Won't shift back to 2WD from 4High

[Popeye1959]

My '03 Explorer Sport shifts just fine from 2WD to 4 Hi when driving. According to the owner's manual it says it can shift in and out of 2WD-4Hi at highway speeds. The problem is, it won't disengage from 4WD unless I come to a complete stop and shift to reverse and go back a smidge. When I put it in drive, I'm in 2WD. The lights switch from 2WD to 4Hi when the switch is turned, but the truck stays in 4Hi until I do the reverse thing.

Any ideas as to what does this and how do I make it stop?

 

[Popeye1959]

Shift motor maybe?

 

[corkey]

it seems it's drive line pressure that is keeping it in 4wd cause as you state it has to be stopped than put in reverse,,
it will come out if your switch is in 2wd in time, it may just be that the pressure has to be completely off,,

 

[Popeye1959]

I would think that standing at a stop and putting it neutral would have released it but it needs to go into reverse.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Are all your tires same size and properly aired up? How is the alignment?

 

[IAmTodd]

it seems it's drive line pressure that is keeping it in 4wd cause as you state it has to be stopped than put in reverse,,
it will come out if your switch is in 2wd in time, it may just be that the pressure has to be completely off,,

Mine works that way as well. A little engine braking will allow it to disengage.

 

[Popeye1959]

Are all your tires same size and properly aired up? How is the alignment?

Not sure how that will make a difference but the tires are the same size and properly inflated.

 

[Popeye1959]

Mine works that way as well. A little engine braking will allow it to disengage.

You mean downshifting? That may work temporarily but it isn't a fix. Have no warm place to crawl under it for the time being so I can't do much yet.

 

[IAmTodd]

You mean downshifting? That may work temporarily but it isn't a fix. Have no warm place to crawl under it for the time being so I can't do much yet.

No, if I'm under constant power and hit the 4x4 button it's still locked in 4x4 under I let off the gas for a few seconds. As corkey said, it's there's pressure on the components as normal driving causes it won't unlock.

 

[Popeye1959]

No, if I'm under constant power and hit the 4x4 button it's still locked in 4x4 under I let off the gas for a few seconds. As corkey said, it's there's pressure on the components as normal driving causes it won't unlock.

OK, but I have even come to a complete stop and put it in neutral and it didn't disengage. Only when it goes into reverse would it drop back to 2WD. I'll try what you suggest on the way home as we just got 3" of snow with a bit more expected.