Possible 4x4 problems
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New User
Joined: May 2001
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Possible 4x4 problems
97 expy 4.6 L 4x4.
I'm not sure the 4x4 is working. When I switch the **** in the dash between 2wd, 4awd, 4H, and 4L, I don't feel any change, and can't get the front wheels to spin, no matter what I do. (We've had a bunch of snow here)
I've read somewhere there is an electrical contact somewhere on the transmission that gets dripped on w/ condensation,causing a short, but I can't find that post.
Any ideas?
TIA
tony
I'm not sure the 4x4 is working. When I switch the **** in the dash between 2wd, 4awd, 4H, and 4L, I don't feel any change, and can't get the front wheels to spin, no matter what I do. (We've had a bunch of snow here)
I've read somewhere there is an electrical contact somewhere on the transmission that gets dripped on w/ condensation,causing a short, but I can't find that post.
Any ideas?
TIA
tony
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New User
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Possible 4x4 problems
The dash lights illuminate just fine. They switch between AWD, 4x4 and 4x4 Low, but it's certainly not engaging the transfer case. I suspect a short somewhere. I was chasing down information on a tech bulletin regarding multiple electrical issues in the transfer case. I can't imagine it's a big deal, there's probably a relay somewhere that's bad. Would a haynes manual have the proper diagnostics information? Sometimes they're a bit weak.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
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Possible 4x4 problems
From the talk on the board, it seems that everything should be okay if your dash lights are on. Maybe I am incorrect, but the computer senses the driveshaft movement, and will turn the light off if 4WD is not working correctly. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong. I haven't been working on my Expy much yet.
I bought the Haynes manual, and haven't even opened it. I found a CD-ROM on Ebay that had the factory service manual on it, and that is awesome. It has the best wiring diagrams and service procedures. Sometimes it's a little difficult to navigate, but worth it. They run from $20 to $50, depending on the demand.
P.S. - Be careful of the people selling copies of the CD. Look for the auction stating it's an original if you decide to buy one.
Aaron D.
'94 EB Bronco 4x4, 351W, E40D
'97 Expedition XLT 4x4, 5.4L
I bought the Haynes manual, and haven't even opened it. I found a CD-ROM on Ebay that had the factory service manual on it, and that is awesome. It has the best wiring diagrams and service procedures. Sometimes it's a little difficult to navigate, but worth it. They run from $20 to $50, depending on the demand.
P.S. - Be careful of the people selling copies of the CD. Look for the auction stating it's an original if you decide to buy one.
Aaron D.
'94 EB Bronco 4x4, 351W, E40D
'97 Expedition XLT 4x4, 5.4L
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From: S.W. Oregon
Possible 4x4 problems
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Jan-02 AT 00:27 AM (EST)]I have also been told (don't know for sure myself) that if it does not actually do the shift into 4X4, the dash lights won't come on. Does anyone know if there is just a problem with the auto hubs, do those same dash lights not come on? I have heard that the locking hubs sometimes fail and that you can do big damage if you then shift to 4 low. All the torque intended for the front and back goes just to the rear wheels and things break. If this is this true, is there a way to immediately know ( a definite symptom) if your auto lock hubs stop working? Do the dash lights stop working if the auto hubs stop working?
New User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Fort Drum USA
Possible 4x4 problems
In response to your question about autolocking hubs -
I had a '96 Ranger with autolocking hubs, and they failed. I bought it used and my guess was that the "smart guy" that had it before me drove around in 4WD on dry pavement. A real no-no with part-time 4WD systems, as it strips the gears inside the hub, or worse. I had it about 4 or 5 months before they finally failed (while on a fourwheeling excursion, of course) Anyways, the dash-lights came on and everything, but, alas, no 4WD. But, the good news is that putting on manual hubs was a snap, took me about two and half to three hours, and cost about 80 bucks a PAIR versus 300.00 EACH for AUTO HUBS. Good luck!
I had a '96 Ranger with autolocking hubs, and they failed. I bought it used and my guess was that the "smart guy" that had it before me drove around in 4WD on dry pavement. A real no-no with part-time 4WD systems, as it strips the gears inside the hub, or worse. I had it about 4 or 5 months before they finally failed (while on a fourwheeling excursion, of course) Anyways, the dash-lights came on and everything, but, alas, no 4WD. But, the good news is that putting on manual hubs was a snap, took me about two and half to three hours, and cost about 80 bucks a PAIR versus 300.00 EACH for AUTO HUBS. Good luck!
