2002 ford explorer 4x4 traction control module problem
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2002 ford explorer 4x4 traction control module problem
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
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
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 288
Likes: 1
From: SW Florida
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.
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.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 92
From: BC Canada
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
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
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
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...
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...
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 92
From: BC Canada
I had the transmission serviced several months ago.
The HALL sensors are mounted in the rear of the T/C case near the output shafts....
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 3
From: Eastern CT.
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 !!
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 !!
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 92
From: BC Canada
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 288
Likes: 1
From: SW Florida
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 !!
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 !!
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
lfwallace
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
4
May 6, 2008 09:41 PM
bix777
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
2
Jan 19, 2006 05:58 PM
ricki621
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
5
Sep 24, 2004 01:44 PM
Legend
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
7
May 23, 2002 01:51 PM