter and fluid change but it didn’t help out. It does it cold or hot and sometimes doesn’t do it all. Any idea on what is the problem?

The other problems my explorer has is the 4x4, It doesn't work. I try to get it to 4x4 high or 4x4 low and I get no lights of it working at the dash. I know that the dash indicators work because I see them when the vehicle starts. I check all the fuses related to the 4x4 and they are all fine.

Thanks for any help or comments.

 

[dannyb420]

Welcome to the forum!

Obviously its not under warrenty? The transmission issue is actually quite common, it may need reprogrammed which the dealer could do for relatively cheap, it helped mine out quite a bit. As far as the 4X4 issue, its got to be a relay of some sort but I am not too knowledgable in this field...sorry

 

[auffantr]

Took it to a shop and they replace the trany solenoid and valve assembly. Quick fix, now it is shifting like new. Cost was 400.00.

They try to hook up a computer to check on the 4x4 issue but where not communicating with the 4x4 module, they recommended taking it to a Ford dealer ship as they can at least diagnose the problem better. If anyone has a clue as to what it might be, I'll appreciate it a lot.

 

[IZwack]

yeah i would look into the electrical of the in-cab switch.. at the very least, you should be able to light up the 4HI indicator when you rotate the switch to the 4HI position as this is just electricity powering up an electromagnetic coil inside the transfer case.

 

[drakekilla]

Hello All! I bought my explorer about 2 months ago and I look forward to posting on this awesome site!

When I test drove it the 4x4 worked and the lights all came on. NowI am also having trouble with my 4x4 kicking in on my '02 XLS. I am not getting any light when I try to put in 4x4 Low. I use 4x4 low a lot when climbing hills to go hunting (Especially when we get snow)

Basically I am having the exact same problems as auffantr but I haven't had my trany solenoid replaced.

Hopefully someone can help us both out.

BTW I did check all the 4x4 fuses and they are all OK.

Thanks!

 

[auffantr]

Ford dealership told me that the modules in the 2002 explorer often go bad. They also told me that Ford has revised the module and is now improve. I will be purchasing a new module soon from Bob Utter in texas.

 

[Jonny813]

Don't jump off the cliff and purchase a new one. The "module" they are talking about it simply the little electric shift motor that shifts it from Hi to Low. They are most likely dirty, not bad. If you don't mind getting your hands a little dirty go a head and clean it and give it a shot, its not hard. My first time it took me about an hour to do everything, now I can do it in half the time.

 

[drakekilla]

Jonny,

Can you explain where the modulator is located and how you went about cleaning it? I know my way around a motor but I don't know much about electronical modulators and such. I appreciate any tips you can give.

Thanks!

 

[gijoecam]

Don't jump off the cliff and purchase a new one. The "module" they are talking about it simply the little electric shift motor that shifts it from Hi to Low. They are most likely dirty, not bad. If you don't mind getting your hands a little dirty go a head and clean it and give it a shot, its not hard. My first time it took me about an hour to do everything, now I can do it in half the time.

Not quite....

For 2002, the shift MOTOR only controls the high range to low range shift. The transfer case lockup is still controlled by the Four Wheel Drive Control Module, not the TOD and TCS relays in conjunction with the GEM like the 2nd gens. If you can't even get the 4wd high to engage, there's something wrong with the system, and it certainly could be the control module, but it is almost guaranteed that it's NOT the shift motor.

Now, if 4 hi works, but 4low does not, are you doing it correctly? To complete the shift, you should be stopped, in neutral, with your foot on the brakes. (You'd be surprised how many people forget one of the three ingredients) If THAT doesn't work, then you'll want to stop in at the stealership and let them scan it to see what's not happeneing. It could be the switch, the motor, or the module, but without being able to see the inputs and outputs from the system, it's a guessing game.

-Joe

 

[auffantr]

They check all the imputs that go in the 4x4 module and they seemed ok. Base on that they said the 4x4 module is the culprit.

Does this sound about rigth?

 

[pbmorrow67]

Hey guys - I have a 2004 XLT that had the same transmission problem - turns out it was under a Ford recall - the dealerships were supposed to notify all owners of certain models but were not required too as it was not a safety recall. May want to check with Ford directly and maybe try to get some of that money back for a problem that the dealerships and Ford were going to fix for free....

 

[drakekilla]

4x4 still isn't workin

When I start up my '02 Xplorer the Diagnostic lights on the dash that come on (in regards to 4x4) is the 4x4 Low, My 4x4 high light doesn't even come on and when I try the 4x4 low or 4x4 high button (when it is in neutral with brake) neither are working.

Does this mean anything since the 4x4 low diagnostic light will come on but not the 4x4 high?

I also wonder if it made a difference when I changed the battery a month ago. Would that cause the Module to F-up?

I am going to take it to the Stealership next week to see what they say and if it is just the module I will replace it myself.

Has anyone ordered one and where can I get one for the lowest price?

Thank all!

 

[skidoomxz99]

What exactly causes the delay when shifting the transmission. My 02, will delay a second when going from reverse to drive. Is that normal?

 

[auffantr]

The delay in the transmission between forward and reversed is cause by a faulty solenoid body. Between parts and labor you are looking from 300 to 400 depending on your dealership. It is more of an annoyance than an actual safety issue, they told me at y dealership that it does not affect transmission performance nor will it damage the transmission any further.

 

[drakekilla]

Anyone got any ideas on what is causing the problem?

 

[gijoecam]

Wasn't there a TSB out on the issue? I think there is.... I'll try and check from work tomorrow if I have time (I'm back-logged two weeks worth of work)....

-Joe