I have a 2003 ford explorer and when you start it the abs light comes on and the traction control button on the center console turns off and the light on the dash comes on. It also trys to engage the 4x4 when your driving without pushing the button. What could be the problem.

 

On your passenger side kick panel there is a 4X4 MODULE. it is made by MOTOROLA, not kidding. From the sound of your problem it sounds like a 4X4 Module. It is a plug and play module and fairly simple to install. You can unplug the module and plug it back in to see if anything changed which will give it away that it has failed. If it makes you feel better you can bring your vehicle to a dealership and have it checked for 100 Dollars per hour. PM me if you have any other questions, i can run your vin and history.