Four wheel drive will not engage

1993 FORD EXPLORER
23,000 MILES
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RICHARD777
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The four wheel drive will not engage. The light on the dash will not illuminate. Last year it worked intermittently. Now it will not at all. There is no 'clicking' noise from the electrical box in the back left side.

I pushed the white reset button on the electrical box while the car was on and a red light next to the white button illuminated for a minute or so then extinguished. Is this a rest button? I have an extra electrical box that I pulled off a junker. Could it be the switch on the dash? How could I check to see if it is the switch on the dash. Could it be the four wheel drive transfer case motor? i think if it were the case motor, the light on the dash would still go on, meaning the case motor is not the issue.


Thanks! Richard Sherlock


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Dec 6, 2011 at 7:00 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Remove five wire connector and eight from control module. Ignition to "run" push white button if red LED flashes four times then module good. If no light or steady light then module is faulty.
Dec 6, 2011 at 7:49 PM
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RICHARD777
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I checked the control module and it is good. What would you suggest next? The dash switch or something else? Thanks again. Richard
Dec 7, 2011 at 3:39 AM
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DOCFIXIT
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With DVOM back probe terminal two dark blue wire in 5 pin terminal. engage four wheel drive switch should read twelve or more volts. if so then switch good.
Dec 8, 2011 at 6:19 PM
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RICHARD777
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Okay, going to check now. FYI, The light on the dash does not illuminate in either four wheel drive high or low. That is what is confusing. Okay, I just tested and there is no volts registering on my meter. It seems I would not even need to test it since the lights are not illuminating on the dash? Thanks. does this now mean it is the switch? Is that easy to replace? Thanks, Richard
Dec 12, 2011 at 5:18 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Does the light on the switch illuminates for either low or four wheel drive mode?

Dec 13, 2011 at 3:02 PM
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RICHARD777
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no, it does not.
Dec 13, 2011 at 5:08 PM
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KHLOW2008
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At the switch, check for battery voltage at terminal #7 (red/yellow wire) with ignition switch turned on.
Dec 14, 2011 at 12:45 AM
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DDOUGLAS1123
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I have 93 explorer. And my four wheel drive stopped working. It worked a week ago. But I pressed the button the next time I needed to use it and its not engaging or making noise like it's trying to. I checked all the fuses and they're fine. Was wondering if it could be the button itself or something else

Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Check for power to the 4wd actuator on the transfer case. If there is power, remove the actuator and check for operation. The actuators on these vehicles often fail.
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RICHARD777
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When I push my 4X4 button on the dash, the 4X4 will not engage. I have manually locking hubbs. At the end of last year the 4X4 was not engaging and after repeated attempts, it would engage. Now it will not at all. i can hear a slight clicking noise inside the car when I push the button, but no engagement. Is it my transfer case motor?
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RACEFAN966
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Lets start with a self test which is very simple to do. Now in the rear on the drivers (left) side there is a compartment open it and you will see a box, this is the 4x4 module. Now unplug the 5 pin and 8 pin connector from the module. There is an LED light on the module (see pic below). Now have someone turn the key on engine off you should see this LED light blink 4 times . If it don't blink the 4x4 module you are looking at is no good replace it, with either a new one or one from a wrecking or salvage yard. If it does blink 4 times then that 4x4 module is good. Get back to me with what you find.

I am suspecting that this is an issue with the shift control module so I am attaching the wiring diagram below that will help us track power through the system.

Once we know all this info and if the module is seeing the button pressed then the module is most likely the issue. However, if the motor is getting power but not engaging, then the motor is going to be the issue.
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RICHARD777
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The light does not blink when the car is turned on (with engine off). I'll look for a new module and replace it. I'll let you know how things turn out. Thanks! Richard
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RACEFAN966
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Great let me know how it goes.
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RICHARD777
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i pulled one from a salvage yard and put it in. It did not blink 4X. I pluugged the rear plugs in anyway and tried to engage. It clicked several times but did not engage. I tried a couple more times and it finnaly did engage with the 4X4 light on the panel as well. I turned it on and off several times to make sure it was working. then it just stayed in 4X4 and was not able to disengage. I finnaly unpugged it and returned the one I pulled and got another one. I have not plugged the new one in yet. Car is still stuck in 4X4. I freeed my hubs in front b/c they are manuel locking so I can at least drive on dry pavement. It makes a loud squeel though. Am I frying the component by continually trying to engage with it clicking? I'm a little afraid to put the new one in.
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RICHARD777
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I plugged the second 'new' one that I got from the bone yard. I did the plug in test. That one did not blink four times either. Is it possible to have two new ones that are bad?
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RICHARD777
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Well, now I plugged in my OLD one. Still no blinking light. I plugged in the rest of the connectors and voila, it works! I'm not sure why. I'm alittle nervous b/c when I need the 4X4 in the mountains in snow and mud, I'm stuck without it. Any clues?
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RACEFAN966
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Well that is a liitle strange. It should have blinked the light on the 4x4 module that is. You are checking the led that is on the module not the 4x4 lights on the dash? Just making sure. Now the only thing that I can figure it that unpluging it reset it. The test is realy simple with simple results so I don't understand that one. I would say that the one you put in at first was bad as it locked it in 4x4 and wouldn't release. If you have anymore problems we can check the T-case motor but it has to not be working inorder to check it otherwise it will test good. Let me know how it goes.
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RMC LANDSCAPING
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93 ford explorer gages won't work, and 4x4 won't work
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RICHARD777
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Thanks, I will continue to test the 4X4 system to see if it continues to work and let you know if it does not. Still not sure why the light does not blink. Thanks, Richard
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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What gauges are not working? Have you checked to see if there is power to the 4wd actuator on the transfer case?

