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Electronic 4x4 not working

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Old Oct 16, 2005 | 06:07 PM
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Red face Electronic 4x4 not working

Hi. I'm new to the world of 4x4 and still learning so my apologies if I use the wrong terminology.

I just got into an 87 Bronco with electronic 4x4 shifting. It was working when I first picked it up, but all of a sudden it stopped working or I at least think its not working. Everytime I push the button, there is this clicking sound somewhere by the glovebox, but the 4x4 indicator light does not come on. How can I tell if the 4x4 is engaged? Is it even working?

I've read a few posts in the forum and found that some people had issues with the shift motor going bad. Could this be the case in my situation? I'm gonna ask a stupid question here... If you are in 4WD and the shift motor goes bad are you still in 4WD thereafter until you are able to replace the shift motor? Is there a manual way to shift to 2WD? Sorry, the truck didn't come with the manual.

Thanks in advance
 
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Old Oct 16, 2005 | 07:48 PM
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Put the truck on jack stands. Then after all wheel are off the ground place it in gear or find some wet soft ground (sad or mud) and do a quick brake torque should see where front tore the ground a lil.
Usually when the shift motor goes out it leaves vehicle as a 2 wheeler so no it prob not working.
Only manual way to shift into 2 wd is to manually fix it or take out one of the driveshafts sorry.
Also do a search for electric 4x4 you'd be surprised the amount of info given.
 

Last edited by pacer88220; Oct 16, 2005 at 07:53 PM.
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Old Oct 16, 2005 | 09:06 PM
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Thanks for the info.
 
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Old Oct 16, 2005 | 10:52 PM
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You Can Take the motor off the back off the Transfer Case and Turn the lever Manually. This could be differnet Since I HAve an 89 but My motor Hasn't work right since I got it. Making the switch to Manual Shift Trnasfer Case I would never Get Electric Again.
 
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Old Oct 17, 2005 | 09:01 AM
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The 4x4 relay for the electric 4x4 is located behind the passenger side kick panel. A relay click like that usually means it is not "turning" on fully and going back to off. That would also explain why the light doesn't come one. check that. Could be a $5 fix.
 
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Old Oct 17, 2005 | 11:54 AM
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Originally Posted by oldbluebronco
You Can Take the motor off the back off the Transfer Case and Turn the lever Manually. This could be differnet Since I HAve an 89 but My motor Hasn't work right since I got it. Making the switch to Manual Shift Trnasfer Case I would never Get Electric Again.
Hmm didnt know that one thanks!!
As for the electonic shift I never had one though dad does I have to keep playing with fuses under the hood to get his to work on his 2002 Explorer. Trent may have that same problem as well. Now that I think about it.
 
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Old Oct 17, 2005 | 02:06 PM
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i just recently bought an 87 full size bronco.. when i bought it i knew that the four wheel drive was broken...........not thinking that it would be too hard till i looked and found that during that year did some ****ed up things to the broncos so anyways i would like to switch my automatic hugs to manual locking hubs... do you know how i would do that??
 
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Old Oct 17, 2005 | 02:40 PM
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I don't have the actual link, but do a search in this forum for MANUAL HUBS. There you will find a link with step by step instructions and pictures. Only took about 45 minutes my first time. Now it only takes about 20 minutes.
 
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Old Oct 17, 2005 | 04:40 PM
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k i cant find the link that you are talking about. do you mean under the forum my automatic 4x4 is not working?
 
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Old Oct 17, 2005 | 09:06 PM
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My bad. It is a link for replacing the ball joints. But it takes you right past the hubs. Just stop there and install with the new parts.

http://www.off-road.com/ford/bigbron...balljoint.html
 

Last edited by BillyBob69; Oct 17, 2005 at 09:08 PM.
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Old Oct 18, 2005 | 01:59 AM
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Thanks for all the info.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2005 | 11:49 AM
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I have a 95XLT with the electric shift that wasn't working when I bought it.I pulled the shift motor off and cleaned the oxidation off of where the brushes run and that got it going again.It still refuses to work every once in a while.I'm thinking that the shift rail may worn and the motor returns too far and the sensors don't line up and confuses the computer.I think when I put the motor back on the Tcase and twist it a bit as I tight the bolts that it seems to work better.
 
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Old Nov 15, 2005 | 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by 460srule
I pulled the shift motor off and cleaned the oxidation off of where the brushes run and that got it going again.It still refuses to work every once in a while.
There is a bushing on the backside of where you were at. Check it out. Mine was cracked and it was causing it go past where it is supposed to stop at to engage. I went to the auto parts store and matched it up with a fuel hose size and now it works great.
 
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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 11:09 AM
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Thanks MichSandSquid that seems to be the fix.What type of hose did you use,clear plastic or rubber??
 
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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 11:16 AM
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It was the black rubber. I took the bushing with me to the auto store and compared inside & outside Diameters.......make it a little longer than you have, you can trim it on the spindle when you put it on.
 
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