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2001
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Possible 4x4 problems
I do not have or know of the TSB on the transfer case, but I do have the wiring diagram in front of me and would be glad to fax it to you, or whatever I could do to help, check the fuses first, 4 fuses function this system, in the Power Dist. Box under hood, fuse 17(30amp), junction box fuse panel, left side of dash fuse 23(10amp), fuse 13(15amp),(appears to be fuse 29, (5amp). If any of these fuses are blown the system probably will not function. If any of the fuses are blown report back which one is wiped out. Replace the fuse and try again, keep fuse of the same amperage. As long as the GEM module grounds the 4x4 lights will come on, what makes the GEM module ground ?,I don't know the theory of the 4x4 system function. Electric1
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New User
Joined: Jan 2002
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Possible 4x4 problems
My front axel failed to enguage due to rust on the
vacuum motor to "lever" under the plastic shield on front pumkin. On early 97-98's the front disconnect (2H positon) is done with vacuum,check for free arm, all lights worked ok , just no 4x4.Now I lube to keep it free, hope it helps Mark in Ohio
vacuum motor to "lever" under the plastic shield on front pumkin. On early 97-98's the front disconnect (2H positon) is done with vacuum,check for free arm, all lights worked ok , just no 4x4.Now I lube to keep it free, hope it helps Mark in Ohio
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: MA
Possible 4x4 problems
After reading the posts in this topic a few days ago, I had a chance to check out my 4X4. I was on a patch of ice in my driveway and gave it a try. I had the transmission in drive and switched to the AWD mode, stepped on the gas and it obviously was not working. It then occured to me that I did not put the transmission into neutral first. I shifted into neutral then engaged the AWD and this time it worked fine. Repeated the same in 4x4 mode with the same results (shifted into 4x4 while stopped and in drive, then while in neutral). I also remember being stuck in soft beach sand last summer and thinking the 4x4 was not working, but once I placed the transmission in neutral and re-engaged the 4x4 it worked fine. One other note, in all cases the indicator lights were on.
I thought the AWD could be engaged at any time, but apparently not so. This is my first 4x4 with an automatic transmission and electromechanical shift so I am still learning. With the old style manual stick 4x4 shifters, it was always necessary to guide the shifter into the desired 4x4 mode by engaging the clutch slightly, so that the gears could engage properly.
I thought the AWD could be engaged at any time, but apparently not so. This is my first 4x4 with an automatic transmission and electromechanical shift so I am still learning. With the old style manual stick 4x4 shifters, it was always necessary to guide the shifter into the desired 4x4 mode by engaging the clutch slightly, so that the gears could engage properly.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,742
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From: OK
Possible 4x4 problems
The only time you should have to stop and put the tranny in neutral is when shifting to 4-LO.
All other settings can be engaged/disengaged while moving. It sounds like your truck has a problem.
All other settings can be engaged/disengaged while moving. It sounds like your truck has a problem.
New User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Makati Philippines
Possible 4x4 problems
My 97 EB 4x4 is stuck with the Low Range light on. I move the toggle switches from 2H to AW4 and 4H but it won't disengage. Can anyone tell me how to do make it disengage so I can use the truck at normal speeds again?
Senior User
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From: MA
Possible 4x4 problems
If you operated your exp. on a hard road surface, even hardpacked dirt in 4 low, you may be experiencing driveline windup. Try backing up 20 or more feet in 4 low, then place transmission in neutral then switch to 4HI, 2 HI or AWD. Hopefully that's all it is.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Makati Philippines
Possible 4x4 problems
98ExpeditionXLT,
Your diagnosis is right on the money. I did run it on a semi-hard surface, when 4H should have been sufficient. Your suggestion worked! Backing up disengaged the 'Low Range' but then the transfer case didn't want to engage back to 4H or 4L afterwards. No dash lights either. What I did was to disconnect the battery for 5 minutes. This must have reset something because everything was back to normal afterwards. No more 4L for me anymore! Thanks for your help.:-)
Your diagnosis is right on the money. I did run it on a semi-hard surface, when 4H should have been sufficient. Your suggestion worked! Backing up disengaged the 'Low Range' but then the transfer case didn't want to engage back to 4H or 4L afterwards. No dash lights either. What I did was to disconnect the battery for 5 minutes. This must have reset something because everything was back to normal afterwards. No more 4L for me anymore! Thanks for your help.:-)
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 383
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From: MA
Possible 4x4 problems
Does anyone have an explanation for ricoled's need to disconnect the battery to "reset something"?
After owning a 4x4 with a mechanical shifter for over twenty years, I still don't have full confidence in the electric shift system for the transfer case, particularly when I am driving on soft beach sand.
After owning a 4x4 with a mechanical shifter for over twenty years, I still don't have full confidence in the electric shift system for the transfer case, particularly when I am driving on soft beach sand.