Stuck in 4 wheel drive?

Tiny
MARKDR7
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
It has recently started to make a popping sound when you make a sharp turn. It is loosing gas mileage by half. It seems to me that it is stuck in 4 High. But the light on the dash is off. I've tried pushing it, and even disconnecting the battery to maybe reset it. It hasn't worked. Any ideas if it might be a sensor or something else?
Tuesday, August 7th, 2007 AT 7:33 PM

28 Replies

Tiny
JWALTH02
  • MEMBER
  • 180 POSTS
This sounds like the encoder needs to be replaced here is the instructions in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Wednesday, August 8th, 2007 AT 1:27 AM
Tiny
BRE055
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I had to hit the motor with a hammer it unstuck it, then replaced the encoder last summer to fix it.
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Wednesday, March 11th, 2020 AT 11:14 AM
Tiny
JEFF MEYER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 148,000 MILES
Hi, the four wheel drive was not working when I got it. It was in two wheel drive and would not shift into four wheel drive high or low.

When starting the truck only the four wheel drive low light would come on and then go off no flashing. The four wheel drive high light would not come on at all. All four wheel drive fuses inside and under the hood were good.

I replaced the transfer case control module with a new one. Started the truck both the four wheel drive low and high light came on, the four wheel drive high light goes out and the four wheel drive low light stays on, no flashing.

It has shifted into four wheel drive low and that is all. Now it will not shift out of four wheel drive low.

To further complicate the issue the front wheels do not engage in four wheel drive although the transmission is obvious in low range as the rpm are through the roof at twenty mph. I am guessing the auto hubs are shot? At this point I am not worried about the four wheel drive but need to get the transmission out of low range just to drive it.

I thought the shift motor had gone bad and replaced that also. I can shift the transfer case by hand, but the new motor has again shifted back into low range.

No change the truck is stuck in low range and will not shift out. I have tried shifting into neutral, driving in reverse etc.

Any suggestions any has to get this thing out of low range or what else could be causing this would be appreciated.
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,833 POSTS
To me it sounds like, the switch is bad which is common with these cars but to confirm the failure let's check for the trigger signal from the switch to the system.

Here is a guide and a transfer case wiring diagrams to get the problem fixed:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Check out the diagrams (below).

Please run this test and get back to us.

Cheers, Ken
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SHADETREE422
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 117,000 MILES
I switched my 2002 Explorer SPORT into 4x4 hi. She shifted in fine then when I went to shift back to 2wd the light on the dash went out but the truck is still in 4x4. I tried putting it in rev and backing up, no luck. Switched it back into 4x4 lights on dash didn't come back on.
I have replaced the dash switch but still have the same issue. Also have check the fuses under the hood all are fine.
Is there anything else to try before just replacing the shift motor on the transfer case? Relay I am missing or something?
Also, the haynes manual doesn't cover changeing this motor and I have not been able to find a Chilton's on the Explore SPORT. Is there anything to it besides unbolting the old one and bolting up a new one?
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
This is usually the 4x4 shift motor on the back of the tranfer case. It looks like this.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/249564_767749_1.jpg


Here is how to test it to see if the switch and module is good. If you need more let me know. Now you will have to right click on the instructions and save pic and then print it ok.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/249564_Graphic_8.jpg


Let me know if you need more ok. You will need a digital multi meter to do this ok. Thanks.
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SHADETREE422
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi,
first thanks,
I can't get the picture to download in anyway so I can read it or print it readable. Have had the computer guy here at work try and he can't either. He asked if you could send the page to me directly.
Lright4@yahoo. Com

Also, is there anything to look out for when removing the motor? I mean is there a shaft or anything that might move etc?
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Ok I have sent it to you from my yahoo let me know if you need more ok. Thanks
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
REYES45
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Could someone send me this test procedure please. I`m having the same problem. Thank you.
Reyes45@comcast. Net
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
AVIATOR21114
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Can someone please send me this diagram. I can't print it.
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MAMALATTE24
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 17,900 MILES
Hello! I have a 2000 Ford Explorer and the four wheel drive I believe is stuck on. It wont switch to auto and it flashes 4x4 on high and low on dash. Whats this mean? Also would that make the car suck gas, and vibrate on bottom of car? Thanks
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Hi:
It sounds like it's in 4wd. Yes it would cause more gas use and could cause a vibration. It sound like the actuator is bad. It's on the transfer case. Unplug it and see if you get power to wiring. If you do, replace the actuator.

Joe
NOTE: Using 4wd on a dry surface will cause damage to the system.
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,542 POSTS
  • 1998 FORD EXPLORER
  • 16,000 MILES
I can hear the shift motor shift from low to high but not back to auto/ neutral, I had to take front drive shaft out to be able to drive it what could be the problem? Its stuck in 4 wheel drive.
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Check the actuator on the transfer case for operation. It is somewhat common for them to go bad.
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HELP ME 79
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,400 MILES
My ford explorer 98 eddie bauer is stuck in 4wd, how do I get it out? I PLAY WITH THE SWITCH AND NOTHING. What could be wrong with it?

Please help!
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,833 POSTS
Hello,

This is a common problem when the transfer case shift actuator jams up and needs to be replaced. Here is a diagram and instructions on how to replace the actuator. You might need to raise the car up.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ELMCLEOD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
I recently noticed that after someone drove my Explorer, that the 4wd low light was on. When I noticed this, I looked at the switch, and it was in auto (the 4wd was turned off). Now the light is off and it still feels as if it is still engaged. A friend had me try to powerbrake it for another problem and it would not even budge the tires. Plus my gas milage went down about 100 miles per tank. There is also a big loss of power when accellorating. I've been told many things that "could" be wrong with it, but, no for sure answers. HELPPPP!
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Have it scanned for codes. There will be a trouble code stored int he PCM pertaining to the 4wd system ifit isnt working properly. Get back with the codes. Sen quite a few of the motors on the t-case go bad, but get it scanned and we will go from there
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PARIDGERUNNER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
You might just losen the shift motor on transfer case and wiggle it and see if it will come out of low range. Do NOT pull it out, just wiggle it back and forth. Because there is a problem getting it back in. I had same problem with my 98. This worked for me, and no more problems with it for last 3 years. Seems something will stick inside motor and this will free it up.
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TJBAT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
My explorer is stuck in 4 wheel drive low. How do I get it out of 4 wheel drive
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Sunday, February 7th, 2021 AT 10:18 AM (Merged)

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