Hello,

Replaced the 4x4 tcm because of a shudder in first gear. With the new module the shudder disappeared but now the truck shifts into 4wd by itself and stays there. I am now on my 2nd new module because I returned the first one thinking it was defective.

If I cycle the 4x4 high switch and the 4x4 auto switch, the truck switches back int 2wd but on for a moment then goes back into 4wd. I don't get a 4x4high indicator light but I can hear and feel it is in 4wd. Almost like it thinks the truck needs help with the traction. I have now disconnected the module completely and the trucks runs/shifts beautifully in 2wd. I know my transmission is good. BTW, I have no trouble codes.

Any ideas? Do I have a bad speed sensor somewhere? and How do I trouble shoot for it?

Thanks in Advance,

Jimmy Carine
Manorville Ny

 

Hi Jimmy, Welcome to FTE.

How are your tires for tread wear? A lot of folks think that they can replace just one or two tires on a A4WD system. But you really need to have all four tires be very similar in diameter or the system will think it is seeing wheel slip.

Another thing is that the control modules for the 2002 model year were updated and vary with Explorer model. Where did you get the replacements you tried? If you got them from salvage or even a small Ford dealer they might be suspect. Many people have had good success with Ford Parts - Silver State Ford Parts. I have used them twice for electronic parts (including a 4WD control module) and have gotten great service and good prices from them.

Good luck.

 

You have a ControlTrac T/C.

When was the last time the ATF was flushed (in T/C) and the hall sensors cleaned.

It is imperative that the tires are properly inflated and similar in dimensions..... Philip

 

Thanks for the replies,

I had the transmission serviced several months ago. They told me everything looked good. Sorry, I have no idea what hall sensors are so I don't know if they have been cleaned.

Funny you mention the tires, I had two new ones installed in the front and had the now former fronts moved to the back. I was also noticing yesterday that the tires in the rear would need to be replaced soon because they looked at the end of their life span. So that theory makes sense. I'll try two new tires in the rear and hope that's it.

Thank you very much for you help and I'll let you know how it works out...

 

P.S. I bought the module from a local ford dealer.

 

This has no bearing on the condition of the ATF in the T/C... Get it flushed.. (every 30K)..

The HALL sensors are mounted in the rear of the T/C case near the output shafts....

 

where is the 4x4 TCM on an 04 Explorer with the 4.6 v8 ??

Mine has the shudder when turning,,going straight its fine,,I have changed the Transcase fluid at 33 k,,now has 61k on the explorer has 4 Newer tires( all the same) with about 4-5 k on them

ps I have noticed if it is driven further say like and hour or so,,,the shudder seems less on non existant after that,,or somewhat less noticable !!

 

m350,

Time to flush the transfer case fluid again, clean the HALL sensors.

ATF for replacement fill.... Philip

 

It's possible that the shudder you feel is coming from the rear differential if you have limited slip. Mine does this slightly in tight turning and I have verified it's not the 4WD system by disabling it - the shudder does not change. There is a TSB floating around about this but I forget the TSB number.

Ford did away with the seperate 4WD control module and moved the function onto the PCM in 2004. You should still be able to disable the 4WD system temporarily by finding and pulling the correct power fuse(s). If I'm not mistaken there is also a relay to switch power to the transfer case clutch in the 2004s. You should be able check in your Owner's Guide to see.

If you have LS then try to disable the 4WD system and see if the shudder remains in tight turns.

edit: Google for Ford TSB 04-24-20 and you will find it easily.