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Dashboard four wheel drive switch

Tiny
SNOOPY0013
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 FORD EXPLORER
My dashboard four wheel drive switch does not work to switch the truck from auto to high to low. The dashboard light switch does not come on and there is nor response from the switch the three buttons seem unresponsive.
Saturday, December 20th, 2008 AT 2:39 PM

56 Replies

Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like either the switch or actuator is bad. To be sure we will run a few tests.
Here is a guide to show you how to check the fuses and a wiring diagram so you can see how the four wheel drive system works. We need to check fuse 29 for power at the switch

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

And

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

Please run down these guides and diagrams and report back.
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Saturday, December 20th, 2008 AT 4:03 PM
Tiny
SRJOECOW
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Just bought 2002 Explorer. When pushing either of the three buttons Auto, low or High four wheel drive; can feel nothing engaging and no lights of indicator panel light up. Mine is just a regular four wheel drive, 4.0 Liter; eighth digit is a E.

Thanks, Jim
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Saturday, December 20th, 2008 AT 5:08 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Well Jim

There are codes that this may throw that could help us out. Please go to AutoZone (AZ) or O'Reilly's (or) and for free they can pull the codes to the car. Most important: Once they check your codes, if they find something and you do not get it fixed and need to get back with us, please make sure you tell us exactly what the code was, number and all. Example, if the code was E0568 O2 Sensor bad. Then make sure you give us all of that. While there for free also they can bring their tester out and check your battery and alternator. Since it is getting cold out and you just bought it. We want to make sure those two things are also in top shape and it is free.

Looks like it is asking early or late build so I have attached a picture please look at the label on the door and give me that date. To save time also provide your VIN.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_label_2.jpg



The second picture. This is what your dash looks like and all three switches do nothing and no lights, yes?


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_1_120.jpg



As soon as you give me the date and VIN. I can move on with searching, but I would still like you to check the codes etc.

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Saturday, December 20th, 2008 AT 7:03 PM
Tiny
SRJOECOW
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks for your response. It was built 07/2001. The Vin is: 1FMZU73E92ZA94613.

We just had the biggest snow storm in the last decade last night so I will get to AutoZone this coming week. It the mean time, I am pulling interior fuses 12, 16, and 29 and exterior fuses 17 and 18 just to make sure they are okay.

Thanks,

Jim
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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Jim,

While you are checking fuses. Lets check them all to be safe.

Also, left side engine compartment. Please check fuses: 13, 15, 37, 40

Also, does this have traction control?

For your information you have a late build. It was built after 03/2002. Many of the things I look at ask for that.

More to follow.
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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 12:45 PM
Tiny
SRJOECOW
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
All fuses check out okay. Went to AutoZone; they said they could not read codes if my check engine light was not on. So I changed the shift actuator and the problem is solved thanks for your help on this it cost me $132.00 for the part.
Thanks,

Jim
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Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 AT 8:30 AM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help

Cheers.
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Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 AT 9:52 AM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello srjoecow,

These checks i mean to send over before the other ones I sent.

Also, in the Battery Junction Box (BJB) check fuses 17 (20A) and 18 (20A)

Look at fuse 12 (5A) in the Central Junction Box (CJB)

When you check these fuses please use an ohm meter .sometimes the eyeball just does not see if it is burnt in a corner.

You and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_t1_1.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_t2_2.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_t3_2.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_t4_2.jpg

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Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 AT 10:02 AM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello srjoecow.

Hey a little more info for you.

Switch, Push Button 4x4 Mode

The push button 4x4 mode switch, mounted on the instrument panel, allows the operator to select the 4x4 Auto, 4x4 High, and 4x4 Low transfer case operating modes. The indicator light, on the instrument cluster push button, will illuminate only when the 4x4 Low position is engaged.

I have also attached where the switch is located.The 4WD Selector Switch

You and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_s1_1.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_s2_1.jpg

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Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 AT 10:17 AM
Tiny
SRJOECOW
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I finally got around to checking the fuse and it was bad. I replaced the switch and the fuse. 4wd works again. Only cost me $42.00.

Have A Great Holiday!
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Wednesday, December 24th, 2008 AT 12:08 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello,

Thank you for the information.

Hope you had a great Christmas!
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Thursday, December 25th, 2008 AT 10:58 PM
Tiny
DANTHONY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 75,000 MILES
Shifts into 4x4 High while I am driving. Does not seem to respond to pushing the 4x4 Auto button. I have to push the 4x4 High button and then the 4x4 Auto button. ADVTRAC OFF message comes on intermittently. ABS light comes on.
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Monday, January 2nd, 2017 AT 11:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Have a pro scan for codes may be the abs is making tcm screw up.
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Monday, January 2nd, 2017 AT 11:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
ABS unit will take off traction control when light goes off so it will need scanning to see what is wrong as well as it will pick up any code for 4wd at same time as both go to powertrain control unit. Autoparts store may pickup one code but as abs is sending one then they won't so a pro has to scan it.
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Monday, January 2nd, 2017 AT 11:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DANTHONY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Checked the codes. Some emissions related stuff, but nothing to do with the antilock brakes, advance trac or 4wd. Someone suggested disconnecting a battery cable and reconnecting to make the computer reboot. Any thoughts about that?
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Monday, January 2nd, 2017 AT 11:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Youan try it but it may erase any codes this may need to be brought up on freeze frame by a pro who knows what to read on it. Also the abs/trac thing may be intermittent so will be hard to find. Only other thing I can think of is the motor on tcase is messed up or a shorted wire going to it.
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Monday, January 2nd, 2017 AT 11:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DANTHONY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanx
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Monday, January 2nd, 2017 AT 11:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RONPA
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
  • 1994 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 125,000 MILES
Drive Train Axles Bearings problem
1994 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Manual 125000 miles

I replaced the tranfer case motor on my Ford Explorer, The 4x4 and Low Range lights on the buttons in dash would light but the transfer case would not engage. (Before the replacement ) After I removed the Transfer Case motor I had my wife engage the 4x4 button to see if the motor would turn. It didnt, but she also said the light would not come on. I assumed it needed to be grounded. So I continued with the replacement. When finished the light would not come on or the transfer case engage. I removed the transfer case motor checking my work. I then reinstalled the motor, cleaning the ground at the back of the motor where the support bracket mates to the transfer case. Still nothing. I unplugged the wiring harness and checked the power cable with a multi meter , doesnt seem to be any power to the cable, I the checked the 20 Amp high out put fuse under the hood it was not blown. Not sure what to do next. I called the garage they said they have never had to remap the control module after a change. The Instructions with the NAPA reman. Motor said you may or maynot have to remap. Thanks, Ron
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Monday, January 2nd, 2017 AT 11:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Ok lets start with something simple and check number 7 fuse under the dash in the fuse box. This fuse should be a 15amp check to see if it is blown ok if you can't tell replace it anyway just to be sure as fuses are not that expensive. On a 94 model explorer there is no need to remap it so no worries there. If the fuse is good then we will look for any relay's and check the GEM Module next ok. We will also check the Shift Motor to ensure you did get a good on. It happens now and then that you get a bad one. Thanks and get back to me.
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Monday, January 2nd, 2017 AT 11:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RONPA
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
Ok, removed the number 7 fuse tested it with a multi meter for continuity , checked out ok. Not sure about the relays, I have no wiring diagram , I have a chiltons but it stops a t 1987 from my ford ranger.
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Monday, January 2nd, 2017 AT 11:05 AM (Merged)

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