I just bought my 2002 Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition from a large dealership that claimed they did this great inspection on all of their used vehicles. I've owned the vehicle for three weeks now. I only got to drive it for the first week. It's been at the dealership because of 4x4 issues the rest of the time. I first took it back for work because the 4x4 High light started flashing and 4x4 would not engage. They replaced the 4x4 High switch and called me to come get the truck. I drive about a mile and the vehicle jumps into 4x4 mode on its own and will not switch back. I made the dealer tow it back to their shop. I just got a call that the truck is ready to be picked up again. They say they have now replaced the 4x4 Control Module. We'll see if that did the trick.

 

I replaced my 2002 Explorer's 4x4 CM. Same symptoms as most everyone else. Bought the new CM online from Direct Ford Parts for $140.00 plus shipping. Make sure you have your VIN number on hand and they will make sure you get the right CM. A easy install. Took about a half hour.

 

Ok Here's a strange one for everyone. I had been slacking on replacine the 4x4 module and my wife had been driving the truck. One evening she calls me and tells me the truck is running very rough and feels like it is stuck between shifts. Since that day the module which the dealer told me is bad has acted fine with no flashing. The gremlins must really be messing with me.

 

I'd replace it anyway. That thing could engage the 4X4 Low unexpectedly some time while your wife is driving. That's excitement she doesn't want.

 

I have a 02 explorer. Which I cannot get to go into 4wd neither high or low. When I puch the button to try to get it to shift into nothing happens, the light doesnt even come one. Is this what happened when everybody else's went bad?

 

In my truck the 4x4 high light would flash and when that was happening, you could not shift into 4x4 mode. If you get it checked out and need a new shift motor contact me. I still have my original that I replaced because someone said it was bad.

 

Should clarify, my shift motor is not bad so if you need one let me know.

 

Well what was wrong with your truck?

 

I still want to know the answer to that question. It just quit doing it and everything works fine now.

 

My '02 XLT was flashing the 4 High and 4 Low indicators in unison 5 times every 2 minutes. Like you I soon discovered that nothing happened when the 4X4 controls were pushed. I tried resetting the computer by disconnecting the battery ground for a few minutes. The flashing stopped after that but still no 4wd. I replaced the 4X4CM and all has been well since.

 

do you need to disconnect the battery as you are replacing the module? or can you simply unplug the old one and plug in the new one with the battery still connected ??

 

The Ford Repair Manual says to unhook the battery ground first.

 

OK thanks .... if that's what the manual says then thats what I will do ..


Just waiting for the new module to show up .. for everyone's information ..

module at dealership in Canada = $431.26

module on-line in US = $159.24 + shipping

for the same part !!

 

I had the same exact thing happen on my '02 Explorer. Only the 4low light would come on when starting the truck, beyond that, the buttons didn't respond and no lights lit up (buttons and lights for 4x4, ugg!!). I took it to the dealer to have them test it to make sure that it was the module and I was right, wasted $80 but at least I diagnosed it correctly (all from this website and past posters).

Replace your 4x4 control module... (also from what I understand, the all wheel drive will not work when this is bad as well, which mine didn't).

EDIT - Here's another thread about this (where I posted my question about it)

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...-explorer.html

 

Now when you order your control modul. What is the full correct name for it? I was looking for it on directfordparts.com and couldnt find it.