Purchased a 2004 Lincoln Aviator, AWD, 200k miles at an auction, I'm familiar with standard 4wd systems, but this auto AWD is confusing me.

Truck is auto engaging the AWD after 30 seconds of driving, if I reset it back to auto, it locks AWD 30 seconds later.

If I'm driving above 30-40 MPH this gives a pretty intense whining sound. I assume overheating the system. Last test drive put it in AWD disabled mode- I assume from overheating.

Truck wants to auto lock AWD no matter what, I don't seem to be able to do anything to prevent this other than turn OFF traction control- which then ends up disabling the auto AWD and telling me to see owners manual as well.

Truck does pull a little from needing ball joints, but would this tell the computer to engage the AWD constantly ? Any thoughts?

I'd also mention the ABS light is on- I'm guessing a speed sensor could throw this off as well? My code reader can't seem to connect to this aviator- it could connect to my old explorers, but not the aviator strangely enough.

Thanks

 

The AWD is engaged when slip is detected. There is a very good chance the source of the ABS light is also the source of the AWD engaging.

-Rod

 

This is kinda my thought too.

Tried my scan tool as well as the ones at all the local auto parts stores and none seem to be able to connect to the damn thing.. I can connect with my phone app to read engine codes and monitor things- but it doesn't read ABS codes.

 

Right, you need to have a scan tool that is listed specifically as having the capability of accessing the ABS system to pull ABS codes.

 

Millinex...did you ever find out what the problem was? I have the exact same problem you described.

 

If your ABS light is on ........... Turn the truck on ,but don't move. ABS light comes on, checks continuity, then goes out after 3-4 seconds. If the light never goes out, then probably no continuity to one pickup.. Broken wire or sensor.... Next, put the truck in gear and start moving. At about 5 MPH the truck should start reading sensor signals to compare. If the light comes back on, probably one sensor is not working correctly.. Connected, but not reading ........ a good scan tool will give you additional problems and data........ If the ABS light is on, then the computer does not see all 4 wheels moving at the same speed. It thinks you might be STUCK and it engages the 4 wheel drive.
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this is generic how things work, to give you and idea.

 

I ended up just selling it for what I paid so I didn't have to mess with it, didn't feel like buying another code reader just to read lincoln abs codes, nor drive it somewhere to have it done.