I have never seen the 4WD indicator on my '07 Escape function, even in deep snow but the indicator works when I start the vehicle. Is there a mod to make the 4WD selectable so I can use it when I want to?

Al
'07 Escape
'04 EB Explorer
'96 EB Bronco

 

There should be a selector switch on the gearshift.

 

Strange. About 3 days ago I noticed the same thing on my light panel and was going to post the same question!

As far as the selector switch......?

 

No switch and the light only indicates a problem.
You will never know when it is functioning.

 

DoctorCAD - The dealer told me that the 4WD indicator lights when the "intelligent" 4WD is engaged. I will check in the manual but I believe that is the case.

There is no 4WD selector on the '07 so I want to be able to find the circuit that engages the 4WD and add a switch to it so it can be selectable at certain times when I want it in 4WD regardless of what the "intelligent" system thinks.

Are there any Ford factory techs on the board? I have the HELM Factory Service and Wiring Manuals so I may look at the circuit and add my own mod.

Possibly a Ford tech on theboard will have a solution....

Al

 

Dealer is wrong (imagine that! I once had a dealer tell me that there was no V-8 in a Mustang).

Light only indicates a problem, like the ABS light.

 

yeah I've had my 4wd engage hundreds of times and it does not give you any indication. The Ford traction control gives you and indication when it is activated on my Fusion, but the Escape 4wd system doesn't do that, I think your dealer is confusing the two systems between vehicles.

The earlier year Escapes had the driver selectable 4wd system, for manual and auto operation, I wonder if the parts from the earlier years can be incorporated into the newer models ?. Given the drivetrain pcm programming, you probably can't just swap the parts, but a Ford tech might be better able to answer that for you. good luck in your search.

 

that is just what I am wanting to do. let us know if you fine anything out on the subject.

 

If I find a soultion, I'll post it.

Aren't there any Ford factory or dealer techs who know about this? We can't be the only ones looking for it!

"Intelligent 4WD" or not, I still prefer the selectable system on my 04 Explorer, although nothing beats the hubs and transfer case on my 96 Bronco. I want to install posi F&R soon on my Bronco.

Al