The 4 wheel drive does not work

Tiny
SQUID49
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 FORD EXPLORER
  • 200,000 MILES
The 4 wheel drive does not work. When I push the 4wd button all I get is a clicking from the back (electic control modul?). I understand there is a self check. But how do u do that? And after I check that and it were to test good what does that point to next? The shift solinoid?
Friday, February 15th, 2013 AT 12:00 PM

35 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Look at the hubs first to see if they are locking in.

When did you last have the hubs serviced?

Roy
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Friday, February 15th, 2013 AT 12:38 PM
Tiny
SQUID49
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I never have inspected the hubs. Im not getting any lights on the buttons on the dash. I just did the self test on the ECM in the back. Got the blinking light indicating that it is functioning correctly.
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Friday, February 15th, 2013 AT 3:17 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Ok, then go to the hubs and have them checked. They need to be serviced often
Roy
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Saturday, February 16th, 2013 AT 2:21 AM
Tiny
SQUID49
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Wiil do thanks.
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Saturday, February 16th, 2013 AT 12:24 PM
Tiny
HENRY534
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1992 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
The 4 wheel drive will not engage. I replaced the switch on the dash but that didn't fix it. Not sure what to do next.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_41_2.jpg



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There is always the option of installing manual lock out hubs.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNH2009
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks for the picture and info. Helps with my issue of the 4WD not engaging, but lights lighting and relay working.

Looks like its shift motor time.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Yeah, could be. Sometimes tapping on it will jar it to work temporarily. And confirm.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HOCNGUYEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1992 FORD EXPLORER
Drive Train Axles Bearings problem
1992 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 226K miles

My 4x4 is not operating. When I push the button to go from 2x4 to 4x4 I do not get a light or engagement of the 4x4 system. What could be the issue and how to fix it?

Thanks,
Hoc
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JGAROFALO
  • MECHANIC
  • 489 POSTS
There is an electric motor on the back of the transfer case. This motor is not working in your case. This is a common failure, and not difficult to replace.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HOCNGUYEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
There is an electric motor on the back of the transfer case. This motor is not working in your case. This is a common failure, and not difficult to replace.[/Quote:6dece3b148]

Cool. Thank you very much.

Regards,
Hoc
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HILLIERM
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1992 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 245,000 MILES
My SUV has auto hubs and will not shift into four wheel drive. Module tests out okay, push button on dash will not light up and does not activate any response (any noise) from the module. Have tried three different shift buttons from salvage yards with same result, no light and no noise at module. I removed the shift motor and did a quick repair with plastic tubing but after removing motor and cover I did not make a note of positions of parts so I am sure I did not get the motor and parts in the correct position. Need advice or help please.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Make sure motor is in correct position first as that may be the problem. Then scan for codes.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HILLIERM
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I did not remove the shift motor until I tried switching the module and push button switch. The dash light and non engaging 4x4 were there before I started with anything so I tried working my way from the switch button to the transfer case. Where would I find information on position of parts for the shift motor?
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Due to age we have nothing on this vehicle other than a wiring diagram and that wont help. Check where motor is now then check inside tcase to see if lever inside is in wrong position or push button on 4wd and then reinstall motor and see if it works then. But it really should be scanned for codes.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HILLIERM
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks I will try and run codes, I was not sure if this year had a control module to plug into. Thanks for the advice.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HILLIERM
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Just purchased a new shift motor at Rock Auto, hope that works.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RANDALL COX
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1992 FORD EXPLORER
1992 Ford Explorer

I'm having a problem getting the truck to engage in to 4 wheel drive. I'm pretty sure it was the push button switch. I replaced it and the 4x4 still doesn't work. No lights by the switch come on using the new or old switches, but when I used a wire jumper, thje lights signifying an action with the 4x4 light up. What's going on?
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BILLYMAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,204 POSTS
Hi
this circuit is not complete until the actuator engages the 4x4 on the axle and the transfer case.

Yes you can jump over and make the light come on. But will not make the actuator work.

Most likely the elec motor on the transfer case is dirty or burned up remove dissassemble and clean both actuators.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:43 AM (Merged)

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