2004 explorer ????'s
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2004 explorer ????'s
So I was towing my vintage travel trailer home this weekend, and got the 4x4 light flashing that seems to be so much trouble to so many people. It was every 2 minutes, would flash 8 times, rinse, repeat..... you guys all know. So her's my question, on the 2004 explorer XLT are the 4x4 CM and the power train CM the same unit? If they are the same unit is it as easy to replace as on all the other Ford models I've seen discussed? If it is, would anyone have some tips for me? By the way, this is a great forum! I'm so glad to have found it, it's been a great reference for diagnosing my problem. Thanks for looking!
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Wll after some more checking it seems that I may have a faulty ABS sensor. The ABS light came on before the 4x4 high light began flashing. Does anyone know anything about this??? Any and all help would be appreciated.
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
The rear ABS sensor has been a common problem on several years of Explorer. On the 2004 if you do not have AdvanceTrac or RSC there will be a single ABS speed sensor on the rear differential housing. That's the common one to fail. If you have AdvancTrac or RSC then you will one one wheel speed sensor for each wheel and those for some reason seem less prone to failure.
-Rod
-Rod
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Thanks for the reply Rod. That's the same info I've found around the web. It seems to only happen when I tow my trailer. Any idea why this would be. As soon as I unhitched it and restarted the vehicle the warning lights didn't appear. I would still like to know if this is something I should repair. Is there any way to test the sensor or even remove it to clean?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
If the lights are staying on constant and not only coming on while accelerating from a stop (where slip would most likely occur) I don't think wheels spinning is the issue. My guess would be more along the lines or an intermittent connection that goes open when the rear of the vehicle sags due to the tongue weight. Do you know how the tongue weight compares with the maximum listed in the owner's manual?
-Rod
-Rod
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The max toungue weight for the vehicle is 300 lbs I believe. I haven't put the tounge on a scale to check it, but my assumption was that it would be 10% of the trailer weight which is 2300 lbs. I'll get my scale out when I get home from work. Is an intermitent connection something fixable? I was going to get the rear of the explorer in the air today and check the ABS sensor for obvious signs of damage. Does anyone know if it's easy to remove and re-install?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
An intermittent connection would be fixable and pretty easy (depending on the tools you have an skills with a soldering iron). The tough part is finding the intermittent connection to start with.
The ABS sensor is likely held in to the differential by an 8mm or 10mm bolt with an o-ring to seal the sensor. Once the bolt is removed, you may need to twist the sensor a bit and walk it out of the hole.
-Rod
The ABS sensor is likely held in to the differential by an 8mm or 10mm bolt with an o-ring to seal the sensor. Once the bolt is removed, you may need to twist the sensor a bit and walk it out of the hole.
-Rod
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