hey, i have a 99 explorer v6 sohc. I love the truck....except for 1 "safety" feature. Automatic 4 wheel drive. Is there an easy way to disable the auto 4 wheel and still maintain 4 high and 4 low without messing with the GEM. One thought was a kill switch to the gem's 4x4 component but not sure if that'll work. ANY help would be greatly appreciated.

 

There is a "brown wire mod" to take it out of auto. Look on the transfer case and you will find a single brown wire that goes into case at the back. A switch is inserted in this circuit. Various locations to make the splice; at TC, under door edge, under seat, and at the GEM computer behind radio. Clutch only draws 2 1/2 amp so any switch will do. It won't cause any lights to flash. 2WD LO is interesting. The shift motor can only select HO, Neutral, LO and has nothing to do with 4WD.

 

What do you have against the automatic system??

 

I'm just not a fan of the auto, i dont trust it, i just dont like this thing clunking on whenever it wants because it feels the slightest little slip .

 

By the way thanks Opera House

 

Have you actually researched in-depth how the auto system works? Asked any Ford techs about it's operation? I would do that before modifying the system, just in case. There are specific conditions that it activates and the "slightest little slip" is not one of them. Just my opinion, of course, its your truck but messing with the 4x4 system isnt something you want to do on a whim.

 

Blah blah blah. It's been tested and works perfect. Here's the thread:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...brown+wire+mod

 

Thanks, I read it but am still wondering "why"? The benefits of the Auto system (like saving your *** in the rain, for example) outweigh any negatives (1mpg less, negligably more wear and tear). Doesnt make any sense to me. If Ford wanted it to have 2WD, it would have 2WD. What exactly don't you "trust" about the system? Id be more trusting of the system than a high torque Explorer without it. Oh well, to each their own I guess.

 

Here's how I see it. I have the other version of Control Trac so my opinions might be wrong. I have the 2WD, 4WD Auto, and 4WD Low selections on my center console. Why did Ford do that to us '95 and '96 Explorers, if they have found that Auto at all times is better, instead of using Auto, High, and Low for '97-present Explorers??

It's not so much about trust, it's just the fact that we do not need it all the time. I trust the system fully and believe that it works well in situations when I need it the most. IMHO, people do not need 4WD at all times though, especially when the roads are dry. My truck's 4WD selector is in 2WD 99.99999999999% of the time and I have yet encountered anything that will make the truck loose traction, even in the rain (snow is a different story, of course, that's when I have plenty of fun ). When people feel a little insecure about the wet roads, then all they have to do is to flip the switch and it'll work again. With this mod, you can have the power to disconnect the front drive shaft and also gain 2WD Low in the process...something I'd love to have at boat ramps. I don't see a lot more wear and tear actually because the front drive shaft is disconnected when you turn it off.

But this is only my opinion. I don't want to start a heated debate on this but this is how I see it.

 

Agreed, a debate is unnecessary for all sides. Im just trying to understand what such a mod would really accomplish, thats all. You do make a good point about boat ramps and towing though, I didnt think of that since my boat and trailer weighs all of 300 pounds.

 

I just dont have the need for auto 4 wheel, as for saving my *** , well the 1 time my truck screwed up it was in the rain.....and it was the 4x4 kicking on that did it. I was taking a turn and all of a sudden it kicks on and the truck starts hopping and pulling towards the curb. I also miss the ability to play in the rain and snow, not that its that often but everybody knows a little stupid fun is always a pleasure.

 

If it kicked in then I would think it detected genuine slippage from a wheel. That hopping and skipping *may* have been the difference between nearly hitting the curb and skidding and spinning into the curb. Thats total supposition, of course. I can relate to the "fun factor" that I miss. I do miss spinning tires on occasion. Good luck, just be careful.

 

So does anybody know which yellow wire hooked into the GEM is the 1 controlling the auto 4x4 ? I've found 2 solid yellow, 1 in the top plug towards the top of the dash and 1 into the bottom plug towards the bottom of the dash, closer to the cig. lighter . If anyone can help me it would be greatly appreciated .

 

I can find ONE disadvantage to the Control Trac system (Auto 4wd). It messes up my donut making in the wintertime!

 

This is why im trying to get rid of it.....the evil monkey who lives in my closet tells me it will be more fun without it. Anybody know which wire it is though. This is all thats holding me back