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4X4 engaging without driver input

Tiny
PLYONS911
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 88,000 MILES
4x4 is engaged and disengages on own after sitting parked overnight or while shopping.

When this first started dash 4x4 light would flicker but now never lights. Bucks when turning for different distances until disengages on own. May or may not go to 4x4 again while running errands.

Only does this after being parked, not while running. Cannot disengage with dash buttons.

New speed sensor installed due to code # P1836. No change, still same problem.

Vehicle is 5 speed manual, 4.0L

Thank you for your time.
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Thursday, January 7th, 2010 AT 10:40 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Ok after looking into the code you included it tells me that it is the 4x4 control module. It is behind the passenger side of the dash. Here is a pic of where it is. I would check salvage or wrecking yards for on to save money. Make sure they will give you an exchange warranty. Here is the pic.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/249564_Graphic_177.jpg



Attached below are the wiring diagrams for the 4wd circuit, you may want to start by checking grounds and connections to be sure they are good
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Friday, January 8th, 2010 AT 10:16 AM
Tiny
NMRHEA1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 83,567 MILES
I just bought a 2003 Ford Explorer. It seems that the 4x4 auto is always engaged. Is it supposed to be or is there a way to disengage it?
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Monday, December 3rd, 2018 AT 6:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
It is standard and should be on for your model. It simply runs the vehicle in 2 wheel drive and switches to 4x4 when the vehicle senses that it is necessary. You should be able to manually change it to 2 wheel drive or 4x4 if you wish. I believe your make and model have the push buttons. Read your owner's manual for instructions on how to properly switch between each one.
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Monday, December 3rd, 2018 AT 6:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CCLASS5
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD EXPLORER
Hi, I have a 1999 ford explorer, 106000 miles, 4.0, I put my truck into four wheel drive the other day, because of the snow, everything was fine, now I when went to switch it back to just the back wheels (2WD) to work and it won't switch over, its still in four wheels mode. I don't have a shifter, there is a knob on the dash next on the right side of the radio that I turn. I know that its not good to drive this way, in four wheels drive, in dry conditions, but I don't know how to switch it back.
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Monday, December 3rd, 2018 AT 6:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MIKEKUL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Park the truck and set the dial to Auto. Shift the car into Neutral and it should take it out of 4 wheel drive.
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Monday, December 3rd, 2018 AT 6:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CALVIN69932
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 124,314 MILES
Hey Guys I hope you can be of some help with this problem. The other nite while i'm leaving work I started my car and the ABS light was on and then as I began to pull of my 4WD light started blinking it blinked 8 times then stopped then did it again a few minutes later then the next day as I was pulling off the vehicle was hesitating to move like it was being held back then it made a slight clunking noise like the front was trying to disengage or engage then drove normally but the lights are still on and blinking. Now I just had the front left bearing done about a month ago, I don't believe that to be an issue with the drivetrain but I need help with this issue so any help will be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU.
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Monday, December 3rd, 2018 AT 6:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
If the lights have come on, then you should have the computer scanned to determine where the problem is coming from. Chances are there is a sensor problem. Take it to a nationally recognized parts store and have them do it. Most will do it for free.

Let me know what you find.
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Monday, December 3rd, 2018 AT 6:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DADNETT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD EXPLORER
  • V8
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
When wheel slippage occurs (heavy snow in NoDak) the 4H light blinks and only the rear wheels appear to be driving. Ie: the rear wheels will spin, but there is no drive to the front axle. Any suggestions as to possible problem?
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Monday, December 3rd, 2018 AT 6:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
Check to see if the 4wd actuator on the transfer case is getting power. If it is and is working, check if there are any damagd or disconected vacuum hoses to the front axle.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, December 3rd, 2018 AT 6:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TRISHA ANN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
Hello,
My 4 wheel drive light on the dash won't light up and the 4 wheel drive doesn't engage.
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Monday, December 3rd, 2018 AT 6:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
Chances are the actuator on the transfercase is bad. I need you to check to see if there is power to the actuator. IF there is, chances are the actuator is bad. It is a common problem.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Joe
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Monday, December 3rd, 2018 AT 6:04 PM (Merged)

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