I have passed on our 93 Explorer to our son to drive (bought it new), it has 147K miles on it.
Push button 4x4 does not engage reliably anymore. Sometimes engages, but most times does not.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Most likely the transfer case. I have not had one apart yet so I can't give you details on what needs to be done... but that topic has been discused here before. Do a search and you should come with some good information. Some other things to check... get the truck off the ground and up on jack stands. start it up and engage the 4x4. See if the front drive shaft are turning.... there is a common problem with the plastic cam gears in the autolocking hubs. If the cams are gone, then the shafts will turn, but not the front tires. If the shafts are not turning then the problem is probably with the transfer case. Let us know what you find and I sure we can point you in the right direction.

p.s.
If the cams are gone, the most here have replaced them with the Warn manual locks. A lot cheaper then replacing the auto's.

 

Welcome to the only family Ford Truck site, on the net.
Enjoy FTE

 

Chances are it is the shift motor on the tranny. It generally just needs to be taken apart and cleaned. Check the link below for instructions. It is fairly easy if you have some mechanical skill.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/lc/lc.ph..._motor_fix.htm

 

Thanks to both of you (99Xlpr and RJB1)for the information.
I followed the link regarding cleaning the shift motor.
I'll do some further diagnosis but I believe that is the problem.
I'll keep you updated on the progress.
Thanks again!

 

i searched web an found [www.1aauto ] site an bought a shift motor for my 95 exp. not a bad way 2 go just a thought ---- jack