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4wd Issues (won't engage)

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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 10:27 PM
  #1  
95FordTruck02's Avatar
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4wd Issues (won't engage)

Alright.. time for another question.

I have searched and read through a number of 4wd engaging problem threads and know that I need to check the module at the floorboard and then whether or not the shift motor runs... but first, wanted to ask a simple question.

Will both problems related to the 4wd engaging system result in the 4wd switch on the dash (1995) to not display any lights? As in.. when I press the 4wd button nothing happens (no noises, no lights, etc). Are there any other fuses or relays I should check out besides the obvious labeled fuses?

Another weird anomaly: occasionally, if i have disconnected the battery or pulled to observe certain fuses the 4LO light on the switch will be illuminated from when I turn the key to the on position until I have started the truck.

I have never used the 4wd in this Bronco. Bought the truck wrecked and have slowly gone through each problem one at a time. It does have a new transfer case as the original one was cracked- old shift motor remains.

Any advice is appreciated...
 
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Old Jan 22, 2011 | 02:15 AM
  #2  
ford1977owner's Avatar
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From: shamokin pa
your refering to the push button in the dash right? it could just be a bad push button...happened to our 93 explorer...make sure u check the wires for the 4wd tho there could be a wire thats broke
 
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Old Jan 22, 2011 | 12:20 PM
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The dash indicators are triggered by the shift module once the shift motor has engaged in the selected position. This is why the indicators will sometimes flash before staying on. As for the reason behind the 4LO indicator coming on after a battery disconnect, there are any number of reasons it could happen. Doubtful that it is indicative of a problem.
 
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Old Jan 22, 2011 | 12:56 PM
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alright.. sounds like nothing out of the ordinary then for a non working 4wd system

I replaced the switch not too long ago hoping that was the problem, but same issues. I will proceed with the search for the problem at the control module thing and the shift motor itself. Thanks guys.
 
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Old Jan 22, 2011 | 11:11 PM
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Sometimes all that these systems require is the removal and cleaning of the shift motor. If the shift motor stalls BETWEEN shift points, the module (behind the passenger side kick panel below the dashboard) doesn't "know" what gear has been engaged in the t-case and as a fail-safe it won't send electricity to the motor to prevent serious damage to the t-case. The "fix" requires removing the motor, rotating the shift carrier by hand into a known shift point (marks are cast into the shift motor mounting on the t-case) and then lining up the shift motor and installing it back into the t-case. Cleaning the electric shift motor with electrical parts cleaner and getting any crud off of it is a good idea before installing it again.
 
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Old May 26, 2011 | 08:26 PM
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This is an old thread but I think this is the problem I'm having too.

So all your saying I have to do is rotate the shaft on the back of the transfer case, with the t case motor, to the marks, either 4hi or 4lo, and rotate the t case motor to match and it should be good?

And what's the module under the dash what should be done with that? Replaced? And what does it look like so I know what I'm trying to find.
 
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