95 explorer 4x4 problem

I have a 95 explorer eddie bauer edition with the 4.0L. It has the 4x4 auto. When i put it in 4x4 i get the 4x4 light on the dash saying its in 4x4 but it remains in 2wd. If the rear tires start to spin on ice or snow when i have it switched to 4x4 it will ding at me (the same ding it makes when im pushing buttons on the message screen on the center counsel) but still does not go into 4x4. Also i noticed the front driveshaft still turns even if it is not in 4x4. I am unfamiliar with how the 4x4 auto is suppose to work on the fords. Used to drive a S10 blazer and know that the front driveshaft did not spin in 2wd. Any help would be appreciated seeing its snowing right now as i type this message.

Oh boy.....well the thing bout these 95 and 96 explorers is in the 4hi which is 4auto mode it isn't in 4X4 until rear wheels spin it'll kick in and out, there is a special mod you can do to it to make it run Fulltime 4X4 hi when its in and also have 4auto....depending on how long its been since you used the 4X4 if you ever have at all you may need to get under it and beat on the transfercase and t-case shift motor to get it to go into 4X4 because most people's problem is, they don't use it enough and it tends to get stuck in 4X2. I usually keep mne in 4auto all the time it comes in handy trying to pull out of a busy intersection fast ya have alot less risk of losin control. But try the whole beating with the hammer on t-case and shift motor and try then....to test it either put in 4low or put in 4auto and stomp on it a little that you know the tires would spin then see if it kicks in you'll hear a noise in the front end also when it kicks in 4X4. Let me know how everything works out.

One thing to add I forgot...when your in 4auto it has a transfercase clutch coil that engages the 4X4 in 4auto mode it could be stuck in place too.....but hopefully the hammer thing will fix it.

Yes, but would the dash light still come on? And if i jack up the front tires and put it in 4x4 i cannot spin the tire, which implies its at least engaged to the transfer case. Would this still happen if the shift motor was stuck.

I'm honestly not sure.....haven't run into this prob. with my 96 "yet" which hopefully I never will since I constantly use the 4X4. You obviously have this in Park when you have it jacked up right? If thats the case then I'm thinking that it's stuck in 4X4 somehow or else its just that the autohub is stuck in place or something....because I know my 96 if you jack it up and you have in 4hi you can spin the wheel.....buddy I wish I knew what was going on....I'd still try the hammer method it could work something loose because like I said these electronic transfercases can cause troubles....it don't take much time...have you tried your truck in 4low?