What does the 4 wheel drive button do on a Ford Explorer?

you just answered your own question.4 high light on,4 low light on push again no light on,you in 2 wheel drive.never drive in 4×4 unless in snow,ice, mud or just plain stuck. 21 people found this helpful. Ford Explorers are always in 4 wheel drive, If you push the 4X4 auto it is in it’s standard running mode.

When to turn off 4WD on Ford Explorer?

The vehicle constantly senses whether or not wheels are slipping and engages 4WD as necessary. The 4WD auto system should turn off after the car is shut off and thus you’d need to turn it on any time you wanted to use it. 54 people found this helpful.

How to go from 4×4 low to high in explorer?

I have a 2006 Explorer and going to 4×4 high is just a button. 4×4 low, I have to put the transmission in neutral then push 4×4 low. It engages and will stay that way until I put in back in neutral and hit high or auto. My owners manual says the tranny has to be in neutral before low can be engaged.

What does the 4 wheel drive light mean?

The purpose of the 4 wheel drive light is to indicate when you have engaged 4WD mode by selecting 4H. When the light flashes continuously for more than 30 seconds it signifies there is a problem somewhere on your drivetrain system and that 4WD has not engaged properly.

What is the 4×4 low button on a Ford Explorer?

If you are traveling in two-wheel-drive, 4X4 auto or 4X4 high, you must come to a complete stop first. You must then shift the transmission to neutral, then push the 4X4 low button. When the “4X4 LOW” light illuminates on the dashboard, your are ready to continue in 4X4 low.

Can a Ford Explorer be in 4 wheel drive?

Is the dash light illuminated in 4×4 auto?

No dash light is illuminated when in 4X4 auto mode. If you are in 4X4 auto mode while traveling on wet or snowy roads, you can easily shift to 4X4 high if the road conditions worsen.

Where are the 4×4 fuses in the explorer?

If the 4×4 actuator motor is good….not burned out, check the following fuses in the passenger compartment: #9, #10, #11, #15, and #16. Then go to the power distribution box under the hood. Check fuses #20 and #22. All these are involved in the operation of the 4×4 system.

When does the selected position indicator light stop flashing?

The selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the shift. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and remain ON. If any of the shift conditions are not met, the indicator position light will continue to flash. You cannot be in gear for it to work.

What causes no 2nd gear on Ford 4R55E?

A low reading means that there is most likely a short in the internal wiring and no reading means the wire is broken. In either case, the solenoid will need to be replaced with a new one. 2) No 2nd or 4th gear: This is often caused by the solenoid regulator valve being out of position.

When does the 4×4 auto button turn off?

The 4WD auto system should turn off after the car is shut off and thus you’d need to turn it on any time you wanted to use it. 50 people found this helpful. only time you need 4×4 is in snow or ice otherwise if you run in 4×4 all the time will burn up the 4×4. 25 people found this helpful.

Why does my Explorer 4 wheel drive not work?

Four wheel drive is not working. Other fixes over the past three years have been rotors, brakes, replaced engine, rebuilt transmission and pretty sure I am due for a suspension overhaul. (Thousands of $$ have been spent!!!!) Way too much money put into this EXPLODER and I find I have to choose my battles; the 4×4 has to wait for now.

How do you unlock 4WD in Ford Explorer?

171 people found this helpful. If that doesn’t work, try starting the truck put the transmission gear selector in neuteral. Then put the 4×4 switch/button into 4 low for a few seconds. Now put the 4×4 switch into 4 hi and then 2wd. Now put the transmission gear selector into drive or reverse move the truck 20-30 feet and it should be ok.

When did my Ford Explorer 4×4 quit working?

The 4×4 quit working on my 02 Explorer on 03/29/11, I put it in the shop a week later and just got it back on 06/09/11 they could not find the problem so it is still not working. This is only one of many problems I have had and will never buy another Ford.

How to fix a 2002 Ford Explorer stuck in low?

2002 ford explour 4*4 stuck in low try to prss high to disengage it wont go back to normal what can i do Clicking this will make more experts see the question and we will remind you when it gets answered. You can’t post conmments that contain an email address. An expert who has achieved level 1. An expert that has over 10 points.

Why does my Ford Explorer 4×4 not engage?

