Can't shift to any gear Drive or Reverse and stuck in 4X4 Low

Tiny
MUTONI
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
My car can't shift to any gear. Is it because it's stuck in 4x4 Low? Please assist me.
Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 11:34 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

If you can't shift from park, it isn't the result of the transfer case. The system has a park interlock system which prevents the shifter from moving without the brakes on. First make sure the brake lights are working. If they are, we either have a problem with the interlock actuator or cable, but are under the console (left side for the cable/right side for the actuator). I attached a picture of both. Let me know if the brake lights are working and if I am correct in thinking the shifter will not move from park. As far as being in 4wd low, that should not prevent you from shifting.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 8:02 PM
Tiny
MUTONI
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Hello. The brake lights are working, but the interlock doesn't move. I even tried to push it manually to move the shift lever but I don't't get to any movement (no Drive or Reverse). The shift level moves but there is no sign of gear being felt. I'd like to highlight again that 4X4LOW light is (stuck) still on on the dash. Please help.
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 9:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Welcome back:

Okay, so the gear shift lever isn't stuck but it is stuck in 4low and no gear engagement. It sounds like the actuator motor is actually stuck in neutral.

Do me a favor. There are two relays in the under hood relay box. I need you to check them. See picture 1. If the part numbers on the relays are the same, switch them.

Here is a link that explains how to test a relay:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:27 PM
Tiny
MUTONI
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Hey again.

Thank you very much. The link is perfect and I am sure once I get to know which relays to switch ( interchange right?) Because I I am a bit confused to locate these two relays: I'd like to know the exactly before I change anything over there. Am afraid I'll disappoint you. But you are a good man. Hopefully you'll keep up to help out. Here is my relays position. If you can let me know which ones to test.
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Tuesday, June 25th, 2019 AT 7:13 AM
Tiny
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If I could choose between 1, 2, or 3 on this photo. That would be sooo great.
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Tuesday, June 25th, 2019 AT 7:20 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Welcome back:

On the underside of the cover, it should identify what each relay does. Is that label there?
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Tuesday, June 25th, 2019 AT 7:14 PM
Tiny
MUTONI
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  • 5 POSTS
Hey Joe,

There no indication underside the cover. I don't even see the user manual so that I can find about fuses and relays. If the chassis number could help out there please do assist me with it (1FMEU74E16UB19861). Year 2006. If there is a link that I could follow.
Thank you very much again Joe.
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Tuesday, June 25th, 2019 AT 10:26 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Welcome back:

I looked through two professional grade manuals and neither wants to provide a specific location other than under the hood.

Lets try something different. First, I need you to check the fuse for power to the 4wd module. I attached two pictures. I circled and highlighted the fuse in picture 2. I was actually able to identify this one.

Here are a few links that will help with testing:

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

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

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 AT 6:57 PM

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