I've read all kinds of stuff about the blinking of the 4WD High and Low lights on explorers since mine starting blinking.

I have a 98 Explorer with Auto 4WD. It was fine until I put new tires on. Actually, I put two new tires on and left the front ones because there was still a lot of tread. There must have been a lot of difference between the two tires because I had a heck of a time controlling it. Ocassionally (I'm assuming because of the road surface) it would suddenly pull to one side. And I mean pull to the point of being very dangerous. It would scare me and my passengers. So I finally gave in and put the other two new tires on. This solved the pulling but then the flashing lights started. It doesn't ever occur immediately. It's usually after I've already driven at least 15 minutes (often more) before it starts to blink. Once it starts, it just keeps on going through a cycle of 6 blinks, wait two minutes, then 6 blinks again. When it's blinking, it doesn't seem to pay attention to me switching the 4WD ****. However, when it doesn't blink, the 4WD High can be engaged.

Could the tires have anything to do with it? Sure seems weird that it started occuring right at the time I put new tires on. Should I just replace those damn Hall sensors? I think the 4wd High is often engaged now (or at least sometimes) because it sure felt like 4wd when I took a hard sharp turn into a parking space yesterday. Please Help!!

 

I think you'll find that most, if not all AWD/Auto 4wd vehicles require that you replace all four tires at once to prevent binding. The only exception seems to be if the new tires have the same circumference as the pair you leave on. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't experienced it. NOT FUN.

 

I have 1997 Sport 4X4 that started doing same thing after installing 3 new tires and placing the new un-used spare into 4th position. All are the same make, size, load rating and size. I get exactly 6 flashes every 2-3 minutes, just like lfwallace above.

Now this is too co-incidental! Does my 1997 Sport 4x4 have the same HALL sensors?
lfwallace, what year model is your EXP?

 

I've got a 98 explorer sport and I put new tires on about 2 months ago, and now mine is doing it. Now, I've had this issue before, and fixed it, it happened about 2 years ago, and I can't seem to find the fix I did. Now, I didn't buy a thing, and it fixed it. I do remember crawling up under it and fiddling a bit, but for the life of me, I can't remember what I did or find my post. Please help.

 

Sounds like the same problem I was having. Does your windows work during these 6 blinking cycles? Mine didn't! The fix is to clean a connector under the car... on top of the trans. If I remember correctly it's a rather large connection. Clean the dirt and grime out of it and use some electrical grease to help seal the connectors inside. Hope this helps!