Come on FORD….OWN UP. 4×4 will not engage until the car warms up for about half an hour. Then it will ingage and work fine. Looking for answers to the problem.

How does Ford Explorer disengage from low range?

To engage or disengage LOW range, the vehicle speed must be less than 5 km/h, the brake depressed, and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL. The front/rear driveshaft speed sensors (Hall effect) are mounted to the transfer case and detect the speed of the front and rear driveshafts.

What makes a 4 wheel drive Ford Explorer XLT work?

The 4×4 shift motor uses a module containing two relays which, under the control of the GEM, shifts the transfer case shift motor between HIGH range (A4WD, 4HIGH), and 4LOW modes. The solid state clutch relay is used to activate the A4WD clutch within the transfer case. Hall effect sensor monitors input and output shaft speed.

Why is the transmission not engaged on my Ford Explorer?

The engine revved highly and then suddenly the transmission kicked into gear with a sudden jolt forward. The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While the contact shifted into reverse the gear shift lever completely disengaged from the housing area. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and currently being repaired.

Are there any problems with the Ford Explorer?

Ford Explorer owners have reported 39 problems related to transmission not engage (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the Explorer.

Can you use 4×4 high on a two wheel drive Ford Explorer?

Like 4X4 high, it is recommended while using 4X4 low that you do not traverse dry roads or you could cause damage to the vehicle. You cannot shift to 4X4 low on the fly. If you are traveling in two-wheel-drive, 4X4 auto or 4X4 high, you must come to a complete stop first.

What to do if your Ford Explorer stops shifting?

Now, however, it has quit shifting into overdrive along with the hard 3rd gear shift. Checked the internet to find that transmission problems with Explorers is fairly common. Called local repair shop. They told me the only fix is rebuilding the transmission and installing a steel sleeve where the shaft wears on the aluminum case. Cost – $3500.

What’s the transmission on a 2007 Ford Explorer?

Bought a 2007 Ford Explorer with 43,000 miles 2 years ago. In March with 71,250 miles the transmission began to slip. Now it’s to the point that I will need to repair. Shop telling me it will cost $1800-2000. I see hundreds of complaints about Ford transmissions on the internet.

What are the problems with a 2008 Ford Explorer?

1 Transmission Lurches 2008 Explorer Average Cost to Fix: $1,300 Average Mileage: 58,000 mi 2 Transmission Clunks When Shifting Gears 2008 Explorer Average Cost to Fix: $2,500 Average Mileage: 69,000 mi 3 Transmission Failure 2008 Explorer

What kind of SUV is the Ford Explorer?

For family-minded buyers who just need copious amounts of cargo and passenger space, a crossover SUV or minivan is apt to be a better fit. The 2008 Ford Explorer is a four-door midsize SUV available in XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trim levels.

How much does a Ford Explorer XLT cost?

With a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting around $26,000, a base 2008 Explorer XLT is priced well within most budgets.

What kind of reliability does a Ford Explorer have?

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2008 Ford Explorer owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle. Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Why is my 4 wheel drive car stuck?

by Contributor. Four-wheel drive vehicles can become stuck in four-wheel mode due to improper lubrication or lack of use. This is a common problem and is usually not a very serious situation.

Is the Ford Explorer stuck in 4 wheel drive?

My 2002 ford explorer is stuck in 4 wheel drive. I’ve tried everything to get i out. I can hear the control modulel click when I press the auto button but it wont turn off. Can someone please help me

What to do if Ford TRAC is stuck in 4×4 low?

I have a 2003 Ford Sport trac it was stuck in 4×4 low Transam77 gave advice on here I put the truck in Neutral switched it to 2wd and put it in Reverse. IT WORKED. I can’t thank transam77 enough I was worried it would be an expensive fix but it is back to the original way. I will never put it in 4×4 low again. Thanks a million.

Why is the transfer case not shifting in my Ford 4×4?

These motors do malfunction on occasion and are the most common cause of the transfer case not shifting. The relay modules behind the dash also malfunction and will sometimes melt the harness connector at the yellow and orange wires that feed the shift motor.

Come on FORD….OWN UP. 4×4 will not engage until the car warms up for about half an hour. Then it will ingage and work fine. Looking for answers to the problem.

