Disable Auto 4wd?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 4
From: Maine
Disable Auto 4wd?
Looking at buying a 2005 XLT Explorer. Everything looks good on it. Only problem I see is the automatic 4wd. I've driven one before and hated it when it kicked in during a snowstorm. Basically, auto 4wd is a deal breaker. Is there a way to disable that feature and still use 4wd high and low as needed?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
I don't think so. There is suppose to be a wire by the drivers side seat frame that can be cut to disable everything... but then you loose the ability to use 4 x 4.
We have a 2002 EXP with the auto feature and have NEVER had a real problem. I would not think that is a deal breaker.
We have a 2002 EXP with the auto feature and have NEVER had a real problem. I would not think that is a deal breaker.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 288
Likes: 1
From: SW Florida
Do a Google search for 'brown wire mod'. Remember that 2004 - 2005 model years are a bit different than earlier years so pay attention when you are doing research. But yes, you can disable A4WD until you want to engage 4 High or 4 Low manually.
Having said that, I do not hate A4WD and I would not consider disabling it. In my opinion it works as designed. If you are driving in a snowstorm you should be switched into 4 High anyway. I would not let it be a deal breaker.
Having said that, I do not hate A4WD and I would not consider disabling it. In my opinion it works as designed. If you are driving in a snowstorm you should be switched into 4 High anyway. I would not let it be a deal breaker.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Elkridge, MD
I know what you mean, 93F250. I have an '04 Explorer 4.6l. If I need to get on the gas quick, the rear wheels break loose, front differential slams in 4x4 and all 4 tires start spinning, and this is on dry pavement. I would love to be able to disconnect the auto 4x4 in the summer and reconnect in the winter.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Elkridge, MD
I don't "NEED" or "WANT" to break the rear wheels loose, it just happens when getting on the gas hard from a dead stop. I'm curious if all 4.6l Explorers are this way? It's almost like a sticky gas pedal or something (but it's not). I have to mentally think about ever time I put my foot on the gas pedal or the car lunges forward and about snaps your head off. Does anyone else have a similar issue with their Explorer having a very sensitive gas pedal?
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 288
Likes: 1
From: SW Florida
I don't "NEED" or "WANT" to break the rear wheels loose, it just happens when getting on the gas hard from a dead stop. I'm curious if all 4.6l Explorers are this way? It's almost like a sticky gas pedal or something (but it's not). I have to mentally think about ever time I put my foot on the gas pedal or the car lunges forward and about snaps your head off. Does anyone else have a similar issue with their Explorer having a very sensitive gas pedal?
I can pretty easily break the rear tires loose in my 2002 V8, especially if the pavement is wet or dirty. It's not a problem or concern to me though and I have no trouble controlling it at all.
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Hi Dan, did you ever resolve the "snappy" gas pedal issue? We just bought a 2004 with 4.6 and it sounds like the same thing, almost didnt buy it because of it, its about jumping off the line with minimum pressure applied to get going.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
For the snappy throttle I'd suggest (as was sort of suggested above) opening the throttle plate with the engine off and spraying the back side of the plate as well as bore of the throttle body with STP Throttle Body Cleaner. The carbon that builds up can cause the plate to stick and by the time you overcome the force to open the plate, which doesn't feel like much on the foot due to mechanical advantage, the plate will snap open.
The reason I mentioned STP cleaner is I've tried a few different brands and the STP seems to cut through the sludge quickest while also evaporating fast. You'll still end up with an engine that is difficult to get started after spraying all the cleaner, unless you opt to remove the throttle body from the engine and clean it away from the vehicle.
-Rod
The reason I mentioned STP cleaner is I've tried a few different brands and the STP seems to cut through the sludge quickest while also evaporating fast. You'll still end up with an engine that is difficult to get started after spraying all the cleaner, unless you opt to remove the throttle body from the engine and clean it away from the vehicle.
-Rod
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 655
From: Sioux Falls Area
i'm a little late to the party, but i had the same problem with the throttle plate sticking in my 5.0
i did what Rod suggested, except i used el-cheap-o carb cleaner and a little brass brush.
as stated above, it is hard to remove with just a spray cleaner, but the brass brush made pretty quick work of it.
just another idea.
i did what Rod suggested, except i used el-cheap-o carb cleaner and a little brass brush.
as stated above, it is hard to remove with just a spray cleaner, but the brass brush made pretty quick work of it.
just another idea.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Thanks Guys, cleaned the throttle body good and problem solved, takes off smooth as could be!!
for some reason I decided to lift out the air filter though it looked new, low and behold someone left rags laying in there and guess they were really restricting air, thing flies now..
for some reason I decided to lift out the air filter though it looked new, low and behold someone left rags laying in there and guess they were really restricting air, thing flies now..
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