4 Wheel low will not engage

KSTONEKING

MEMBER
2003 FORD EXPLORER
4.6L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

I bought the vehicle listed above XLT and I can't get it to engage in 4 Low. The all wheel drive and the 4 High will engage but not 4 Low. I replaced the under dash actuator to no effect. I have replaced the fuses associated with the four wheel drive system, also to no effect. Is there an easy way to check the in-dash switch to see if it needs to be replaced? What can I try next?

Wednesday, July 31st, 2019 AT 4:06 PM

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,137 POSTS

Hello,

When you say I replaced the actuator under the dash? I am not sure what you are talking about. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? that would be great. You can upload it here with your response.

Here is the 4WD system wiring diagrams so you can see the fuses that need to be checked (17, 18, 23, 12 and 24) and how the system works:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

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Thursday, August 1st, 2019 AT 5:03 PM

KSTONEKING

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hello Ken, I misspoke, it wasn't the actuator it was the Transfer Case Module that I replaced.

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Thursday, August 1st, 2019 AT 6:32 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,137 POSTS

Okay cool, because it sounds like the actuator is weak and not engaging the transfer gear selector completely. Here are diagrams below to help you switch the transfer case encoder out. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

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