Where is the viscous coupling on a Ford Explorer?

Here’s a quick ditty about the viscous coupling: Ford first introduced the viscous coupling in the 1997 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer AWD vehicles. The viscous coupling is a completely sealed torque distribution device located inside the transfer case and is connected to the front and rear output shafts.

When to use AWD on a Ford Edge?

If wheel slip between the front and rear wheels is detected, or if the vehicle is under heavy acceleration, the AWD system increases torque to the rear wheels to prevent or control wheel slip.

Is the Ford Explorer front wheel drive or AWD?

The two terms (AWD and 4WD) are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. In your case you have two choices with the 2011+ Explorer, Front wheel drive (FWD) or AWD. Actually, Ford is the guilty one here, they call their AWD system on these Explorers “Intelligent 4WD”.

What makes the 2020 Ford Explorer stand out?

Many Ford vehicles have a screen that nicely fits in the center but the Ford Explorer’s screen looks too large and out of place. What makes the 2020 Ford Explorer stand out is its increased size and capacity, but what it lacks is one of the most important parts of every vehicle – the engine.

Even though the 2020 Ford Explorer is a really good car, like other vehicles it had to be recalled by the factory shortly after its release. There was a vapor fuel leak that increased the chances of the car catching on fire if not taken care of quickly.

What makes Ford Explorer so good in snow?

The Explorer’s Intelligent 4WD system is perhaps the biggest reason it drives well in snow. Along with the Terrain Management System, the Intelligent 4WD adjusts the vehicle’s performance to suit a specific terrain, e.g., snow.

What are the problems with a 2002 Ford Explorer?

The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000. Another common problem for the 2002-2003 Explorer is wheel bearing failure at around 90k miles, with a typical repair bill of $500 to $1000 depending on how many wheel bearings failed.

When do you turn off the 4WD system?

What’s the overdrive light on a Ford Explorer?

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. While driving 45 mph, the contact noticed that the transmission switched to a lower gear. In addition, the overdrive light illuminated.

How does the 4×4 work on a Ford Explorer?

You must then shift the transmission to neutral, then push the 4X4 low button. When the “4X4 LOW” light illuminates on the dashboard, your are ready to continue in 4X4 low. Using 4×4 auto should not create any drivetrain or tire noises that are not normally heard while in two-wheel-drive mode.

Where can I find Moog hub assemblies for Ford Explorer?

Use the fitment form at the top of the page to select your exact year and engine type for your Ford Explorer. MOOG® hub assemblies are performance proven, quality tested and are available for a broad range of foreign and domestic vehicles.

Is there a forum for the Ford Explorer?

Aerostar Tech Forum This Ford Aerostar forum covers maintenance, problem solving and all issues related to the Aerostar mini van. The Ford Aerostar shares a lot of common parts with the Ford Explorer. Besides that a lot of our members own an Aerostar and an Explorer.

What kind of front wheel bearing do I need for Ford Explorer?

When it comes to your Ford Explorer, you want parts and products from only trusted brands. Here at Advance Auto Parts, we work with only top reliable Front Wheel Bearing product and part brands so you can shop with complete confidence.

Why does my Ford Explorer make strange noises?

I have a 2003 Explorer and it has been doing strange sounds when driving at more than 30mph, sounds like the 4WD may be partially engaged, specially when turning to the left. Any advice??? you did not mention how many miles you have on your Explorer…there could also be a bearing hub that maybe going bad…on the left side….

What was the problem with my 2002 Explorer?

Have a 2002 Explorer just out of repair shop (my bad…icy bridge) & just prior, the dash 4XHi &4XLo indicators would flash 3 times every few minutes. Also noticed 4wd wasn’t engaging. Turns out, as I was investigating earlier, was confirmed that the 4WD control module was out to lunch, which leaves whole system INOP.

Why is the 4×4 light flashing on my XLT?

The 4X4 light flashing is an indicator that the shift motor (that engages and disengages the 4WD) is failing and needs replaced. A $500 job. Our 2002 XLT just decided to not engage the 4WD any longer. When you push the button, nothing happens.

Who is to blame for the Ford Explorer rollover?

