Went to use my 2002 4x4 ford explorer this morning in the icy midwest and pushed the 4X4 high button. The light came on the dashboard.

After driving down the street I noticed the light was off. So, pushed the button again....light came on. Kept driving and 5 seconds later the light turned off.

I'm pretty sure it's going to 4x4 high when I push the button cause I can make it slide....as soon as the light goes off I can make it slide.

I've never owned an explorer before....does it have something built into it that make it go back to 4x4 AUTO or do I have something wrong?

thanks!

 

It should stay in 4x4 high untill u put it back to 4x4 auto. I would bring it in.

 

Hi did you figure out what is wrong with your explorer? My explorer did the same thing. I"m taking it in to the dealer tomorrow but would appreciate any information you might have.
Thanks

Pete

 

I have been having the exact same problem on our 2002. At first I thought is was when I shifted to N to wait for a light, but now it seems to happen as I roll to a dead stop. It also will not go back on until we are rolling again.

I glad to have seen this - at least I know I'm not crazy!

Thanks

 

just got a call back from the dealer. They said the 4WD controller module is fried. It is taking the truck out of 4WD for no apparent reason. ~$500 for parts and labor. OUCH. Anyways, not sure I believe this dealer so if you guys find out any other info please let me know.
Thanks

 

http://www.flatratetech.com has a forum on ford owner support. I posted this problem there because I am having the same problem with a 2002.

One technician thought it could be a vacum leak. A second tech thought it could be

"it sounds like an electrical problem, it may be losing power to the field coil that engages 4x4"

He said that such a problem would set an error code.

 

got my truck back from the dealer.
the diagnostic found P code p1812.
Had to replace the 4x4 controller.
Interesting thing is that I asked for the old part back and the old one and new one has different part numbers...so I"m thinking it might be a problem with the earlier explorers....my was made back in the early part of 2001

 

Bad Module......here were the parts replaced:
1 F2UZ*14526*N FS ASY-15 AMP
1 1L2Z*7E453*AF 4X4 Control Module
1 7453D1 Module Assembly - Electronic Shift Replaced

 

Our repair came back with only one part replaced 7E453 4X4 module . It seems to have fixed the problem

 

i have an 2002 explorer with the same trouble, but my explorer 4x4 quit working all together. i took it in to have it looked at, and they also replaced the 7E453 4X4 module. and it seemed to fix everything.

 

FYI, for those who are having problems with their 2004 Ford Explorer 4X4 the module is built into the PCM. It took me a while because I do work, but I had my ABS and my 4x4 was blinking. I took it to my buddy who has a certified transmission shop and we did a code check on the SUV and it gave me the front left and the rear center ABS and we shut the codes off and ran the truck. The ABS left side was bad so I replaced it, which took care of that light for the ABS. We did another diagnostic for the powertrain and it gave me four codes. We shut those off and ran the truck again and it gave me code number P1824, which I looked up and was 4 wheel drive clutch relay circuit failure. Before I went to the dealer who was asking for almost $200.00 I decided to do a wire check underneath the truck for ground and power. The first wire I grabbed in my hand was the ground, thats in the rear transfer case. And to my amazement it was broken off. That solved my problem with the 4x4 blinking light! So good luck everyone! So definately check your ground wires!!!!

 

Hmmmm,,,my 04' V8 Explorer,3:73's,,Runs Great,,FAST,,the 4x4 seems to work fine,,but I get this chattering when turning a corner on take off from stop's,,Going straight is fine,,,turning the steering wheel some,,like front tires are turning different speeds,,trigger's this chatter,,feels like 4x4 trying to engage.

Odd thing is after driving an hour or so,,,truck completly up to temp,,,It seems to not do it as much.
I will check the ground's,,,any Ideas,,?