Couple weeks ago, was in a spot that needed 4wd. Turned the switch, the 4x4 dash light came on, but rear wheels didn't do anything. Lucky that we were able to get out with ft wheels only.

Suggestions? Has 3.0, xlt version.

 

Have you checked to see if there is a driveshaft to the rear? And axles in both rear side? I'm just giessing that it's new to you but if it isn't and you've had 4wd work in the past those steps wouldn't be where I'd start.
I don't have a 4wd so I'm not sure how the system works so after that I'm useless. I am sure someone here will know how it is setup and get you pointed in the right direction.

 

Even without pushing the switch the rears should drive IF the front wheels slip. The 4WD switch simply locks the centre driveshaft so the torque split is 50:50.

You'll need to check the torque converter drive to the rear is working normally, if it isn't the 4WD switch will have no effect...

If you arrange the car with front wheels on wet grass and the rears on tarmac or concrete she should drive through the rear wheels once the fronts are slipping. If it doesn't then the transfer box needs attention I think.

 

Yeah, the rear wheels don't turn period. 2wd or 4wd. We've had it a couple years, it used to work. I'll have to dig into it I guess when I get time, was hoping maybe someone here had some insight.
Still runs good and other than the Awd/4wd issue, everything else works fine. Of course that is potentially a big issue. Hopefully not. Its not worth putting alot of $ into.

 

If it's mechanical more than likely it's your transfer case/PTU which powers the drive shaft. See if you can rotate the drive shaft with the engine OFF in Park? One shouldn't be able to rotate it.

 

It doesn't rotate.

 

There is a slight chance that the gearbox is blown and the drive shaft is jammed enough where you can't turn it by hand but it won't power the rear wheels.

One model year had a fluid coupling before the rear that could be bad too.

The last easy thing is a blown #4 position 10A fuse on the 4WD module, interior fuse panel although on my 2009 if blown it enables the Wrench Dash Icon.

There is a second one, #18 5A for 4WD switch but your radio wouldn't be working.

 

Thanks for the info. Fuses are ok. I ordered a service manual on dvd... hopefully once I have it I may be able to narrow it down. Someone I know said it could be the 4wd module. I have no clue, I honestly don't even really understand how the system actually works.

 

If you are getting a manual, I guess that you want to fix it?

Acid test, all four wheels off the ground. Since you have an open differential at the back/front, at least one wheel in the front and back should be rotating. If you jam the rotating wheel with a 2x4, etc. the other should rotate.

If the drive shaft is rotating but not the rear wheels, disconnect the cable at the rear end and check with a meter. This is a pulse width modulated 12V DC signal so a digital meter may have a problem with it. An analog meter is better or a digital with an analog bar graph. Be careful as the drive shaft will be rotating.

The 4WD module is in the center console between the shift lever and the storage compartment, a real PITA to get at!

 

Thanks for the info.
Well I just got a 2003 F150 4wd supercrew, and the manual covers all models 2003-2004. So I figured it would be a good investment to have for pretty inexpensive. I plan on keeping the truck for a good while.
I would like to fix the 4wd on the Escape if its cheap...sure. If its expensive, probably not.

Escape was bought a couple years ago for my son as a temporary first vehicle. It runs fine right now, albeit only having FWD, -- not AWD or 4wd. We will probably upgrade next summer if everything works out, so I'm not overly worried about it. Haven't been overly impressed with it overall. My hope it he can get another 10-15K out of it.

 

Well I got the ford dvd service manuals, very comprehensive.
And I appreciate all the offers to help with this... however, my son wrecked it so it doesn't matter now. grrrrr. We love em, but teenagers are a real pain in the a$$ sometimes.

 

Look at it this way: You didn't want to sink $ into it. He saved you time, effort, and $ in repairs all in one shot.

 

Haha, yeah... I guess. Problem is now I have to lay out $ for another car. Oh well, it is what it is.

On the positive side I guess, I have alot of good Escape parts now if anyone needs any... LOL

 

Roof rack cross members if they fit/work on a '12. I don't think they do though.
Engines are always sought. Transmissions too. Let the local reapir shops know and you might recover a decent chunk of change selling parts off.

You haven't hinted at injury so there's that to be thankful for too.