NHTSA also cleared Ford of the blame for the rolling Explorers, because, virtually all of the trucks that rolled, were on Firestones. Those with replacement tires, or OEM Goodyears, or BF Goodrichs, for some odd reason, didn’t roll.

The 2002 Ford Explorer had the highest number of problems and complaints associated with any Ford Explorer model. The main issues deal with the faulty and damaged transmission, causing the Ford Explorer to undergo serious problems that need to be fixed in order for your car to continue running smoothly.

How to fix flashing 4×4 light on Ford Explorer?

Ford Explorer and other’s fords 4×4 – YouTube If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device. An error occurred. Please try again later. (Playback ID: kAgqj2LDEFf1gA9H) Videos you watch may be added to the TV’s watch history and influence TV recommendations.

How much does it cost to fix a Ford Explorer?

The average range of repairs is between $1,800 and $3,400, and typically occurs at an average of 94,800 miles. The severity rating of this problem is a 9.3, which means you will need to fix this issue rather quickly.

How does the 4 wheel drive work on a Ford Explorer?

Also to know is, how does 4wd work on Ford Explorer? 2017 Ford Explorer Intelligent 4WD and Terrain Management System. In a traditional four-wheel drive system, the driver engages a four-high or four-low setting with either manual locking hubs or electronic shift on the fly.

Are there any manuals for the Ford Explorer?

Every Manual available online – found by our community and shared for FREE. Enjoy! The Ford Explorer is a sport utility vehicle produced by the American manufacturer Ford since 1990. The Ford Explorer went on to become one of the most popular sport utility vehicles on the road.

What kind of car is the Ford Explorer?

The Ford Explorer is a sport utility vehicle produced by the American manufacturer Ford since 1990. The Ford Explorer went on to become one of the most popular sport utility vehicles on the road. The model years through 2010 were traditional body-on-frame, mid-size SUVs.

Check out our Ford Explorer overview to see the most problematic years, worst problems and most recently reported complaints with the Explorer.

When did the Ford Explorer reach its peak?

The Explorer reached its all-time peak in 2000 with 445,157 units. It closed out the generation a year later with a still-healthy 415,921 deliveries. Continuing the trend of being more family hauling-centric than off-road-ready, the third-generation Ford Explorer was no longer tied to the Ford Ranger. But it was still a body-on-frame SUV.

What did I do with my 1998 Ford Explorer?

The only repairs we did while owning were mostly avg. maintance– spark plugs, oil changes, battery, tires. We had a few that were a little more expensive– alternator, belts, ball bearings and struts. Loved this SUV. I’ve heard a lot of people have issues with ford, but we sure didn’t.

Why does my Ford Explorer have a check engine light?

It has a check engine light that is caused by the 4.0 running lean left bank but it hasn’t left me stranded yet. The 4.0 feels a little bogged down with the A.C. running though. Love the room in the back when the seats are folded down. Maintenance is usually easy although i have gone through a couple wheel bearings and 1 alternator whil

Is the Ford Explorer still running after 24 years?

Love the room in the back when the seats are folded down. Maintenance is usually easy although i have gone through a couple wheel bearings and 1 alternator while owning it. Still runs great after 24 years! After having several newer cars before this, I settled with an 96 red Eddie Bauer edition.

When did the Ford Explorer get an engine upgrade?

The V-8 engine was upgraded to a much more powerful output of 292 horses, which came with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Side curtain airbags were added in 2008, and Ford upgraded the satellite-operated navigation system with voice-activated controls.

Where can I buy a new Ford Explorer?

Call us toll free at 1-800-541-9352 to order The Ford Explorer has been a staple for the company and for people who drive SUVs for a long time. Ford makes both a smaller and a larger SUV that look basically the same, but the Explorer has a great following because of its mid-sized appeal.

Is there a 4 door version of the Ford Explorer?

In an effort to attract family buyers, a four-door version was developed alongside the two-door (launched the same month as the four-door S-10 Blazer). As with the Ford Bronco II, the first-generation Ford Explorer shares its chassis and underpinnings with the first-generation (1983-1992) Ford Ranger.

Why does the 4 wheel drive light stop flashing?

The transfer case neutral position needs to be selected before you attempt to engage 4WD. The selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the shift. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and remain ON.

