ok i drove my explorer from NC to NY 4 wheel drive worked before i left. Im assuming the button just burned up or maybe fuse i have not checked if there was a fuse yet. Does anyone have any ideals of what could be wronge. The button does not light up when i press it this is why i feel its just the button. Mind you it is a 91 explorer xlt.

I do know in those older rangers and explorers the motor that engages/disengages 4x4 likes to fail. One quick test I learned at Ford, if you can safely get all 4 wheels in the air, push your 4x4 button and get under the vehicle and gently tap the engagement motor with a hammer, see if it engages. But you did say that the button no longer lights up... might be something else too...

thanks bud ill have to get it on some jack stands this week to check that out

Just be really carefull cause the wheels will be in motion and we dont need the car fallin on ya! Do check fuses and relays too! Do check fuses and relays too! Damn electronic 4x4 lol.

Originally posted by talonIV

I do know in those older rangers and explorers the motor that engages/disengages 4x4 likes to fail. One quick test I learned at Ford, if you can safely get all 4 wheels in the air, push your 4x4 button and get under the vehicle and gently tap the engagement motor with a hammer, see if it engages. But you did say that the button no longer lights up... might be something else too...

Could always be a faulty circuit, bad connection, etc. At the actual button is a good place to start with that, as typically it's a fairly straight shot to the other component's terminals. Needless to say, definitely make sure you're being safe when raising your car in the air (esp if you have it turned on) - always makes me super nervous when I have my car raised on jack stands and for some reason I have to turn it on. Just be safe is all. I also love the "tap it gently with a hammer" trick. So many uses for this!

Originally posted by ROCKYSDS

Could always be a faulty circuit, bad connection, etc. At the actual button is a good place to start with that, as typically it's a fairly straight shot to the other component's terminals. Needless to say, definitely make sure you're being safe when raising your car in the air (esp if you have it turned on) - always makes me super nervous when I have my car raised on jack stands and for some reason I have to turn it on. Just be safe is all. I also love the "tap it gently with a hammer" trick. So many uses for this!

Yeah the button is a better safer place to start hahaha! But when i worked at Ford, a few of the techs taught me that hammer trick. and a good 83% of the time bam! Bad actuator motor. But in this case it could be an open anywhere or at worst a bag module.

im just hopin its a easy fix so i can get back on the trails. its harder to work on it right now with the weather being so cold. but it seems like its gonna start warming up so hopefully i can get out there more to work on it lol

Originally posted by kreynolds7

im just hopin its a easy fix so i can get back on the trails. its harder to work on it right now with the weather being so cold. but it seems like its gonna start warming up so hopefully i can get out there more to work on it lol

I feel ya there with the coldness! I have a new turboback I need to throw on the Talon but no garage and the shop I work at wont let me do it there cause its not an "official" repair. I hope its a simple fix too man.

ya it sucks not haveing a warm shop to do things in. when i had my 99 GSX i worked on it in the winter in my garage with a salamander heater. all the motor work and suspension and all that suckd cold tools and parts lol.

Originally posted by kreynolds7

ya it sucks not haveing a warm shop to do things in. when i had my 99 GSX i worked on it in the winter in my garage with a salamander heater. all the motor work and suspension and all that suckd cold tools and parts lol.

Yeah im not a fan haha! Well let us know when you get the chance to take a look at your Explorer. 4x4 is a damn good thing to have!