2003 expi 'check advancetrac" and no 4wd???
 

I am getting a "check advtrac" and my 4wd will not activate. I have a friend with a diagnostics computer and it was showing "no output - 4wd controller", so i assume it's either a bad controller or it isn't getting power and i want to check that out myself b4 i spend the $$$$ to have someone else look at it.
Question is, where is the 4wd computer? If it's part of the PCM, where exactly is that? Is it a module that can be replaced seperately, or do you have to spring for the whole unit$$$$$???

nobody? ................

Have you checked for blown fuses?

Yep, the fuses are all good, but I haven't checked the fuse sockets. I did swap out the 4wd module fuse with one of the spares and it was still a no-go.
This whole thing started with an intermittent beep indication every 10 seconds or so from the Advancetrac coming on, going off, coming on, then going off. This would only happen in the winter and only when it was below about 60 degrees. Come summer time the problem went away. Advancetrac would work and I could get 4 wheel drive, but I never really needed either so I never bothered to fix it. This last winter it came back for a month or so, the beeping on and off, then it just stopped working completely.
Now, every time I start the car, the information screen on the instrument cluster snows ADVtrac OFF, ADVtrac ON, ADVtrac OFF...CHECK ADVtrac and there it stays. I also get the backlighting on the switchlight in the center console going off and on in unison.
Whenever Advancetrac doesn't work (which is never now), I can't get 4 wheel drive.
So with that, and from what I gather the Advancetrac system uses 4WD controller info, and the fact that the one time I hooked up to a dignostic I got a "no output - 4wd controller"(when I had it diagnosed, though, it wasn't the current problem - it was the intermittent problem), I am pretty sure the 4wd computer is either bad or has a bad ground or hot. Now that I know the problem, though, I need to know where this controller is and if it is a stand-alone unit or part of a MUCH, MUCH more expensive all-in-one electronics module. If it is, I don't need 4wd that bad.

With Fords being such an electrical pile of junk I can't believe nobody's had this problem???
Guess I'll have to waste my money on a dealer.

this is a very helpful forum

The 4WD Control module is behind the B-pillar on the drivers side. I don't know that it is a DIY repair though, it's my understanding that the configuration information has to be saved and uploaded into the new control module.

I am hoping that I don't have to replace it. The diagnostics was reporting no input from it at all, which means it could just be a bad ground. If I can find the computer I should be able to shoot the wires from there.

you might check the connectors for corrosion, also you might check the connector to the ABS control module under the hood. They work together with the AdvanceTrac.

Is that the module on the pax side on the firewall with three huge connectors going to it?
And when you say B-pillar are you talking about somewhere behind the drivers seat, therebouts?

yes the b-pillar is right behind the drivers seat, in between the front and rear door (where the seat belt is attached). The ABS control unit is on the drivers side in the front, kind of under the air cleaner assembly. You'll see all of the brake lines coming into it.

oh yeah, you're right. I remember that clusterF***

Did you ever fix this problem? I am having the same issue. Thanks