What does the 4×4 auto button do on a Ford Explorer?

I recently purchased a 2008 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD. When I push the 4×4 HIGH button, a 4×4 light comes on the dashboard. Likewise, when I push the 4×4 LOW button, a 4×4 and LOW light comes on. When I push the 4×4 AUTO button, there is no light and no indication that the 4×4 AUTO system is engaged.

What should I do if my Ford Explorer is stuck in 4WD?

OFTEN IF IT IS STUCK MECANICALLY IN LOW OR 4WD YOU CAN PLACE THE SELECTOR IN 2WD OR AUTO AND GO IN REVERSE FOR A FEW YARDS AND SEE IF IT DISENGAGES. SOMETIMES U HAVE TO DO THIS A COUPLE TIMES. iT HAS WORKED W/ ME ON DIFFERENT EXPLORERS IN THE PAST

How does 4 wheel drive work on a Ford Explorer?

If that doesn’t work, try starting the truck put the transmission gear selector in neuteral. Then put the 4×4 switch/button into 4 low for a few seconds. Now put the 4×4 switch into 4 hi and then 2wd. Now put the transmission gear selector into drive or reverse move the truck 20-30 feet and it should be ok.

What does the 4×4 push button do on a Ford Explorer?

Then the only purpose for the auto 4×4 push button is to turn 4×4 high or low off ,IS THIS CORRECT 41 people found this helpful. The standard position is Automatic. So if the High or Low light is not on, the it is in Automatic. The only time you should use high is the roads are really bad.

How can I tell if my Ford Explorer transmission is failing?

The transmission failure in your Ford can be noticed by the car jumping gears without warning, slipping in and out of gears while you’re driving, or preventing you from going into any gear. These are all signs that your transmission has failed, or is currently failing.

Why was the Ford car called the exploder?

The “moniker” was chosen to denigrate the Ford model, the “Exploder”, not the owners in any way. The term arose out of the tire under-inflation episode that Ford themselves caused. Even worse they decided to place the blame on the tire manufacturer, even won that point in court, rather than take responsibility for their own idiocy.

What is the 4 wheel drive button on a Ford Explorer?

Knowing which dashboard-mounted button to push — whether it be 4X4 Auto, 4X4 high or 4X4 low — will ensure that you are matching the correct option for that conditions present. Pressing this button on the dashboard of your Explorer can be accomplished when moving forward at any speed and enables the four-wheel-drive system.

What’s the 4×4 mode on a Ford Explorer?

The “4X4” light on the dashboard is illuminated when traveling in 4X4 high mode. If you use your Explorer mainly on paved roads, this option may be the least-used of your four-wheel-drive system. 4X4 low is best used if you need extra low-speed power going up steep inclines, traversing snowy roads, deep sand or pulling a boat from the water.

Can a Ford Explorer be used as a dinghy?

In summary, I am now very happy with my 2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4×4, AWD, 4-Door, with V8, and automatic transmission as a dinghy vehicle. The Ford Explorer is a nice size vehicle to tow behind a Class A motorcoach. It is a mid-size SUV so you can tow it without any problems; not too long, not too big, not too small, not too heavy.

When did the Ford Explorer get a V8?

This page is going to talk solely about the engine itself. Ford introduced the 5.0L V8 as an option for the Explorer in 1996. It was only available in the 2wd models that first year, and had 210 hp and 280 ft-lb of torque. For 1997, revised cylinder heads increased output of the 5.0L V8 to 215 hp.

Can a Ford Explorer be towed with all four wheels down?

I also found this vehicle was listed in the Ford 2003 Towing Guideas a vehicle that could be towed with all four wheels down as long as I installed a Ford Neutral Towing Kit (part no. 1L2J7H332-AA). I then started calling several Ford dealerships in my area to schedule my vehicle for an install of the neutral towing kit.

What is the purpose of the auto 4×4 push button?

Then the only purpose for the auto 4×4 push button is to turn 4×4 high or low off ,IS THIS CORRECT 37 people found this helpful. The standard position is Automatic. So if the High or Low light is not on, the it is in Automatic. The only time you should use high is the roads are really bad.

