intermittent 4x4
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 383
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From: MA
intermittent 4x4
Last week while driving on a beach on Cape Cod, I experienced an intermittent problem in 4 wheel drive. I currently have 40000 miles on the vehicle. As I was climbing over a very bumpy section of a sand dune at approximately 5-10 mph, I heard a short series of clicks and when I looked at the dashboard I noticed that the AWD and 4X4 indicator lights were flashing alternately ( like an intermittent in the switch?). I suspect that I was shifting back and forth between the two drive modes. Has anyone else encountered this problem or does anyone have any ideas what the problem might be? I hope this is not an indication of the reliability of the Expedition.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,586
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From: Linwood, N.J. USA!
intermittent 4x4
What position did you have the 4x4 control in? If it was it auto4x4, then I would believe that it was doing it's job. If it was in the regular 4x4 position, then it may need to be checked out. Several people have had problems with the electonic 4x4 controls not working properly or getting stuck in one specific position.
Jakegypsum // Ford fleet, soup to nuts.
Jakegypsum // Ford fleet, soup to nuts.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Glendale Maricopa
intermittent 4x4
I was curious how your Truck does in the sand.I just bought a new 98 and we go to Mexico often and camp on the beach.What kind of tires and air pressure do you run.Thanks for the info,Mark
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: MA
intermittent 4x4
When the intermittent problem occured, I was in 4X4 mode.
Overall the exp. performs extremely well in the sand. I have the factory Goodyear tires, 16", wrangler RT/S and deflate the tires to 11 to 14 psi when on the sand. I had my first experience in 22 years of getting stuck in some soft sand. I usually operate the exp. in 4X4 mode with overdrive off when some sand gave away. All four wheels were buried so that the frame was within 2" of resting on the sand. After shovelling around the four wheels I put it in 4X4 low and I was free. I am sure the weight of the exp. was a factor in the sand giving away.
I wish the suspension were as stiff as my old utility vehicle (79 Scout) as it requires driving somewhat slower on the sand when encountering any ruts, but I have no plans to upgrade the suspension, as the exp. has to serve as our family vehicle also.
Overall the exp. performs extremely well in the sand. I have the factory Goodyear tires, 16", wrangler RT/S and deflate the tires to 11 to 14 psi when on the sand. I had my first experience in 22 years of getting stuck in some soft sand. I usually operate the exp. in 4X4 mode with overdrive off when some sand gave away. All four wheels were buried so that the frame was within 2" of resting on the sand. After shovelling around the four wheels I put it in 4X4 low and I was free. I am sure the weight of the exp. was a factor in the sand giving away.
I wish the suspension were as stiff as my old utility vehicle (79 Scout) as it requires driving somewhat slower on the sand when encountering any ruts, but I have no plans to upgrade the suspension, as the exp. has to serve as our family vehicle also.
