How to check if auto 4WD is working

Tiny
BRAVESGORDONFAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 FORD ESCAPE
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
This has the automatic 4wd. I guess that's what you call it. There is no selector switch. But it has a 4wd indicator light (idiot light) in instrument panel and has a 4wd imprint design in dash. No selector switch or anything though. A few months ago the 4wd flashed indicating the tone ring was a problem and I found the drivers side ring broke. I replaced it and the ABS sensor. I was told at one point the 4wd light had come on when it was being driven but can't remember if she told me what road conditions were plus I can't remember if this was before or after I replaced tone ring. We live in Northeast Pa and have had plenty of snowy and icy roads. We both have driven it and have never seen the 4wd light come on at all. And conditions definitely sucked. The wife has stated the vehicle has slid a few times on some hills. How can I find out if it is or isn't working. I have a Hayes manual and looking in the chassis electrical schematics I noticed a wire leading to what is listed as. 4wd control module. There is no other reference to this module anywhere in the book. In fact not much if any info at all about this type of 4wd system. Can you help explain this system and how to troubleshoot it?
Friday, January 23rd, 2015 AT 8:40 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It's an automatic system so it only puts 4wd incertain conditions. You need a scanner to diagnose it and there are 10 separate tests which should be covered in your Haynes manual. From your description it seems to be operating correctly. Although any ABS problem will knock it out along with traction control.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 24th, 2015 AT 6:05 AM
Tiny
J.STIEG
  • MEMBER
  • 352 POSTS
  • 2005 FORD ESCAPE
  • 134,000 MILES
I am working on a 05 escape and the 4 wheel drive does not work. The ABS light comes on, and the 4 wheel drive light comes on and flashes. There is no shifter inside, it is automatic. I need to start troubleshooting, what should I check first?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 4:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Scan for codes with a tool that reads p b c and u codes
you have an abs problem and traction problem, both need the scanner to avoid replacing parts that aren't needed.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 4:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
J.STIEG
  • MEMBER
  • 352 POSTS
My scanner will do powertrain codes and there are none. Whats the resistance on the wheel sensors. One wheel bearing sounds dry(is not hub assembly). Any wiring diagram would help. Thanks
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 4:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Ford wheel speed sensors are 800-2300 ohm. You really need to scan with a capable tool!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 4:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
J.STIEG
  • MEMBER
  • 352 POSTS
I found the problem, ABS sens ring reluctor was cracked and came off shaft. Put new one on CV shaft and vehicle works fine.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+4
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 4:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Excellent!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 4:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ZBABY92
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD ESCAPE
  • 135,600 MILES
I have a 2002 ford escape xlt 3.0L V6 front wheel drive with automatic or full time four wheel drive. My question is, when the four wheel drive system is in automatic, should the drive shaft that leads to the rear wheels still spin as if the vehicle is in full time four wheel drive?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 4:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Yes, it should

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 4:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ZBABY92
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Why should it spin? I looked under the car while my wife eased on the throttle. There was no change between automatic and full time four wheel drive.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 4:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ZBABY92
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Why should it spin? If the car is in automatic four wheel drive, the rear wheels should not be engaged until the computer receives a slip in the front wheels. The car is front wheel drive. When switched into full time four wheel drive, there is no change in the way it runs. There is no movement or anything. If the four wheel drive is off, I would think that the drive shaft wouldnt spin unless engaged by the four wheel drive system, whether slip or full time.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 4:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHIVAFAN07
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2001 FORD ESCAPE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
My four wheel drive on my ford escape does not engage. I turn the switch and the light on the dashboard comes on but it does not engage. I havent checked the fuse(if it even has one for the 4wd)because I dont know where its located.
Where should I start diagnosing it?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 4:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Check to see if there is power to the 4wd actuator on the transfer case. If there is, remove it and check for function.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 4:28 PM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Transfer Case Selector Switch Content