Yet another 4WD failure

[SCVJeff]

Hi all, 1st post here but not new to forums at all..

I have a 2002 Exploder Limited V8 with the 3 button dash drive control. I don't think this is a full-time 4WD, even though the button says "Auto 4WD", but it also has High & Low positions that I assume are "locked" (at least that's how I've always used it). Not sure I really understand the difference between 'AWD' & Auto 4WD".

Anyway I got caught on an ice road today face to face with a tractor, backed off the road into reasonably firm mud & snow to let him pass, only to find out that the front wheels refused to engage (what followed is a different story). I have read elsewhere here that some peoples dash lights go through a system check, but mine don't. I had no indication that the front drive wasn't engaged whatsoever until I was in trouble.

I also read where someone was talking about the transfer motor (the Ford rep mentioned that too @ $600.00!!), but I failed to ask how a transfer motor could cause the system to not turn the front drive in any mode, including "Auto". It seems to me that it has to be in one mode of 4WD or another, yes?

I'll sure appreciate any help on this, pointers to threads, etc. That was a surprise I don't want again anytime soon.

Thanks, Jeff

 

[35Remmy]

I really don't understand these 4WD failures. Between my wife's family and my family, there are 11 Ford's that use 4WD CONSTANTLY (Farm=MUD) and no one, not ONE has has an issue with the 4WD. These trucks range in age from a '97 to a 2007. I don't get it.

 

[SCVJeff]

Maybe that's because your key word is CONSTANTLY. I use it anytime I'm off pavement to exercise it. Obviously not enough.

 

[Cstoliker]

Yes, just like e-brakes. Use it or loose it.

 

[tbe2002]

Sounds like the 4x4 control modular (sp?) to me. When ours went out we didn't get the 4x4 lights at start up and no 4x4 eigther. It is quite a common issue on the 02s. There is an updated part from ford, but is still about 200. But is really easy to change out our self. Do a search for it, very common.

 

[SCVJeff]

Sounds like the 4x4 control modular (sp?) to me. When ours went out we didn't get the 4x4 lights at start up and no 4x4 eigther. It is quite a common issue on the 02s. There is an updated part from ford, but is still about 200. But is really easy to change out our self. Do a search for it, very common.

Are you referring to the motorized switch or another control module? Since I posted that I did pull the transfer case switch and everything turns just fine. There are 2 additional sensors bolted into the transfer case that I didn't remove so I couldn't pull it all the way out (didn't know if removing them would leak grease). I am still curious what the difference between "Auto 4x4" is compared to "4x4 High". The transfer case appears to have 2 positions: hi & lo. So what's "Auto".

Thanks!!

 

[Cstoliker]

In 4wdAuto the Tranfercase is engaged automatically when the rear wheel start to spin. The good thing about this system is you can use in on dry payment. The bad thing is torque is only applied to the front wheel once you are good and stuck. It’s good for road driving but less effective in real bad conditions or off road.

In 4wd High the transfer case in engaged all the time giving you true 4x4. Torque is applied to the front wheels all the time making it less likely to get stuck and the front and rear wheels are locked together preventing a single front or rear wheel to spin or stop spinning without a corresponding wheel doing the same on the other end of the T-case. The down side you should not use this on dry pavement because the front and read wheel can not spin at different speeds witch causes binding when turning. When you make a turn the front wheels have to travel farther and therefore faster then the rear wheels but can not.

More info can be found here:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134671

 

[SCVJeff]

Well given that I think I'm in bigger trouble than just a control module unless there is further control inside the transfer case. The front wheels don't spin under any condition. Bummer...

 

[stevebrown1948]

And yet another AWD failure

I just had the same problem. Driving for years thinking I had full time AWD. Got on an ice covered hill with the front wheels on a dry patch, and my rear wheels started spinning. Nothing in the front. Punched the 4x4 High button - same thing. Low button - same thing. And never any indication of any kind on the dash.
I found one forum that said it may be the Traction Control Module. Any one know anything about that?
My bigger concern is that it's apparently an electronic problem, maybe a computer problem, and I may have also lost the ABS.
Any comments very appreciated.