4x4 not working
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Pull the trim off around your HVAC & Radio, and ohm out the switch.
ohm out = use a multimeter to measure the resistance of each connection with the switch in each position.
You can also just try wiggling the switch to see if it works.
ohm out = use a multimeter to measure the resistance of each connection with the switch in each position.
You can also just try wiggling the switch to see if it works.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by wrenchturner
i hate the sound it makes while engaging on the fly. it just doesn't sound like it's good for the truck. i stop to put it in a4wd. then if i need i'll switch to 4hi on the fly it doesn't make sound then. but it is in 4hi and is indicated on the dash. I can't wait to get more agressive tires and go play with it.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Paia Hawaii
4wd Not engaging
My selector sw is AWD,4HI, &4LO. I hear a click in the dash. but it doesn't engage. The 4wd fuse is good but still no action to the wheels. any other sugestions? Looking to play in the mud soon.
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Suggest trying the following:
Put in 4LO (you must be in neutral), then try to drive. Does it feel in "low" gear? Is the dash light on?
If yes to feeling in "low", but you are certain the front axle is not engaging, you can check the vacuum line. They often crack right behind the battery. The vacuum line runs from a switch behind the battery on the firewall down to the axle.
If you are not feeling in "low" then I suggest checking your transfer case, or the transfer case motor. Additionally, but I am not sure, if the transfer case motor does not shift, the dash light will not come on.
Put in 4LO (you must be in neutral), then try to drive. Does it feel in "low" gear? Is the dash light on?
If yes to feeling in "low", but you are certain the front axle is not engaging, you can check the vacuum line. They often crack right behind the battery. The vacuum line runs from a switch behind the battery on the firewall down to the axle.
If you are not feeling in "low" then I suggest checking your transfer case, or the transfer case motor. Additionally, but I am not sure, if the transfer case motor does not shift, the dash light will not come on.
New User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Hey guys. New to the forum.
I have a similar problem. I have a 99 Expedition Eddie Bauer with 117k on it now. Its got AWD,4Hi and 4Lo on the selector (No 2wd selection). We got pounded with snow over the weekend and on the hwy i noticed the 4x4 light blinking. Its not engaging the 4wd. If i turn the selector to 4Hi or lo it goes into 4wd. Its just not working in the AWD mode (its only 2wd while the light is blinking). Is there any thin inparticular i should be looking for?
Thanks
Kris
I have a similar problem. I have a 99 Expedition Eddie Bauer with 117k on it now. Its got AWD,4Hi and 4Lo on the selector (No 2wd selection). We got pounded with snow over the weekend and on the hwy i noticed the 4x4 light blinking. Its not engaging the 4wd. If i turn the selector to 4Hi or lo it goes into 4wd. Its just not working in the AWD mode (its only 2wd while the light is blinking). Is there any thin inparticular i should be looking for?
Thanks
Kris
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Paia Hawaii
I replaced the transfer case motor and had to wire the 2 existing 3-wire speed sensors into the new wiring harness. There was also a single wire going into the top of the transfer case which had to be wired into the new harness. What a pain in the expy! Anyway the switch in the dash is good both fuses are good (under hood 30 amp under left knee 10 amp). I still get no action to the front wheels. When I first start the truck I get a rythmic clicking under the dash like a turn signal. It stops after about 30 sec. I also get an occasional 4X4 flashing on the dash, only when in AWD. FYI My selector switch is AWD 4hi or 4lo. What is the clicking under the dash? Is it a relay? How do I get to it? What is the gem? Could it be related?
For sale 2001 Ford Expedition XLT 4x4? or at least it get gas mileage like one. 79,900 miles $10,000 as is.
For sale 2001 Ford Expedition XLT 4x4? or at least it get gas mileage like one. 79,900 miles $10,000 as is.
Last edited by francis9; Feb 28, 2007 at 09:31 PM.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
If you have locking and unlocking of the doors as well as clicking under the dash, sounds like a GEM issue. Ford claims that this problem only occurs with a replacement winshield. But a friend of mine had similar problems with doors locking/unlocking at will, radio going off/on clicking under dash and heater blower uncontrolable. We installed new module and problem went away for a while. Seems as if he mentioned 4X4 light also. New module went south after 2 mths. This time we found water. This was an original windshield. At this point his windshield became cracked ........... 
and insurance picked up tab for windshield and another new GEM. I really don't agree with the method but they don't exactly give those GEM's away. His truck is a 2000 Expy also.
and insurance picked up tab for windshield and another new GEM. I really don't agree with the method but they don't exactly give those GEM's away. His truck is a 2000 Expy also.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
You can get the module from the dealership. But they tell you it has to be programmed from the old module. Well after buying the module and removing the dash, they still wanted an additional $150 to program even with dash mostly out of truck. At this point I got the tech manual out (CD) to check what functions are controlled by the GEM, seems that all these functions could be programmed manually. You know "auto lock", "seat memory", ect. In fact the new one went right to work without any additonal programming. Seems that the GEM is just the "go between" for several modules or at least that was my interpretaion from the CD. After all, what do they do when the old module is completly destroyed? I'm sure that happens. 
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Paia Hawaii
the verdict is in
i replaced the motor it didn't work. so i took it to the dealer. they said i need a new motor. I told them i put a new one in yesterday. She said let me call you back. 30 min later she said they hit it with a hammer and it is working, but still recomended i replace the motor. I declined payed the 115 diagnostic fee and am happily playing in the mud. lesson- EVEN THE NEW ONES NEED TO BE HIT WITH A HAMMER!
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
These trucks are notorious for leaking at the bottom of the windshield, directly above the GEM. This usually happens after a replacement. But there are a more cases being reported of this occurring with the original window. Seems like someone may have mentioned a TSB related to this on this site. Most of the occurrences are on 2000 model trucks.
