Flashing 4x4 Light Fix. Ford Explorer and other's fords 4x4 

97 Ford Explorer 4 by 4, I went pulled my dashboard apart to get at the 4 x 4 switch, and the wires two of them were pulling out of the connector. Fixed

I bought this truck back in 2013, the guy gave me a deal because the 4x4 wasnt working. i did some research over the years, thought it was missing a control module behind the glove compartment. So fastfoward to earlier today, I read that 2004 model does not use a control module. It lead me to do more research. Stumbled upon your page and low behold, my ground wire was broken too!!!!! Im so rxcited and releived. I suffered many winters in 2cm snow with no 4x4,..lol. Not to mention the annoying flashing 4x4. I cant beleive I lived with it for so long!!! i owe you one man thanks!!!!!

For a one person crew you do an excellent job with the video. Also your explanation of the problem and how to fix it is excellent. Simple and to the point! No bla,bla, bla! Keep up the good work. My 98 ford explorer does the same thing, but it also does it while driving!

Sure enough climbed underneath and inspected without removing anything. Saw grey wire and pulled it back. Broken off exactly the same. Thanks for the video!

Thank you so much I learned more from you in this video than all the rest combined

Gotta hand it to you, my man. Opened up the mechanics pit in my garage. Got under it, and there she was, a single dangling ground wire.

I have a ford f150 and it does the same with the lights (4x4 High and also 4x4 low). Nobody has found the solution to the problem, maybe your video will help me solve it.

Thanks, I had the same problem. And thanks to you, and not working because of Covid19, I had the time and good information to remedy the the issue. Let's make this pandemic less painful too.

Just did this (after replacing transfer case failed) and it worked perfectly. Thank you sir!

Wow, thank God for people like yourself that take the time to do videos like this. I had the same issue and didn't know where to begin. After reviewing other videos, what you discovered made the most sense. Thank You !

Thanks for the video, my sons vehicle had the same exact issue with the ground wire. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for this video man I’m have the same issue with my 04 ford explore I will check those wires out man you are a life saver lol I know my abs light stays on but I had to replace my rear end an now my 4x4 light flashes as I’m driving but anyways I will check that out thank you god bless you

Thanks so much, worked for our 2005 explorer. So happy it was not a major repair/bill.

You do not have to cut the wire when you replace the motor. Remove the wire and pin it is attached to from the plug, place it back in the same hole on the plug attached to the new motor.

Thanks You do mucho Nathan just today My 02 Explorer start with the dame problema, so You give me a great starting point

I have a 1998 Ford Ranger and upon cranking the 4x4 and the 4x2 lights will blink a number of times. Well I started with the rubber hoses which goes into the hub actuators from the solenoid. They were deteriorated so I replaced them just thinking that the actuators weren't receiving vacuum pressure. Then I went to the solenoid to try and test it before the dark of night caught me but it looked fine. The last thing I looked at was the motor which I just kinda scanned, so tomorrow I will actually go back and check for broken wires. 🙏🏾 Thank you Thank you and Thank you.

Good job, very simple video, easy to understand. Thank you!

I had that issue last week, it was a bad ground, solder it , it works great now, it was a broken black wire

This was helpful thank you. I had a loose wire as well

Thank you sir. You help me save money on this

I was thinking of buying a 05 escape but I saw the 4x4 flashing when driving good thing I didn’t buy if it was a transmission issue great video

Now just got to fix the SRS and tpms!!

Great job and thank you so much for sharing ill try to fix my couse u have the same problem

I was quoted a 2500$ repair for the 4wd not working and I'm pretty sure you've solved my issue since mine is flashing also. I'll let you know if it was the issue

My 02 had 4x4 issues, which fixed itself when pulling fuses 17 & 18 momentarily. Drove it for ages, then picked up a 2nd hand 4x4 controller for $60 and have had no further issues. (I know this will sound dumb but I couldn't see if you were in Neutral or not.)

Good vid man, I had to swap out my control module,all thou that hasn't happened it good to know!!! Appreciate the vids.

As for the brown wire from the shift motor to the transfer case. When you disconnect the plug. There is a red retainer plug that holds the wire ends in place. Take a small pick and remove the red retainer, now pull the brown wire out of the plug, simple, no need to cut the brown wire.. To put the brown wire back in the plug, simply reverse the procedure.

Excellent video a lot help. Thank you 👍

Thank you!

If you cut the brown wire and tape off the ends will that disconnect all four wheel drive functions even the auto?

My 4x4 low works but the dash doesnt light up but the light on the button does

Had this problem about a month ago in my 03 mine was going on and off while driving I pulled the fuse and it stopped ,haven't check for the words but will on my next off day

Thanks 4 the video, my lights keep flashin' randomly 4 a few seconds, hopefully it's just a wire issue as well

I jus bought my. First Ford lol Wich is the Eddie Bauer 2003 I haven't had any issues yet but it's good to know. I can ask you about anything wrong with mine if becomes a issue. Thank you

Great video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge

My 4x4 high light flashes every so often. I just got under it and I see no gray wire that was attached where yours was before it fell off, but I see a gray wire hooked up inside my wiring harness, and all wires look fine. Any ideas what to do?

Great video there is you like and a new suscriber

is it unsafe to drive with it unrepaired? in your opinion is this a costly fix?

If these manufacturers didn't put that switch or module behind the radio or behind the kick panel or the electric motor on the transfer case in all these vehicles we wouldn't have any of these problems. There was nothing wrong with the MANUAL 4x4 shifter on the floor. But, like everything else that was great 20 yrs ago we are hell bent on messing it up. The only wire on my 4x4 runs a little light for my shifter. If it goes out I'm positive it wont leave me stranded. There needs to be a manual swap kit available but I haven't seen one yet for these Explorers or Rangers. To top it off if you do need to change the shift motor on the trans case the color code of the wires won't match up to the harness either. lolol.

Hey Nathan, would help if you could respond to this urgent question. I have a 06 Explorer xlt 4x4 4.0, I had my 4x4 light on on the dashboard yesterday and I probably did not press any button to start it, does this one have automatic turn on if it senses the car is going to need it? And after that I went for a 30 min drive ( mostly dry roads with snow some places) and had some vibrations/ jerks. Is this normal or something I should be concerned about for the internals of the truck?

I have the 4x4 high light blink but I can put it into 4x4 low

Got a great laugh when you moved it around in the wire popped out right next to a heat shield what a surprise.

You have to be in neutral to ever get a response from the 4wd buttons. And also the 4wd buttons most likely wont ever allow you to switch them with a current fault in the system.

What if i have 4wd and low and high 🤔 but just the 4×4 just flashes all the time

Great video.....but.... Always unhook the neg wire not the positive. Obvious reason but if you touch the wrench or ratchet on metal(block/frame/fender/etc) the ground will do nothing, but if you're taking off the positive first and touch? Sparks!

I have a 2002 explorer xlt and my 4x4 high light is doing the same thing on start up and also does it while driving. I went under and checked all the wiring and it seems fine. But the 4x4 is not working. I push the buttons and the lights come on and you can hear it engage from high to low but the 4x4 isn’t working. Tested it today on a 4x4 trail and only the rear wheels spin. I’m wondering if the motor it self could be bad?.... any help would be greatly appreciated

Tengo ford esplorer me repararon la trasmicion dos veces y me sige prendiendo el foquito de 4*4 en el tablero y de vez en cuando como que se traba y no da ni para adelante ni para atras asta que aselero fuerte y como que desteaba algo pero enpiesa a tirar aseite y despues ase cambios largos o se brinca segunda pero el foco de 4*4 ninca se a apagado o se apaga pero vuelve a prender tendria que ver eso con el cable de tierra que mencionas tu en el video , me arias un gran favor sie respondiera gracias

My 96 looks quite similar. No flashing. Just won't go into 4x4 low. Didn't see any codes either. Bad motor?

FYI, the wire you note at 8:58 can be disconnected from the harness. Disconnect the harness, use needle nose to pull out the red retaining clip inside that harness and use a small paperclip or similar tool to release that pin from the harness. Then, if you have to put it back together or install a new motor, you can slide that pin into the new harness. There are other videos on RU-vid that illustrate this process in case my explanation doesn't provide enough clarity.

Excelente.

I have a problem with 2003 Ford Explorer 4.6L, When I push 4x4 low button the light in push button is flashing.How do I fix this problem?

I have this same issue on a 96 Ford Explorer 4.0. Except I had no broken wire :( although I do believe my car is stuck in 4wd low. I need to get rid of this fast. Can I remove drive shaft on the front? Would this make it 2wd again?

I have the 2003 Ford explorer 4 wheel drive and my four-wheel drive light flashes while I'm sitting still and driving I noticed that you said it could be a transmission issue if it flashes while you're driving. What kind of issue am I faced with? (Please and thank you)

I have a 97 ford explorer and when I cut the wheel deep it kicks into 4x4? Why? Can someone please help me, THANK YOU GUYS, AWESOME CHANNEL! !

Can I still drive it n the snow if the 4 high blinking

Hi! Nathan. My Mazda bt50 4X4 - 4L not working but 4H working. So what is the problem? This problem happen after workshop mechanic repair AC compressor. A month after that I realize the 4X4 4L is not working. This 4wd I used for God work among Malaysian native people

Saludos desde ecuador yo tengo el mismo problema

You said that if the 4x4 light flashes while driving that’s it’s a transmission issue, how do you mean? Mine flashes every like 20 seconds multiple times even while driving, any ideas?

to the left of where the power wire goes into the transfer case, theres a nut that looks like where the ground wire broke from...

Mine doesn't even flash on the dash, also have no power to my switch

Thank you sir!

Would it hurt if I just unhook all together I don’t need four wheel drive

Was the truck binding?

My 4x4 hi and 4x4 lo blink code 3 whenever the ambient temp is 70 degrees F. above 70 the system worls fine ( 3 buttons on dash lite up when pushed ) any clues ??

Like others, this wire was found broken at the eyelet. Crimped a new eyelet on and no morie flashing light on dash. 4x4 still wont engage, but at least this ground is good. My guess is that the transfer case control module has failed.

Man I’m starting to have the same problem with my truck 😭😭

Thanks!! very informative

Welldone,but I think the light went off because you disconnected the battery.

Great video thanks I have this problem in my 2005 explorer the light is on with the ABS light that happens when I am driving,could be the same problem? Thanks

This might help others. My 4x4 high light is also flashing. No Auto or 4x4 high but my 4x4 low is working. Flash Code Description Action to Take -Inoperative or Erratic System Errors. Complete Tests AA through DD. 1 Microprocessor RAM (Random Access Memory) access error. Replace Control Module. 2 Clutch connector or clutch coil has discontinuity. GO to Step FF1. 3 Front output speed sensor connector or internal circuitry of sensor has discontinuity. Go to Step EE1. 4 Rear output speed sensor connector or internal circuitry of sensor has discontinuity. Go to Step EE1. 5 Both front and rear speed sensor connectors and/or internal circuitry of sensors have discontinuity. Go to Step EE1. 6 Clutch and front sensor connectors and/or clutch coil and/or internal circuitry of sensor have discontinuity. First see Step FF1, then Step EE1. 7 Clutch and rear sensor connectors and/or clutch coil and/or internal circuitry of sensor have discontinuity. First see Step FF1, then Step EE1. 8 Clutch and both sensor connectors and/or clutch coil and/or internal circuitry of sensors have discontinuity. First see Step FF1, then Step EE1. 9 Mechanical problem that allows clutch plates to slip during clutch engagement (or faulty sensor output signal). First see Step FF1, then Step EE1. 10 Both Code 9 and Code 2. See action for Code 9. 11 Both Code 9 and Code 3. See action for Code 9. 12 Both Code 9 and Code 4. See action for Code 9. 13 Both Code 9 and Code 5. See action for Code 9. 14 Both Code 9 and Code 6. See action for Code 9. 15 Both Code 9 and Code 7. See action for Code 9. 16 Both Code 9 and Code 8. See action for Code 9. Regeneration (Recovery) of Flash Codes If the ignition is turned OFF and the code is lost, the ignition will have to be turned ON again to regenerate codes 1 through 8, if the condition or conditions still exist. To regenerate codes 9 through 16, the vehicle must be driven again.

