98 Expy 4 wheel drive issue...
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2007
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98 Expy 4 wheel drive issue...
you guys have been very helpful in the past and I'm hoping you can offer a few suggestions to this issue I have.....it's a 98 4.6..4x4....went to hit the beach Saturday night...turned the switch to 4H everything was Ok...as i drove about 20 yards it clicked back and forth to AWD...then the display for AWD only stayed on....after about another 20 yards nothing....no display light....no 4 wheel engagement...luckly I was able to drive with only 2 wheel drive to get it off the beach...today as I turn the switch....nothing happens???? anything suggestions will be very helpful....Thank You..
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2007
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Thanks Allero.....This sounds like an expensive fix??? is there a way to test the shift motor before just replacing????..It seems as I turn the selector on the dash nothing is displayed....no indicator lights appear on....
Fleet Owner
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The indicator lights on the dash are controlled by sensors in the shift motor. So if the motor doesn't move, the sensors don't trip, and the dash lights don't change.
You can remove the shift motor (3 bolts) and then turn the dash switch (key on) to see if the motor moves or not. Last I knew it was about $75 for a shift motor, give or take.
You can remove the shift motor (3 bolts) and then turn the dash switch (key on) to see if the motor moves or not. Last I knew it was about $75 for a shift motor, give or take.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2007
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I have found numerous aftermarket shift motors online...from $88-$99 but can't find a Ford OEM available????.It appears the biggest issue is the wiring harness....there seems to be alot of wires from other locations going into the same plug....Is there a trick to this????.Thanks Again...Jim
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2007
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With the holiday weekend here I was looking forward to getting out early and installing the new transfer case shift motor....this task went very issue free...But it still did not solve the problem....with the new motor installed....everything checked over 3 times...this is what it does now...as I turn the selector to A4WD the light comes on in the dash...but I didn't hear the usual click sound like it is engaged....turn to 4WD...nothing...no light....no click sound...no engagement...turn to 4WL...no light...no click sound....no engagement...So I'm back to square one here....After going through this I took the origional motor and connected it to the battery...it did spin to engage....It surely needed to be replaced after some 10-12 years on the beach...But my problem is still there.....And suggestions would be greatly appreciated....Thanks Jim
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
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The 4WD selector switch (**** on the dash) has a history of failure in the early Expeditions. Symptoms sound a lot like what you reported in your original post- switching back & forth between 4WD & AWD.
Kind of sucks to just throw parts at a problem. Might be cheaper in the long-run to have the issue properly diagnosed.
Kind of sucks to just throw parts at a problem. Might be cheaper in the long-run to have the issue properly diagnosed.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2007
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This is where the vehicle stands right now...with a suggestion from Lazy K....I raised the front of the SUV....started the vehicle....turn selector switch to A4WD....both tires spin freely..... both axles spin freely.....driveshaft turns freely.....no matter which position the selector switch is in A4WD...4H...4L....the A4Wd light stays on in the dash with the same results at the wheels...axles and driveshaft....the only time the A4WD light is out is when the selector is in the 2WD position...Any past experiences or suggestions would be greatly appreciated....Thanks....Jim
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5th Wheeling
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Update...after my last post and testing I decided to go through every fuse under the hood and under the dash to check....found no blown fuses...with the front end still raised I tried the test one more time...the 4 wheel drive engaged in every position on the selector switch A4WD..4H...4L....with the wheels locking into 4 wheel drive...I could hear the engagement as soon as I turned the switch.....I tried numerous times yesterday while the front end was still in the air and while driving...It seems that the 4 wheel drive is back to working perfectly again...this seems very odd to me???? just waiting for this issue to reappear again?????
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
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I guess one (or more) of the fuses weren't making a good connection. Removing and reinstalling them may have scratched the oxidation enough to start making contact again.
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