4x4 drive -

[js_318]

1977 expedition - the 4x4 wheel drive will not engage....the lights come on but the front wheel will not angage...any suggestions

[way2old]

Look at the actuator.

[ernie300]

1997 expedition major electrical problems. vehicle would not start changed batt/starter/alt./ computer you name it its been changed. Does anyone have any suggestions. Going broke trying to fix this and want to SELL this suv for a truck.

[way2old]

Hi ernie. Please start a new thread for your problem. Please inform if motor is cranking and not starting, or no cranking at all. Plus what you have done to try to cure it.

[PR0866]

I have had this problem twice on my 98. 1st time it was a selenoid that needed repalcing this time it was a drive motor...so I am told. Waiting to hear the cost of replacement.

[tinkering]

Originally Posted by way2old

Look at the actuator.

Where is the actuator? Is it hard to get at?
With my ohm meter, I checked the resistance of the switch positions against the values below.
Mode Switch Position Resistance Range
A4WD 3,700-4,100
4WD HIGH 1,040-1,160
4WD LOW 340-380

[65comet]

The actuator is on the back side of the transfer case.

[tinkering]

Originally Posted by 65comet

The actuator is on the back side of the transfer case.

Here are a couple of GREAT youtube videos that helped me a lot!. There are others there too.
My problem turned out to be the vacuum actuator; the plunger must be seized. I am going to try to loosen it all up with penetrating lube and prying it back and forth with a big screw driver. If that doesn't work I will remove it and work on it on the bench. Both diaphragms held vacuum just fine.The new ones are $250!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWXiArMiqBw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUrvASBVZhk

[kingyugo]

It's been proven that most 4×4 car poop out after awhile. How long have you had the expedition?

[tinkering]

kingyugo,
If you were taking to me?
We have had our old beast for 1 year. It has 250,000 miles on it. The engine is still solid. I love the location of the oil filter up near the bumper. No more oil up the elbow
I fixed lots this winter: both exhaust manifolds and gaskets, rear wheel bearings and seals, differential oil and gasket, rear window wiper motor, rear door lock cylinder, running board lights, rear disc brakes, parking brake shoes and hardware, 4WD, etc..
It has been proven that everything stops working after awhile It is nice to be able to keep the vehicles on the road well after the expected junkyard day

[kingyugo]

if you have the 77' expedition then yes.

[tinkering]

It worked! I ran the actuator back and forth with a big screwdriver or something and lubed it up with some heavier spray than WD40. It has a new lease on life. I recommend trying this before spending the $250