93 Explorer 4WD doesn't work

[frank9550]

All of a sudden the 4WD stopped working. I checked the switch unit in the dash and it was bad. Replaced the switch. Checked all fuses. When I push 4WD High or Low button I hear a relay click in back of vehicle. Amber lights next to switch buttons don't come on. 4WD does not engage, or doesn't stay engaged. Front drive shaft does not turn at all. Is this an electrical problem? Engaging motor in the transfer case? Is there a vacuum line that keeps it engaged? How do I check to see if the auto-hubs are working?
Please, any ideas anyone has would be appreciated. It's about to start snowing!
Thanks.

[possb]

Hi,
I have a 94 explorer that did the same thing last year (91-94 use the same system). The problem is a broken "stop" on the electrical switch that engages the transfer case. To replace it unbolt the switch from the rear on the transfer case. First you will need to pull the wiring harness out. One of the wire won't come out so, pull the "plug" (that the best way to describe it) out of the middle of the harness. Then remove the wire. Now the entire motor/switch assembly should come off. You will probably find a few small "chunks" in there. They are what is left of the stop (i.e. your problem). To replace it go to a hardware store and pick up a foot of hard plastic tubing that fits over the stop on the gear. Take the gear with you to make sure it fits. Clean the brushes and contacts on the motor with an electrical cleaning spray and a rag. Put it all back together and it should work for ya.

I am going to try and email you a couple of picture that I had found when I had the problem. If you don't get them, send me an email at [email protected]

I have been recieving tons of emails for pictures, so I talked to a friend nicely and he is hosting the pictures on some web space of his. Explorer Transfer Case Pictures

[possb]

You don't recieve emails. So send me one with your return address

[frank9550]

That was my exact problem. Thanks for the help and the pictures. Saved me a lot of money. This is a great forum!

[frank9550]

Ok I did everything you said above and the 4WD works fine and I have used it a couple times when today I just thought I would try 4x4 Low and it does not engage. But 4x4 High works fine so I guess I can live with that. (At least until it gets warmer out to work on it) If you have any ideas why one would work and not the other, please let me know.
Thanks.

[possb]

Are you in neutral when you try and shift into 4X4 low? The explorer will only shift into low when in neutral, park doesn't work. If it still isn't working check to see if you put the wires back in all the way. Otherwise look at the switch itself. If it is switching into 4X4 high I don't know exactly why low wouldn't be working.

[mittiej]

Hey frank I am having a similair problem, could you please send me those pictures as well. Thnx

[msghei]

fIXED MINE TOO THANKS

[dtbeatty]

My 4wd doesnt engage anymore either... sounds like the same problem. Can someone email the pictures of this solution to me? Thanks in advance.

[krsc05]

what about if you can't get it OUT of 4WD?

[Stripers41]

I think I have the same problem with mine,my light dosen't come on.
A picture or a link to it would be great!
Thank's
[email protected]

[trucku]

Can you send me the pics please..

Thanks
V

[waro]

I am in desperate need of the diagram.... [email protected]

[chris root]

Hi My name is Chris, and I have a 91 explorer, same problem. Could I trouble you for those pix too?

Thanks, C.
[email protected]

[molehole]

I have a slightly different problem with my 94 Explorer. When I press the 4x4 button on the dash it comes right on and I can hear the shift motor working. It makes you think its on but infact the front wheels don't engage. Anybody have any ideas?
Thanks