92 4 Wheel won't Engage/Whirring Sound

[James Dawson]

Hi All,

I have an automatic 92 Explorer xlt with 132,000. It has the automatic and the four wheel drive is engaged by pressing a switch on the dash. I have followed all the maintenance procedures by the book including fluid in the trasnfer case sicne I got it at 62,000 miles.

The 4 wheel drive will not engage and I sometimes get a "whirring" sound from under the hood when turning the steering wheel. The Power steering pump has been replaced and it is not the sound one associates with a loose belt (which was recently replaced as well.)

The truck has been great with the exception of the springs giving out.

Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks

[Opera House]

Congratulations for lasting this long. The shift motor needs to be cleaned on the back of the transfer case. A cheap easy fix if you are mechanically inclined or a new one for $250. I've done mine a couple times on my 92.
This is the site has a few rebuild tips.
http://www.glue.umd.edu/~singletn/web/pages/tcase.html

[James Dawson]

Thanks Opera!!! It has been a very reliable vehicle except for problems with an after market alarm. recently, after servicing at the Quick Oil Change Center, a ticking developed in the radio. Sort of like a bad wire or plug. Checked those out, but that was not the case. This was about the same time that the 4 wheel stopped working. I suspect they may have pulled a wire loose and it is arching.

I have a good buddy who is building a plane, so I will employ his genius to help me wih the rebuild! Thanks for the link!