2004 explorer ????'s
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
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!
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
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.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,818
Likes: 83
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
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
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
Posts: 4,818
Likes: 83
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
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
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?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,818
Likes: 83
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
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Orourkebrad1976
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
7
Nov 13, 2015 06:49 PM
uncleAl
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
2
Sep 8, 2007 05:47 PM
Bob Ayers
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
19
Aug 23, 2005 09:21 PM
dbessey
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Oct 9, 2004 10:29 PM