I know you have to install a neutral tow switch kit on a explorere 4x4 to tow it with all wheels down Has anyone done this themselves and if so, what was involved.

 

If you don't get any hits here, try the Towing Forum.

Steve

 

Do you have automatic trasfer case(ESOF) or a manual trasfer case?

 

It is a 2006 and has the switch on the dash to go from 2h, 2l, 4l

 

That would be ESOF, from my understanding the only way tow a vehicle like this with 4 or 2 wheels on the ground is to remove the drive shafts. The reason is there is no nuetral in the trasfer case like a manual transfer case that have a shifter on the floor they have a neutral position in the transfer case. I'm not positive on this one, but you may have to ask a quilfied mechanic, also like stated above ask in the towing section they may no more than I. I have never heard of a neutral switch all thought they may exist. If you put the transmission in nuetral, the trasfer case is still going rotate, and cause damage. I know that most guys the tow a vehicle behind the RV or something usually buy a vehicle with a manual trasfer case, for his reason, otherwise buying or renting a flatbed car hauler trailer is another thing people use to tow vehicles.

 

Oh I definately know they make the switch and even have the part number. I have serveral acquantances that tow their explorer and sport trac but had to have it installed. I was just wondering if I could install and activate it myself.

 

I just read yesterday in my Ford manual that it's a dealer installed option (at least on the '97) so it must not be too hard. I could not, however, find any other info on it in my manual.

 

Looks like the '06 kit is a lot different than earlier (2002-2005) models; maybe this place http://www.fordgenuineaccessory.com/...Tow_Kit.4.html can give you some info on installing it. Good luck!

Steve

 

I removed the servo motor from the transfer case on my '97 (Control Trac) today and it DOES have a N position. The earlier ones (91-94) did not to the best of my recollection. I do not have a N postition on my selector switch, but, like I said, it was an option.

 

Steve B,
The neutral transfer feature consists of a light which is mounted on the bottom of the dash and plugs in to an extra wire that is connected to your dome lights. All the indicator light does is tell you when the transfer case is in neutral. The ECM must be re-programmed by your local Ford dealer to allow the transfer case to be put into neutral. The Ford dealer charged me 1/2 hour labor for the re-program and about $25-30 for the indicator light.

 

There really is nothing to it, BUT you need a diagnostic computer or a willing dealer tech. IE: ford IDS computer.

The installation is nothing more than a LED light to let you know when it is engaged, because if you try to drive when it's on, you will break something.
the led light connects to the green plug just below and to the right of the steering column. you can add a simple led or bulb yourself and install it to the dash.

As for the dealer, The PCM option "Neutral tow" needs to be changed from disabled to enable. That's it!!!

Then you press the 4v4 auto button while in neutral for 5 sec to turn on and off.

Ford does sell a kit for $39 1L2Z-7H332-AB, but all the RV places bought up the stock after it was discontinued and are now selling it for $350 plus which is an absolute ripoff because the OEM kit is nothing but an led with a pigtail and some stickers to tell you how to use it. not even with $39 IMO...

 

Hi Viper - Did you happen to do this? We just bought a 4x4 2010 Ford Sport Trac and would like to use a tow dolly. And of course we can’t find the part.

 

Sorry, i didn't see your question till now.

Yes, I used ford's IDS to enable the Neutral Tow Function, and installed an amazon LED light ( ) to the connector just right of the pedal switch.
It remains lit very dull when off and bright when engaged.
The PCM is looking for the bulb resistance to verify that the indicator is working, otherwise with will throw a code that the "indicator circuit is open". (this happens if you do not install ANY bulb) which is what the ford kit is... nothing but a bulb and stickers (https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...-7h332-ab.html)

I haven't done it yet, but i would imagine adding an LED resistor like they sell for tail lights will make it no longer illuminate when off as it would increase the circuit resistance. Honestly, the dull illumination doesn't bother me and is probably normal to indicate that the light is working properly

or if you don't want to bother with all of that, just use a regular incandescent bulb for your indicator. (if you can find one, everything seems to be led today)

it seems that with the vehicle accessory on, and transmission in neutral, you can THEN engage the neutral tow function by pressing the 4x4 auto button for 5 sec. Shifting the vehicle out of neutral or turning it off will disable it.
I would also imagine you would need to supply 12v from the pulling vehicle to keep the explorer in neutral and also have functioning tail lights while in tow without killing the battery.

ALSO KEEP IN MIND: THIS FUNCTION IS INTENDED FOR FLAT TOWING BEHIND AN RV (with a proper hitch hookup installed) NOT FOR USE WITH WRECKER or DOLLY AS YOU MENTIONED. AND ONLY IN 4X4 EQUIPPED VEHICLES. IT DOES NOT WORK WITH AWD!!! You can dolly or wrecker tow easily by removing the driveshaft if you must and keeping the axle without the driveshaft on the ground and lifting the other. You can remove the front or rear driveshaft. Removing the front driveshaft and leaving the rear wheels up on the dolly is probably easiest, but make sure you lock the steering wheel so it does not turn while you are driving with a seat belt, ratchet strap, or device designed for this.

Now, having said that in caps.... lol In theory, this should work for for dollies, but that depends on whether or not the transfer case disconnects the front axle from the rear. and I have not taken the time to confirm this yet, nor know that it will be damage free, so flat tow only unless you are willing to risk possible damage. maybe someone else can confirm that the transfer case is indeed in 2wd without signal from the 4x4 module.


Edit: I found the manual here: (http://ddwt.us/Explorer_Neutral_Tow_Kit.pdf) You need to zoom into the pdf to print and read the stickers for instructions.