Switching to 4x4 Doesn't Work
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3
Switching to 4x4 Doesn't Work
2004 Ford Explorer XLT - AWD
During a recent snow storm I tried switching from all wheel drive to 4x4 High, unfortunately I was unable to get the transmission to switch into this gear or even the 4x4 Low gear. When I attempt to switch into either one of these modes nothing happens. I get no indicator light on the instrument panel or the small indicator light on the 4x4 Low switch. I've replaced both the high current fuse and the 5A fuse under the driver's side dash associated with the 4x4 function (using the owners manual). Niether one of these fixed the problem. Any suggestions on what to try next (other than taking it to the dealer)? In the four years I've had the vehicle this is only the second time I've tried switching into the 4x4 High or Low gear. The other time was just after I purchased the vehicle and it did work then. Thanks! RLJ50
During a recent snow storm I tried switching from all wheel drive to 4x4 High, unfortunately I was unable to get the transmission to switch into this gear or even the 4x4 Low gear. When I attempt to switch into either one of these modes nothing happens. I get no indicator light on the instrument panel or the small indicator light on the 4x4 Low switch. I've replaced both the high current fuse and the 5A fuse under the driver's side dash associated with the 4x4 function (using the owners manual). Niether one of these fixed the problem. Any suggestions on what to try next (other than taking it to the dealer)? In the four years I've had the vehicle this is only the second time I've tried switching into the 4x4 High or Low gear. The other time was just after I purchased the vehicle and it did work then. Thanks! RLJ50
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,209
From: Yorkshire, NY
You state that you have an AWD, but since you also have the ability to select 4X4 HI and LO you have the A4WD system.
The automatic four-wheel drive (A4WD) system is an electronic-shift 4X4 system that allows the operator to choose between three different 4X4 modes. The operator can switch between 4X4 AUTO and 4X4 HIGH modes at any speed. To engage or disengage 4X4 LOW range, the vehicle speed must be less than 5 km/h, the brake pedal must be depressed, and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
The front and rear shaft speed sensors (Hall-effect) are mounted to the transfer case and detect the speed of the front and rear transfer case driveshafts. This input is used by the four-wheel drive (4WD) control module to control 4WD operation.
The throttle position output signal is provided to the 4WD control module from the powertrain control module (PCM). This signal is used by the 4WD control module in controlling the 4WD clutch.
The shift motor sense plate, an integral part of the gearmotor encoder assembly, informs the 4WD control module of the transfer case position.
The digital transmission range (TR) sensor is located on the LH side of the transmission; this sensor informs the 4WD control module when the transmission is in NEUTRAL.
The electric shift motor is mounted externally to the gearmotor encoder assembly at the rear of the transfer case. It drives a rotary cam which moves the mode fork and range fork within the transfer case between the HIGH range (4X4 AUTO, 4X4 HIGH) and 4X4 LOW range positions.
The 4X4 shift motor is controlled by the 4WD control module which shifts the transfer case shift motor between HIGH range (4X4 AUTO, 4X4 HIGH), and 4X4 LOW modes.
I would suspect the shift motor 99% of the time for you type of problem. The shift motor sets on the back side of the transfer case. These have a tendacy to crud up from extended periods of NON-USE. I would remove the shift motor (May require security torx to remove) and open the unit up. Clean and re-grease the assembly. This is normally a 100% fix. I always put my Ranger and Explores thru the 4HI and 4LO modes once a month to keep the shift motor working properly.
Hope this helps...
The automatic four-wheel drive (A4WD) system is an electronic-shift 4X4 system that allows the operator to choose between three different 4X4 modes. The operator can switch between 4X4 AUTO and 4X4 HIGH modes at any speed. To engage or disengage 4X4 LOW range, the vehicle speed must be less than 5 km/h, the brake pedal must be depressed, and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
The front and rear shaft speed sensors (Hall-effect) are mounted to the transfer case and detect the speed of the front and rear transfer case driveshafts. This input is used by the four-wheel drive (4WD) control module to control 4WD operation.
The throttle position output signal is provided to the 4WD control module from the powertrain control module (PCM). This signal is used by the 4WD control module in controlling the 4WD clutch.
The shift motor sense plate, an integral part of the gearmotor encoder assembly, informs the 4WD control module of the transfer case position.
The digital transmission range (TR) sensor is located on the LH side of the transmission; this sensor informs the 4WD control module when the transmission is in NEUTRAL.
The electric shift motor is mounted externally to the gearmotor encoder assembly at the rear of the transfer case. It drives a rotary cam which moves the mode fork and range fork within the transfer case between the HIGH range (4X4 AUTO, 4X4 HIGH) and 4X4 LOW range positions.
The 4X4 shift motor is controlled by the 4WD control module which shifts the transfer case shift motor between HIGH range (4X4 AUTO, 4X4 HIGH), and 4X4 LOW modes.
I would suspect the shift motor 99% of the time for you type of problem. The shift motor sets on the back side of the transfer case. These have a tendacy to crud up from extended periods of NON-USE. I would remove the shift motor (May require security torx to remove) and open the unit up. Clean and re-grease the assembly. This is normally a 100% fix. I always put my Ranger and Explores thru the 4HI and 4LO modes once a month to keep the shift motor working properly.
Hope this helps...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
