Notices
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator 1997 - 2002 and 2003 - 2006 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator Discussion

4x4 shifting problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 22, 2012 | 08:40 AM
  #1  
Firefighter 1406's Avatar
Firefighter 1406
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 108
From: Northern Indiana
Club FTE Silver Member

4x4 shifting problems

Alright I have a 98 Expy and it has the 2H, AWD, 4H, and 4L. I was having problems with it in Awd it would last about a block and then would start flashing. It would stay in 4H but would have to stop to shift it in, couldnt shift on the fly. And 4 L worked fine. Researched on here and they say motor bad or clean the magnetic sensors. So I took off the transfercase motor and it is working properly, cleaned the sensors and re-installed. Now it stays in AWD and 4H great. Will not even shift into 4L now. And again with both settings you have to bring the truck to a complete stop before it will shift into anything.

Any suggestions?
 
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2012 | 12:01 PM
  #2  
alloro's Avatar
alloro
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,322
Likes: 5,132
From: 0,0,1
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by Firefighter 1406
Will not even shift into 4L now.
Since you didn't mention it I figured I'll ask...you are shifting into neutral before attempting to switch into 4WDL correct?
 
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2012 | 06:58 PM
  #3  
Firefighter 1406's Avatar
Firefighter 1406
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 108
From: Northern Indiana
Club FTE Silver Member

Yes. Shifting to low is front neutral. Just really weird. I am wondering if the motor is working, just not strong enough to shift on the fly or what. Very confusing.
 
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2012 | 12:12 AM
  #4  
alloro's Avatar
alloro
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,322
Likes: 5,132
From: 0,0,1
Club FTE Gold Member
The shift motor only controls the mechanical high to low (and back) shifting within the transfer case. On the fly engagement is accomplished electrically by engaging the front clutch in the transfer case.
 
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2012 | 03:08 PM
  #5  
Firefighter 1406's Avatar
Firefighter 1406
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 108
From: Northern Indiana
Club FTE Silver Member

So this is a electrical component that needs changed? Or these is something wrong in the transfercase internally that is bad? Truck has 165,000 miles on it. I am still confused as to why I have lost 4L.
 
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2012 | 11:11 PM
  #6  
alloro's Avatar
alloro
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,322
Likes: 5,132
From: 0,0,1
Club FTE Gold Member
I think your transfer case is fine. Since you were able to shift into low before removing the shift motor and now you can't after reinstalling it, then it would seem to me that the shift motor is either flaky or it didn't go back in correctly.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Oscarsf3506.0
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Feb 21, 2013 08:21 PM
homermandy
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
7
Nov 28, 2010 11:09 AM
oct7brian
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
2
May 2, 2009 11:27 PM
86moneypit
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
6
Jan 27, 2005 09:31 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:20 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE