Push button 4x4 not responding

[virginiakid]

Hi guys. I've got an '88 B2, automatic tranny w/ auto locking hubs/t-case. The 4x4 will not engage. When I push the 4x4 button there is no apparent result, no noise, no change, no lights on the console whatsoever. The fuse for that circuit is not blown.

If the motor is ruined on the transfer case, will it cause the lights on the console to be inoperable? Any advice on how to proceed with diagnosis here?
This is my first experience with the push button type. I got the truck cheap and the engine and tranny are fine.

 

[Ozwynn]

first check to make sure the switch is plugged in

 

[virginiakid]

excuse my ignorance, but what switch and where? Do you mean on the transfer case side? On that side it looks like everything is plugged in. There's no wires or plugs flopping around.

What else am I missing? Thanks.

 

[country0001]

Pull the switch out of the dash and make sure that its plugged in, mine had that problem too.

 

[dangerrangerstx]

cut it out and weld a piece of metal to the bar coming out of the tcase thats supose to conect to that bs electric motor

 

[Ozwynn]

the switches on my explorer kept coming unplugged behind the panel.

 

[92xplorer4x4]

this is a easy fix.your shift motor on the tcase has a plastic bushing inside.that bushing has broke.this is very cheap and easy fix.just get a 1/4 fuel line to rplace the bushing.here is a link to fix it and the steps you need to do.i did it in about 2 hours.hope this does not break the rules by posting another sites fix-it here...

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/....php?p=1102904

 

[7.5L_STX]

this is a easy fix.your shift motor on the tcase has a plastic bushing inside.that bushing has broke.this is very cheap and easy fix.just get a 1/4 fuel line to rplace the bushing.here is a link to fix it and the steps you need to do.i did it in about 2 hours.hope this does not break the rules by posting another sites fix-it here...

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/....php?p=1102904

you broke the rules, your banned!


























J/K

 

[virginiakid]

Okay, the problem is fixed.

I pulled the console (mounted up above the rearview mirror) and checked the 4x4 switches and connections. Everything was plugged in tight, but I pulled it all down anyway and blew air on it. Next I dropped the shift motor off the transfercase. I pulled it apart and it looked okay, just some carbon dust. I gave it a good shot of brake cleaner and then emory cloth on the rotor and brushes. Put it all back togehter, bolted it up, etc. Crawled in the cab and voila, I got 4x4. Switched work, lights light up, and shift motor does the job.

I think it was a faulty connection probably, and when I pulled the plugs and replugged back in it fixed it. On to the next issue....

 

[B2Luke84]

I'm having a similar problem but I believe my 4x4 is stuck "engaged". 4x4 indicator light stays on, nothing happens when i push the button. Just bought the truck and am working on TS this problem. Any added help would be appreciated on top of the added comments above with are helpful.

 

[virginiakid]

Hey b2Luke84,

Did you pull the switches out of the dash or from overhead console? Unplug and blow some air in there and replug and see if something changes.

The next thing I did was drop the shift motor off the transfercase. It's just 3-4 bolts, and some electrical plugs to unfasten. Once you've got the motor out, try to jump it from a 12 volt battery to see if it will turn. If it does, you know that's not your problem. If it will not work, then open it up and check it out. Only two bolts required to get it open. See if the windings have been shorted/burnt. If so, they're toast. If not, then clean the brushes and armature with some brake cleaner spray, dry with clean cloth. Then polish your brushes and armature surface with emory cloth or very fine sand paper. Put it all back together and see if you can jump it from a battery again. If you can, then put it back on the tcase.

 

[B2Luke84]

I will try this today. Thank you so much, your reply has been most helpful. Keep ya updated.

 

[virginiakid]

Do you have a Haynes manual for the BII? If you do, there's a really good diagram in there about getting the switch console unfastened from the roof (if that's where your's is). You can end up cracking something up there if you don't do it right. If you don't have the manual, get one! Or drop by AutoZone and flip through the manual and get an idea of how to remove the switch panel. Believe me, removing that panel is not obvious without prior instruction. It's very easy when you know how to access the hidden screws.

 

[trusted_expert]

imho id swap it out for a manual unit even if you dont use it often. i have found that right when i needed my 4 wheel drive of course it quit working again. its super easy to do and at the right junkyard cheap aswell.

 

[B2Luke84]

which wires do i jump to a 12v batt to test the motor? color?