2001 Mercury Mountaineer

[shane96ranger]

Ok, when I go look at this, how do I test the 4wd or AWD to make sure it's working properly? How do I make sure it's not stuck in 4HI? Thanks, Scott

If it is a V8, it's an AWD. There is not a selector, manual or electric, for any change to the transfer case. It is always engaged. Therefore, there is no 4HI to be "stuck" in.

To check the VC you can do one of two things.

1. You can pull the front driveline and park it on an incline. Put mark on the ground and/or tire and if the viscous coupling is working properly, it will "creep" forward about an inch in an hour.

2. Jack up the rear end. Put a 2X4 all the way in front of each front tire, and it must touch both tires (so don't get it at Home Depot). Start the Explorer, and put it in drive and let it idle. It should just sit there. If it tries to pull itself over the 2X4's - the coupling is toast.

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

Or just drive in a slow tight circle and see off it binds...

My Ex will just barely roll in drive with the wheels turned all the way. And if it turn tight with any kind of moderate speed it does a weird hobble thing, leaves black marks on the pavement, and you can hear the tires slipping and sliding.

Judging by all the customer cases I've diagnosed, I consider my coupling to be 1/2 way from locked up, it still slips but forcefully.