4X4 Auto. Pressing this button on the dashboard of your Explorer can be accomplished when moving forward at any speed and enables the four-wheel-drive system. Unlike conventional four-wheel-drive mode, this option can be turned on if bad weather is anticipated while the roads are dry without causing harm to the system.

Can a Ford Explorer Go to 4×4 high?

If you are in 4X4 auto mode while traveling on wet or snowy roads, you can easily shift to 4X4 high if the road conditions worsen.

Are there transmission shifting issues in Ford Explorer?

2006-2010 Ford Explorer Transmission Shifting Issues Wrench Light: Check This Item First!! – YouTube If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.

Is the Ford Explorer a two door or a four door?

Originally slotted below the full-size Bronco in the Ford truck line, the current Explorer is slotted between the Edge and standard-wheelbase Expedition . For its first two generations, the Explorer was produced in both two-door (as the Explorer Sport) and four-door configurations.

2006-2010 Ford Explorer Transmission Shifting Issues Wrench Light: Check This Item First!! – YouTube If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.

Is the Ford Explorer a two wheel drive vehicle?

Although considered a sport utility vehicle, the mid-sized Ford Explorer is available both as a two or four-wheel-drive vehicle. The four-wheel-drive system is rather sophisticated when compared to the systems that were available in older Fords equipped with four-wheel-drive.

Where are the fuses in a Ford Explorer?

Passenger Compartment Fuse Box № A Circuits Protected 1 5 Mirrors, Autolamp (2002-2003) 2 5 2000-2001: Aux. High Mount Stop Lamp 2 7.5 2002-2003: Cluster, Autolamp. Generic El 2 15 2004-2005: Ignition

What causes the overdrive light to flash on a Ford Explorer?

There is a transmission range fuse. It can cause your vehicle to go into limp mode and you od light at the end of you shifter to flash. It is under a dollar to fix verses a new transmission that would have shown the same problem, at least in my case. 7 people found this helpful. How do you no if your overdrive is engaged on a 2003 Explorer

Is the Check Engine light on on a 1998 Ford Explorer?

Our 1998 Ford Explorer has the same O/D flashing issue with check engine light. Neither were a problem until we had to change engines on it with another 1998 Ford Explorer. Before the exchange there wasn’t an issue with the transmission or any lights on.

What does the blinking 4 wheel drive indicator mean?

So what is that 4 wheel drive indicator blinking on your dashboard means? The purpose of the 4 wheel drive light is to indicate when you have engaged 4WD mode by selecting 4H. When the light flashes continuously for more than 30 seconds it signifies there is a problem somewhere on your drivetrain system and that 4WD has not engaged properly.

What kind of engine does a 1998 Ford Explorer have?

1998 Ford Explorer 4WD 5.0L EFi V-8 automatic (aut. 4) (XLT, Eddie Bauer) (model since mid-year 1997 for North America U.S.) car specifications & performance data review Specs datasheet with technical data and performance data plus an analysis of the direct market competition of Ford Explorer 4WD 5.0L EFi V-8 automatic (aut.

What are the specs of a 1997 Ford Explorer?

Specs datasheet with technical data and performance data plus an analysis of the direct market competition of Ford Explorer 4WD 5.0L EFi V-8 automatic (aut.

Is the 2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4 wheel drive?

2002 Ford Explorer XLT does not engage in 4 wheel drive. Disconnected negative terminal to battery, removed 4X4 Control Module, inspected module, modulel looks new, reconnected 4X4CM and reconnected negative cleaned battery terminal. 4 wheel drive still will not engage in nuteral or drive. Should we take it to Tunex?

Why is my 4 wheel drive light not engaging?

If you don’t shift it into neutral, the 4wd light will continue to flash and won’t get into gear. Seems to be a common occurrence on these trucks. Dodge dealers recommend engaging 4-lo, then back in 2-wheel drive, then back in 4-wheel drive hi (4H). This sequence apparently resolves the problem.

Is it normal to mix tire sizes on a 4×4?

Turns out that four-wheel-drive (and all-wheel-drive) systems are VERY sensitive to variations in tire speed. Most folks know that, with 4x4s, you NEVER mix tire sizes or brands (as different brands can vary in how they produce certain spec tires).

What does the 4 wheel drive button do on a Ford Explorer?