A4WD problem
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A4WD problem
97 Expedition, 4.6l, 17" tires
According to the manual you can switch from 2wd to A4wd for speeds up to 55 miles an hour.
I've never allowed my speed to go up to 55mph when switching.
NOW...I can only switch to A4WD from a halt. Then when I move the truck from the halt while turning it's like the front wheels aren't engaging and there is resistance. Anyways, if I travel on the road at any speed past 40MPH that's when the A4WD light begins to blink intermittently.
Does anyone have a clue as to what the problem is??
Thanks, Wheeler AAF, HI
According to the manual you can switch from 2wd to A4wd for speeds up to 55 miles an hour.
I've never allowed my speed to go up to 55mph when switching.
NOW...I can only switch to A4WD from a halt. Then when I move the truck from the halt while turning it's like the front wheels aren't engaging and there is resistance. Anyways, if I travel on the road at any speed past 40MPH that's when the A4WD light begins to blink intermittently.
Does anyone have a clue as to what the problem is??
Thanks, Wheeler AAF, HI
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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The tension you feel in the front wheels is the limited slip. They are engaded in 4 wheel drive, but when the limited slip kicks in, its hell on the steering. Explaining how 4WD and limited slip works is extensive, better off looking it up here, just do a search:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/
As for the blinking light, ive never seen that, no idea...sorry.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/
As for the blinking light, ive never seen that, no idea...sorry.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Midwest
Mook,
Stock expeditions do not have a limited slip in the front axle, but only in the rear axle (if they have one at all; it was an option). Additionally, engaging 4wd doesn't have any effect on the operation of a limited slip; limited slips are automatic in their operation.
Rock,
Where do you feel the resistance? In the steering wheel? Does it pull more to one side than the other? What kind of surface are you on when trying to engage the 4wd? Nothing hard and dry, right? The resistance while turning sounds like you have 4wd engaged when on a surface with too much traction, and the 4wd is causing the tires and drivetrain to bind.
Does the A4wd light blink only over 40 when it is turned to A4wd, or even when it is set to 2wd?
Stock expeditions do not have a limited slip in the front axle, but only in the rear axle (if they have one at all; it was an option). Additionally, engaging 4wd doesn't have any effect on the operation of a limited slip; limited slips are automatic in their operation.
Rock,
Where do you feel the resistance? In the steering wheel? Does it pull more to one side than the other? What kind of surface are you on when trying to engage the 4wd? Nothing hard and dry, right? The resistance while turning sounds like you have 4wd engaged when on a surface with too much traction, and the 4wd is causing the tires and drivetrain to bind.
Does the A4wd light blink only over 40 when it is turned to A4wd, or even when it is set to 2wd?
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Farmlaw,
Thanks for the reply. Resistance is felt just as I turn either slightly left or right. During this time it feels as if something is binding like the wheels are attempting to turn of course with resistance.
From a halt and driving straight the A4WD light begins to blink after about 35-40 mph. I really feel that the A4WD is not engaging if needed. Thanks again. Oahu Hawaii
Thanks for the reply. Resistance is felt just as I turn either slightly left or right. During this time it feels as if something is binding like the wheels are attempting to turn of course with resistance.
From a halt and driving straight the A4WD light begins to blink after about 35-40 mph. I really feel that the A4WD is not engaging if needed. Thanks again. Oahu Hawaii
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I have a fulltime A4WD Expy. About a year ago, I was getting a surging under medium & heavy acceleration on hard road surfaces. What it felt like was the transfer case was engaging and then disengaging the front drive train very rapidly. Finally the A4WD idiot light started blinking, so I took it in under extended warranty plan. They changed out some sort of speed sensor, and that fixed the problem. I'm not sure which sensor it was though, I could find out for you if you like.
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Thanks, I can look up the speed sensor and I did have the front differential fluid changed out by a Seattle Ford Dealer 1 1/2 years ago and have since moved to Hawaii. I am thinking of just having a lube place chnage out the diff fluid and continue to diagnose from there. Thanks again.
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Thanks, I'll check that against the Chilton Manual as far as location. The dealer has asked me "Which one?" the front or rear. WHich one? I imagine the front one right? I also don't think that the transfer case oil has ever been checked or changed out. COuld it also be the so called halls effect sensor? Thanks again. Sunny near Honolulu
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From: North Carolina
Yes it is the same thing as the hall effect sensor. One is easily accessible and the other is behind the T-case shift motor. Neither one is really tough to get to though. The T-case motor drops out with three bolts. Mine has been out for almost 2 yrs. If I need 4WD I'll just put it in 4WD. I haven't had any problems to date and we got 14+" of snow last year on one storm.