Found another computer - Whadizit?

[8cylRWD]

Taking the interior trim out of my 94 supercab to get the headliner out, found another computer in the supercab left quarterpanel under the jumpseat. What is it for?

 

[adsm08]

4x4 module probably. Got pics?

 

[8cylRWD]

Here you go--

 

[adsm08]

Yup, looks like a 4x4 module.

 

[8cylRWD]

What does it do?

 

[Earl43P]

It controls the 4wd shift motor on the transfer case.

 

[8cylRWD]

Why a computer for the 4x4 shift motor? Thought the2 buttons on the instrument panel did that.

 

[4x4junkie]

The buttons just tell the control module what to do. The module actually operates the shift motor (has a bunch of relays and other electronic crap in there).

 

[8cylRWD]

Thanks for the response. So what does the computer compute? Seems that --you push the button, a relay moves the shift rod-- is all that is needed to replace the manual shift lever. Same as a 2-speed axle control in a truck, they've been doin'' it for 60+ years with a switch only.

 

[4x4junkie]

I guess Ford wanted to be sure to incorporate a whole bunch of electronical safety nannies into their uber technicological gizmodified apparatus so that when dummies who can't be bothered with a simple mechanical lever try to shift it into low range at 70 MPH (Oooh! What does this button do? *click*), they can intervene so that their t-case doesn't scatter into 10,000 little pieces all over the freeway.

 

[8cylRWD]

So it's really just to protect the idiot behind the wheel from himself? makes me nervous. Always wondered why you had to have the brakes applied to get it into Low. Figured it was some kind of interlock with the brake light switch. Never figured out their reasoning, I would think you would want the brakes off, or at least onlu the parking brake on one axle so that everything completely relaxed when you shifted into or out of Low. Oh well, what do I know - I'm not a highly paid engineer.

 

[killj0y]

It streams YouTube but you have to unlock it with the dealership.