4x4 not engaging!
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4x4 not engaging!
my 01 escape 4x4 doesn't seem to engage into 4x4 mode when I put the selector switch in 4x4 mode(not auto)...we had our first snowfall here today and when I put it in 4x4 mode,the front tires spin like crazy,and the backs don't seem to be doing anything...could somebody give me some ideas on where to look first for the problem...thanks...Brent.
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That's the way the I understand it...the first thing I did was check the fuse...there's only one according to the manual...could it be a relay or some kind of module?(where would they be?)I really don't know where to look next!thanks for the responses!!Brent
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thanks for the advice...I checked that relay in my manual diagram(#26) and it says that relay is for power door locks...it says nothing about anything to do with 4x4...my dad has an 03 escape and his manual does say relay (#26)is for 4x4...mine doesn't....Brent
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From: Minnesota
Originally Posted by Brent M.
thanks for the advice...I checked that relay in my manual diagram(#26) and it says that relay is for power door locks...it says nothing about anything to do with 4x4...my dad has an 03 escape and his manual does say relay (#26)is for 4x4...mine doesn't....Brent
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thanks again for the info...I found the relay at the back by the power point,and I found the 10 amp fuse,but unless there's a misprint in the manual,the 2 30 amp fuses I have are for:"power window motor-right front,left front,right rear,left rear"(#25)and"power door lock motor-right front,left front.right rear,left rear,GEM(door lock relay coil),power seat"(#26)It mentions nothing about 4x4...unless there is some of the fuses under the hood that are the problem...but none of them mention anything to do with 4x4 either,mentions rear defrost,etc...not sure what to think...Brent
Last edited by Brent M.; Nov 7, 2006 at 03:52 PM. Reason: forgot some info...
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Thanks again for the help...but now I'm starting to get worried/frustrated...I changed all fuses,(even though they looked fine)I changed the relay as well,but no help,still won't go into 4x4.I am going to check the 4x4 selector switch itself today,but if that's not it,i'm not sure what to do next.Is there some kind of actuator solenoid that I can check?(where would it be?)anymore insight into this problem would be very much appreciated...lot's of snow falling today!thanks again...Brent
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From: Minnesota
The solenoid is internal to the RBC, so there is no easy way to check that. You might want to crawl under the truck and make sure that the wire that supplies voltage to the RBC is still connected.
To test the 4X4 lockup, from a full stop, turn on the 4X4 switch and try moving after turning the steering wheel to full lock. You should feel the drive train binding. Don't overdo it and break something.
To test the 4X4 lockup, from a full stop, turn on the 4X4 switch and try moving after turning the steering wheel to full lock. You should feel the drive train binding. Don't overdo it and break something.
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I definately don't feel that" binding" feeling when 4x4 locks up(I have a superduty 4x4)before I checked the switch today,I crawled under and disconnected that last connector before the rear diff./rotary blade,the one you mentioned,and it looked okay...so I took a voltage tester and got my dad to put in in 4x4 mode to see if there was power as far back as that connection,and i'm no electrician,but I read 12 volts(approx.)to that connection...so if I have power as far as there,the problem is from that connection to the RBC where it enters through the top...(very hard to get in there)so if inside there is a solenoid,that seems like it might be the problem...there is a "grommet" type seal around where the wiring goes in to the RBC...can that "grommet be removed and then the solenoid removed or how does that work?what is your opinion on the next step...really appreciate the advice...Brent
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From: Minnesota
Well, if your are positive that it's not locking, it appears that the RBC has either a mechanical or electrical problem inside. In 4X4 locked, there is no additional noise or drag apparent when going straight ahead (unlike part-time systems); drag and noise is only apparent when turning sharply. Does auto mode work on a slippery surface? Auto mode is entirely mechanical. See the link below.
I believe that the RBC is sold as a replacement assembly. There may not even be piece parts available. You'll probably need to check with a Ford dealer on the cost to repair or replace it, or the part cost if you want to DIY.
Here is a link to an article on its operation:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...s/1266646.html
I believe that the RBC is sold as a replacement assembly. There may not even be piece parts available. You'll probably need to check with a Ford dealer on the cost to repair or replace it, or the part cost if you want to DIY.
Here is a link to an article on its operation:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...s/1266646.html
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Auto mode does NOT work when on a slippery surface...and definately when turning sharply, it doesn't have the "binding"sensation...are you saying then, that if auto mode doesn't work,that it is not electrical(ie:it won't be the solenoid)but mechanical then?like I said,ether mode does NOT work...thanks so much for the input...Brent