Ford Explorer: '93 sport : 4 WD not engaging

Nobody else had this problem ? Mechanic made it sound like it was a common problem , said it should cost roughly between
$200- $300 if it's the motor that engages the 4WD . Anyone else have this repaired that can share what it cost them ?
thanx again
Ron

"Ron N.Y" <net> wrote in message news:WoKAb.20910$srv.hcvlny.cv.net... 
to 
a 
and 
the 

Ron

Yes, the 4x4 shift motor is a trouble area. The symptom usually is that you
push the dashboard button and nothing happens - no light, no sound, nothing.
If you are hearing a clicking sound, I don't think it is the motor. But
maybe others here will have a different opinion.

When my motor goes out on my 92, I get underneath the vehicle and tap it
with a hammer. Works every time. But there is a Web site we here use to
diagnose this problem and to repair the motor. Here it is:

http://www.glue.umd.edu/~singletn/exp.html

There also is a pretty complicated procedure in the Explorer shop manual for
testing the 4x4 system in the module (in the back of the vehicle forward of
the rear windshield washer fluid reservoir). You need a volt meter and
patience.

The web site will give you some pretty good tips for your particular year
Explorer. And yes, being without your 4x4 in such weather is VERY
frustrating.

Good luck.


--
Regards,
Anthony Giorgianni

The return address for this post is fictitious. Please reply by posting back
to the newsgroup.




"Ron N.Y" <net> wrote in message
news:hD6Bb.17997$srv.hcvlny.cv.net... 
problem , said it should cost roughly between 
repaired that can share what it cost them ? 
news:WoKAb.20910$srv.hcvlny.cv.net... 
until I got in it and it didn't work ! It started 
simply wouldn't engage . My mechanic said there was 
and they seem to fail with age from infrequent use 
turn your A.C on occasionally even in the winter . 
( behind me somewhere - like a relay sound ) but no 
expensive job or not a big deal and will it come up in 

Thanx for those tips Anthony and great link to that website . I brought it over to the shop this morning to have my mechanic
look at it . Personally I have a feeling it's the motor but I'm not too sure . I wish I knew where the thing even was so I
could have tried banging on it but even if that worked I wouldn't want to have to do that for too long especially in the snow
.. Well i'll report back what it was and what it cost if anyone's interested .
thanx again
Ron
"Anthony Giorgianni" <invalid> wrote in message
news:Uw7Bb.417555$ops.worldnet.att.net... 

ouch , $451 to replace the motor including labor . That's smarts ....

Ron


"Ron N.Y" <net> wrote in message news:PdnBb.4722$srv.hcvlny.cv.net... 
mechanic 
snow 

Ron:

Visit the Expy owners website at www.glue.umd.edu/~singletn/exp.html and look
up the 4x4 not engaging articles. There is a very complete description of what
repairs are necessary and depending upon your abilities, you may be up to the
task yourself.
That said, some in our group have had good sucess with the "hit the electric
shift motor with a 2x4" temporary repair. I'm not making that recomendation,
I'm just saying that others have reported that it had worked for them. BTW the
electric shift motor can be found under the truck, attached to the back of the
transfer case.
HTH,
-Steve

In article <WoKAb.20910$srv.hcvlny.cv.net>, "Ron N.Y"
<net> writes:
 

Yes Ron, It is expensive. That's why everyone pretty much does the work
themselves. And it'll be even more frustrating if the new one starts acting
up. That motor is definitely one of those "Ford tough" parts. Sure do wish
Ford would go to "Toyota tough" standard or something like that.
Incidentally, the labor for replacing the motor should be like nothing. So
that's what it was? And that fixed your problem?



--
Regards,
Anthony Giorgianni

The return address for this post is fictitious. Please reply by posting back
to the newsgroup.
"Ron N.Y" <net> wrote in message
news:KUnBb.5301$srv.hcvlny.cv.net... 
<snip>

Yep that's what it was . Picked it up last night and it works fine now . They charged me $320 for the motor plus $120 to
install plus tax . I called Ford and they wanted $320 for the motor . I assume the shop gets a 20 % discount or whatever but
I thought he was entitled to what he charged me so I paid and went on my merry way . I'm not saying I couldn't install it
myself but I would rather let them do it and pay them . But thank you for the help , this is a great group with loads of
experience . I for one appreciate it . Happy Holidays to all !
Ron

P.S , other than the pinging problem I had posted on here recently , which by the way I was never able to fix and just use
high octane now . The truck has 75k miles on it and has been a great reliable truck . Other than routine maintenance , this
motor was the only and most expensive repair I've had to do as the original owner .

"Anthony Giorgianni" <invalid> wrote in message
news:__GBb.428503$ops.worldnet.att.net...