1998 Ford Expedition 4X4 light is on

REDSTEPCHILD77

MEMBER
1998 FORD EXPEDITION

1998 Ford Expedition V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic

My 4x4 indicator is lit, but I haven't changed into A4wd or either of the other 4wd settings. Why is it on, how do I fix it, and if I am in 4wd, how fast can I drive on the road w/o damaging something until I get it fixed?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Did the light come on for all at once by itself? Also, keep the switch on the A4wd. As far as driving in 4wd, you shouldn't do it on dry surfaces where all wheels can get good traction. It will damage things. However, a tell tell sign that you are in 4wd is when you turn the steering and pull out or drive slowly into a sharp turn. The steering will want to fight you from turning.

Let me know what you find.

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Thursday, July 16th, 2009 AT 11:29 PM

REDSTEPCHILD77

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Yes the light came on by itself. I've never even turned the knob in order to switch the drive system. I don't feel it pull or fight even at slow speeds, but it seems to be more sluggish in picking up speed. The truck has 127,000 miles on it; so I'm wondering if it is one of those systems that needs to be checked b/c of age.
I don't want to damage anything on the truck especially since I have been told that the air suspension is extremely expensive to fix. Any help will be much appreciated.

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Saturday, August 8th, 2009 AT 5:19 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Based on your description, I would say that there is a short in the wiring at the actuator (mounted on the transfer case). I would check for corroded wires, damaged wiring, or broken ones. Remove the wiring harness and make sure everything looks ok there.

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Saturday, August 8th, 2009 AT 8:14 PM