1994 Explorer 4x4 Problem

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Jan 25, 2005 | 02:06 PM

1994fordexplorer

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From: Delaware

1994 Explorer 4x4 Problem

Hey Everybody
I have a 1994 Ford Explorer with 130k miles. We just got a foot of snow here in Delaware and the stinkin' 4x4 won't work. When I press the button I hear the clicks and the 4 HI light comes on making you think its working but it isn't.

I had an interesting ride home the other day to say the least! Anyway I put a used set of automatic hubs on it last year because the old ones were chattering like crazy. I never really had a chance to test the ones I put on it because it wasn't winter when I did it so they may be bad also but don't make any noises. Am I missing something here like a vacuum line or something really stupid in front of my face? I really don't think its the transfer case because the 4x4 light comes on. If anybody has any ideas of what the problem could be I would really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance for any info you have-

Mike

Jan 25, 2005 | 05:25 PM

mrshorty

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From: UT

You are right in that if the 4x4 light comes on, there probably isn't a problem with the transfer case, but it's far from a foregone conclusion. Basically, you need to find where the power transmission to the front is being interupted. In 4H, does the transfer case spin the front driveshaft? When the front driveshaft spins, do the axleshafts spin (recognizing the presence of the open differential can cause one or the other of the axleshafts to spin, depending on which one spins the easiest). When the axleshafts spin, do the wheels spin? I know it's a pain to crawl underneath outside in a foot of snow, but that's what I'd do (unless I had a garage or a lift).

Jan 25, 2005 | 05:33 PM

1994fordexplorer

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From: Delaware

Thanks mrshorty-
I crawled underneath it earlier today with the 4x4 engaged and had my dad sit inside with the car in drive and the front driveshaft was not spinning. I read that the shift motor (actuator??) sometimes goes bad and it needs some tapping to get it going. I tapped the motor and still nothing seemed to happen but then again I did it when it was starting to get dark so who knows if i got a good tap on it. I will try it again tomorrow in daylight. Let me know if I am sort of in the right ballpark of my problem.
Thanks for any info-
Mike

Jan 25, 2005 | 05:35 PM

1994fordexplorer

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From: Delaware

BTW the hubs that are on it now are not making any strange noises or anything. I had not engaged the 4x4 since probably last spring until about a week ago or so.
Thanks

Jan 25, 2005 | 06:55 PM

rob_engineer

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From: NJ

I had this problem last year on my 93 explorer. The 4X4 hi light would come on, but would not engage. I was able however to put it into 4X4 low. I could feel it engage, then I could put it into 4X4 high and it would work properly. The only thing I saw was somehow there was moisture in the control module that is inside the driver's side reaer wheel well, near the jack. I tried the 4X4 in october just before I sold the truck and it worked fine.