Let me know.
Joe
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RACEFAN966
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Ok that sounds good. I can't understand why the light won't blink either as it is all self contained. Go figure. If there are any problems just let me know.
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RMC LANDSCAPING
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Fuel,temp gage,battery,tach,4x4 don't work. All of these quit working at the same time. I have changed all gages, checked all the grounds in the engine compartment,changed the GEM. I looked for the grounds under the dash but can't find them. I don't know where to go from here.The 4x4 light on the dash won't light up, and I changed the motor on the transfer case last year. I also checked the fuses. Thanks for your response.
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RICHARD777
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Thanks, It worked well this morning in the snow and ice. There was no clicking noises that I usually hear when I engage it either. Thanks again. Richard
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The only thing that I can say is to check the body control module. IT sounds like you replaced everything else.
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RACEFAN966
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No problem if you have any issues with it just ask, I will try to help where I can.
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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GOODFELLAS1957
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wiggle the harness were it comes through the fire wall and check the fuse.
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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RMC LANDSCAPING
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Thank you, Could you tell where to find the body control module?
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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GOODFELLAS1957
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not sure if they had one in 93
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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STEEVISO
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when i push 4wd button on dash nothing happens fuse under hood and fuse under dash good there is power at the switch(pushbutton) where do i go from here? Thank you in advance SteveO
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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EXALTEDDEED6
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Ok i know what you are going through i had the same problem with my 1993.Oen the compartment that holds your jack it sould be in the back on the driver side.Tack the jack out and all the hard wear to it so you can get a good view of the inside.If you look in the opening towards the front (useing a flash light) you will see a little black computer.With the truck running as you looking in the opening on that computer there should be a little red light lit if it is not lit then you need to go to a junk yeard and get a new one coz that means it is no good.it only tacks about 30 min. to tack it out and put the new one in.if you have any problems just email me asap and i will give you my cell number and talk you through it ok.
Eric
p.s. my email address is eckerson17Yahoo.com
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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GOODFELLAS1957
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drove my son to school came home shut off truck waited 1min went to re start got it started checked for codes and got code po300 misfire detected but no check engine light came on ???????
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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GOODFELLAS1957
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I have a 94 f150 4.9 4speed od and was having electrical problems with it and took apart the conection block on the fire wall in witch ford are notorius for having corrosion problems there cleaned and put elect grease on the female side of the block and never had a problem again.Also make sure you have power (12 volts) at both sides of the fuse(if it lights a test light the fuse is good don't just look at the fuse you might not see the break) good luck
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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GOODFELLAS1957
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sorry for the screw up trying to fix a broublem with my chevy and was on the wrong page
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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WANTSTOKNOW
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Electrical problem
1993 Ford Explorer Four Wheel Drive Automatic

I am looking into buying a 4x4 Ford Explorer. When I went to try the 4x4 I pushed the button and all it does is clicks in the rear where the windshield wiper fluid is like its trying to work but wont light up or engage. I checked all fuses and they all seem fine. What is the problem, Is this an easy repair and how much will it cost to fix it?
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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DONALDGOLDSR
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[quote:4507c35f23="wantstoknow"]Electrical problem
1993 Ford Explorer Four Wheel Drive Automatic

I am looking into buying a 4x4 Ford Explorer. When I went to try the 4x4 I pushed the button and all it does is clicks in the rear where the windshield wiper fluid is like its trying to work but wont light up or engage. I checked all fuses and they all seem fine. What is the problem, Is this an easy repair and how much will it cost to fix it?[/quote:4507c35f23]
"Easy Repair" is in the eyes of the beholder. Most likely cause is the 4WD control module on the transmission. It's coslty, but definitely a DIY. You'll spend about an hour under the truck if you've never done one before.
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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WANTSTOKNOW
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How much is costly and what exactly do I need to buy?
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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DONALDGOLDSR
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[quote:3eb00d5adc="wantstoknow"]How much is costly and what exactly do I need to buy?[/quote:3eb00d5adc]

Probably close to $200. And, you'll prob have to go to the Ford dealership to get it. IF , and I mean IF you get one from a junkyard, make sure its the exact same year, and model. They changed this module almost every year because of upgrades.
Before you make the purchase, go to a parts store that does free computer scans. If that module is bad, the code is stored in the computer. The exact code wont come to mind right now, but I know its in the P1800 range.
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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OCG
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Drive Train Axles Bearings problem
1993 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 160k miles

My 1993 explorer 4WD will not engage.
Just happened with no suspicious action on my part.
I push the buttons on the dash either one the low range button or the four wheel drive, the indicator light do not illuminate and the wheels are not in 4WD.
Any suggestions?
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Chances are there is a problem with the actuator on the transfer case. What you need to do is check if it is getting power. Unplug the actuator and have a helper turn the switch for the 4wd to see if you get power to the actuator. If you are getting power, chances are the actuator is bad.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)
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LMJOHNSON
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4 wheel drive won,t engage
Dec 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM (Merged)