What that means I'm having the same problem

was ur o/d light on to with this problem cause i have same problem but my o/d light is on too and truck wont shift from 2 to 3end gear but shifts good from 1erst to 2end np

What was the problem

I have a 2002 ford explorer the 4×4 is not working but there's no lights flashing . pluged in a scan tool and doesn't find anything checked for fuses and they're all ok ! Can anyone help who had the same problem ? Thank you

If I cut that poorly designed wire will 4x4 be Permanently disengaged?

My 4x4 high light blinking what that means

I have a ford ranger .it is stuck in four high the light doesn’t come on and there is no click to tell it’s working. Before it quit on me the light would work sometimes but it would still go into 4 wheel . Would it be my switch?

Had the same issue. Bad ground wire. Rusted right off. The number of blinks of the 4x4 light is a trouble code for the system. My light blinked 10 times which is a faulty sensor which seems to translate into a bad ground.

My 4x4 High goes in from time to time. Any ideas? Thanks

My 4by4 does not flash it just stays on

Sometimes my 03 explorer won't go into 4low and now my 4high flashes

How could it be a transmission issue sir?

when ford went to the vacuum, and electric 4x4 their dependability went in the shitter , should have stayed with the manual shifter. their electric shift motors are junk . but they are in the business to sell parts !!!

You don't have to cut that wire! Take a pair of needle nose pull out the red divider. Then get a piece of wire a small screw driver or something like that. Then put in-between the end of the wire inside to release it. There are videos of this on RU-vid but don't cut the wire!!!!!

I have no 4x4 low and my 4 high flashes

Hi i have a 02 Ford explorer,and i the 4x4 low Is stack, so what i can do ,thanks

i went to a washing station and after the wash the 4X4 kept blinking and i had to almost floor it to get the car moving...and it made weird noises on top of that. anyway stopped flashing now and im just hoping it doesnt go nuts again and im cleaning my car by myself from now on

i have a 2002 f250 that the 4x4 light will come on and off while driving. I just had a new transmission put in the truck. It never did this before the trans swap. What can be causing this? also, my 4x4 will not engage it just stays in 2wd and the transfer case motor does nothing now. what may have happened during the transmission swap?

لدي نفس المشكله فورد اكسبلورر ٢٠٠٤ مع العلم بان مجموعة الدفع الرباعي تم إلغاؤها نهائي

It's gotta be in neutral to use those buttons.

My truck is stuck in odd and 4x4 light flashing related?

Too much time on heat shield description. We know what a heat shell does, and what bolts are for.

OK, so you are saying that if the 4x4 light is flashing while the vehicle is driving, not parked, it means we have a transmission problem ? Your screen flash says "If your 4x4 light is flashing while driving you have a transmission problem"? 11:15

Another video here, from Jan 2020 shows how to easily disconnect/ release that one wire with a pointy awl tool from INSIDE the plastic connector. Then, later, reinsert the same, uncut wire, into your new motor's connector. NO cutting.

O2 4wd 4.6 EB @ 127K miles and even the same color. 4x4 high flashes regularly while driving. Can go in straight line in 4x4 but can't turn or it'll seemingly bind up. P1568 - speed control, P 0732 - trans gear 2 - false ratio, P 1270 - engine RPM or vehicle speed limiter reached, P 1826 - Trans transfer front speed sensor circuit failure. No check engine light. Can make it where the O/D light flashes and CHECK TRANSMISSION appears, but that's only if I don't give it steady throttle so when having RMP's go up say 2200 RPM's it shifts and then I get rmp's up to say 3000 it will most likely say CHECK TRANSMISSION. Other than being funky like that it seems really strong. Hope it's a sensor. What's my next step? :(

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