92 explorer 4wd problems

[smokedawg17]

hi, i have a 92 explorer and i am having troubles with my 4wd....

whenever i push the button for low range or 4wd, the 4wd does not engage at all, the light doesn't even come on...however, sometimes while driving in 2wd, the amber light for either low range or 4wd will come on for no reason, still not engaging 4wd, and while the lights are on you cannot turn them off by pushing the button...

does anyone have an idea of what this could be?

thanks!

[Ann Evans]

We just took our 1992 explorer sport in for almost the same problem. It is also doing a few other things like overheating (cracked radiator). Here in Ohio we had record 20" snofalls and ours got stuck in 4X4 low range. Not good as you can only go about 20mph in 4th gear!

There are a couple of electronic solenoids for the electronic shift on the fly models. one is under the dash, and another is in the rear compartment above the passenger side rear tire. We have a Haynes manual that shows the locations. These cost about $15. here.

Anyway they told us the dash switch was bad in ours and to replace it parts and labor would be about $250. Since we also need the radiator and serpentine belt replaced we are going to wait a few weeks on the dash switch, but ours will be okay in regular 4WD, just not the low range.

Has anyone replaced this switch themselves?? Or is it more trouble than saving the $$ on labor?

Thanks

Ann

[Shade3]

If the switch is anything like my 94 X sport, its almost plug and play.... My switch is located in its own panel mounted in the dash above the radio. Take 2 screws out in the ashtray area pop off the facia/bezel piece from around the entire dash/cluster/etc, and the switch comes with it.

[smokedawg17]

if im correct, the explorer from 91-94 are very similar...so by switch do you mean the 4wd shift computer? or the button panel?

i took off the dash panel and i followed the wires from the 4wd buttons to a black box, is that the shift computer?

thanks

[Shade3]

from what i've read and seen, the biggest problem is with the shift motor itself. It mounts into the back of the transfer case. It has 3 positions, 2H(igh), 4H(igh) and 4L(ow). If the shift motor is out of sync, the computer doesn't know what position it currently is in, so it will not shift from one state to another....

basically its a safetly measure to keep from engaging....

check out this link for info on the motor...etc...

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=123542

[smokedawg17]

Hi, i found the shift motor gave it a whack with a hammer and a 2x4 and cleaned it up a bit got rid of some of the grit and grim that has collected...

started it up and tried to put it into 4wd, it still didnt' engage but i heard a series of clicks in the back of the car around where the shift computer is...does that mean its the shift computer and not the shift motor? anyone have any ideas?

[smokedawg17]

oh my god...so i have this 92 explorer you know and when i hit 4x4 ..no lights..no clicks..no nothing..and i've had no luck with the 4wd the past month...so 2 days ago i tapped it with a hammer and no luck..nothing..just a series of clicks by the shift computer...so today...i just went under there and sprayed it with some wd-40 hoping it was just a conductor problem...and so tonight i try it and it goes into 4h and disengages 4h no problem...still wont do low range..but still an improvement...

any ideas on what this could be? electrical? or just a lucky hit with the shift motor...please please. help...lol im terified to take out the shift motor again...

thanks