4X4 wont work?

Tiny
ADVENTUROUS3
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1994 FORD EXPLORER
1994 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

My Explorer will not go into 4 wheel drive when I push the button. Fuse is good; control modular in rear clicks and has a solid red light which stays on. Actuator does not seem to be getting power. Switches in transfer case indicate it is in 2 wheel drive. No lights work on the dash area. Any suggestions from here would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time!
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Have you checked the actuator to make sure it isn't getting power? Actuator problems on these vehicles are common.

Let me know.
Joe
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ADVENTUROUS3
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The actuator tested to be fine. However, it may not be getting power but not sure as to why. Traced the power from underneath dash and it seems to be working on that end. Just seems like from there it all loses power along the way. Cannot figure out why nor where. Any suggestions?
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Have you disconnected the wiring harness on the actuator? If not, do so and check for damage, corrosion. If you have already done that, you need to start tracking the wiring back to the relay to see where it is lost. It could be a broken wire, fuse, relay.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ADVENTUROUS3
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The electrical system has been tracked and is confirmed to be working accurately as of yesterday afternoon. It has been determined that the problem is the actual actuator. How do I go about aquiring a new one or in finding a used one to replace this one? Can this one be taken apart and cleaned to make it work again?
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
I had a feeling that was the problem. It is very common on these vehicles. As far as repair, it is usually a combination of corrosion, rust. That causes them to stop. By the time you get new parts to fix it, you could have just gotten one with a warranty.

As far as replacement, check some of the parts stores. I would think by now you can get them aftermarket. If they can't get them, a dealer will be expensive, so check salvage yards. I'm confident you'll find one. Just make sure they warranty the part.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TAMMIESB
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
When I push the button, my 4 wheel drive will not work. I can hear something in the transfer case trying to kick in, but it won't. I changed the motor on the transfer case, but that didn't help. Everything else seems to be working right. Can you help me?
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
If you are sure the 4wd actuator on the transfer case is good, then you must have a vacuum leak at the front axle or if you hear a grinding sound, the hubs are bad.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
94EXPLODER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,710 MILES
Ok a bought a 94 explorer about 6months ago and found out wfter the winter hit the 4wd didnt work. I have replace fuse switch and most of the other parts and cannot figure out why the 4wd still will not engage. Im looking for ideas and other possible solutions.

Oh its a push button 4wd with manual locking hubs. Which I was told by a mechanic that it is a common swap when the auto locking hubs die.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JGAROFALO
  • MECHANIC
  • 489 POSTS
Most likely, the elevtric motor on the back of the transfer case has failed. This has been a fairly common problem with these units.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BRIGNALL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,000 MILES
Hi there I've recently purchased a 4x4 explorer the only problem with this truck is the 4x4 doesn't work I've replaced the switch in the cab did nothing I then checked to make sure I had power to the switch and I do just wondering what else it could be
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JGAROFALO
  • MECHANIC
  • 489 POSTS
The most common failure here is the electric motor/switch/sensor assembly on hte rear of the transfer case. This is a fairly simple and straightforward item to replace.
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)

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