1997 Ford Explorer AWD Logo
Anonymous Posted on May 25, 2012

4WD and 4WD low lights keep flashing on my 1997 Ford Explorer Sport

When I start the truck, the lights come on then go off. Then a few minutes later they flash for about 5 or 6 seconds then go off again. My 4WD system works perfectly but I'm starting to get annoyed with the lights constantly flashing. Can someone help?

1 Answer

Marvin

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Top Expert:

An expert who has finished #1 on the weekly Top 10 Fixya Experts Leaderboard.

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

  • Ford Master 85,242 Answers
  • Posted on May 25, 2012
Marvin
Ford Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Top Expert:

An expert who has finished #1 on the weekly Top 10 Fixya Experts Leaderboard.

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

Joined: Jun 20, 2008
Answers
85242
Questions
28
Helped
29061442
Points
266281

This indictes a problem in the system electonics.

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 106 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 05, 2009

SOURCE: 4wd high 4wd low lights flashing

When the 4WD lights flash on and off, this indicates that there are 4WD-related trouble codes in the 4WD control module. Sometimes 4WD lights never illuminate.
The first step in diagnosing the system is to establish communication and retrieve trouble codes from the control module. After retrieving the codes, write them down, clear the codes and retest to see which codes are regenerated. False codes can be set if a component is disconnected when the key is turned on.
If the 4WD lights flash on and off, and no codes are found in the 4WD control module, try clearing the codes anyway. After a certain amount of key cycles, the codes will normally clear from the 4WD control module, but the module will not respond to commands until it is re-initialized by clearing the codes or disconnecting the battery to erase its memory.
If your scan tool will not communicate with the 4WD module, first verify that the scan tool has the proper software and the latest updates. If it does, then try another scan tool. If it still has no communication, the power and grounds that are supplied to the module will need to be tested. See if the scan tool will communicate with the other modules on the shared communication network. If they're OK, check the harness from the data link connector (DLC) for an open circuit to the 4WD module.

Ad

Anonymous

  • 91 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 10, 2008

SOURCE: 1996 ford explorer anti theft system

Yes I agree it's the 'smart key'. Normally when you buy an explorer new, you will get 3 keys. 1 of the keys is a valet key.
If you were to copy another key that has a smart chip (transponder) in it, the new key won't work until you 'program' the third (new) key. To program it you need the original 2 keys that work.
The only other thing could be that there was a remote start in the vehicle and there could be something wrong with the module that bypasses the transponder. If there is a remote start in the vehicle you might be lucky to some extent if it still works.
If you move the shifter hard and it worked before, like you said, there could also be damage to the wires that goto the key cylinder, the reciever for the transponder in the key. Try having someone hold the key in start and use the tilt wheel, that too will tell you theres damaged wires if it starts.
Unfortunately you probably will have to bring the vehicle to a ford dealer to get additional keys programmed or the damaged part replaced.
It shouldn't cost too, too much. Just be glad you don't have a Saab, replacement key's are $145 Ea!
If your inclined, you can dissassemble the plastic shroud around the steering column and look for damaged wires coming from the black ring around the key down the the connector under the dash.

Anonymous

  • 18 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 06, 2009

SOURCE: 4wd lights flashing

I know the 4wd lights flash a code and I have replaced a transfer case control module on one before but as for the clunk and engine dying maybe it is a combination of more than one problem

emissionwiz

Marvin

  • 85242 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 08, 2009

SOURCE: 98 explorer - 4wd and 4wd low light both blink 5-6

the transfer case motor is defective.

Ford007

Chris Weber

  • 131 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 17, 2010

SOURCE: 2006 Ford Escape 109K miles. Flashing 4WD light

Yes sometimes diagnosis takes a while. They are most likely perfomring electrical tests o nthe rear axle coupler to see why its functioning incorrect. If I knoew the codes its storing I could help you

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

I need a wiring diagram for a 1993 Dodge 2500 series 4 wheel drive truck

On these issue, there are few solved help links for troubleshooting the issue easily.-------

Click the link below: ---

No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

-----------

4X4 Truck makes roaring noise in the front end?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/4x4-truck-makes-roaring-noise-in-front.html

-------------

Car will not go into 4WD high or 4WD low?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-will-not-go-into-4wd-high-or-4wd.html

--------------

No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

------------

4 wheel drive system will not disengage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/4-wheel-drive-system-will-not-disengage.html

----------

4WD light is flashing and beeping? NO 4WD high?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/4wd-light-is-flashing-and-beeping-no.html

----------

2002 Jeep Wrangler: 4WD Idiot Light is ON?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-jeep-wrangler-4wd-idiot-light-is.html

----------

Traction control switch will not engage on 4WD High or Low

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.com/2012/10/traction-control-switch-will-not-engage.html

-----------

4WD light flashing and 4WD will engage after few minutes

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/4wd-light-flashing-and-4wd-will-engage.html

------------

2008 Toyota Tundra: 4x4 Wheel Drive Light is Flashing?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/05/2008-toyota-tundra-4x4-wheel-drive.html

----------

4x4 front differential will not engage the axle on ford?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-front-differential-will-not-engage.html

-------

4x4 will not engage on Ford F150?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-will-not-engage-on-ford-f150.html

-------------

Dodge Ram 4x4 light keeps flashing

4X4 LOW LIGHT IS FLASHING ON DASH

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/09/dodge-ram-4x4-light-keeps-flashing.html

----------

Ford 4x4 front wheels will not engage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-4x4-front-wheels-will-not-engage.html

-------------

These details will help.

Thanks.

0helpful
1answer

I have a 1999 dodge sport 1500 4x4 and it makes a clunking sound like it is skipping gears when I engage it in four wheel drive at times. I checked all fluids and changed them and checked u-joints and all...

4X4

On these issue, there are few solved help links for troubleshooting the issue easily.-------

Click the link below: ---

No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

-----------

4X4 Truck makes roaring noise in the front end?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/4x4-truck-makes-roaring-noise-in-front.html

-------------

Car will not go into 4WD high or 4WD low?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-will-not-go-into-4wd-high-or-4wd.html

--------------

No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

------------

4 wheel drive system will not disengage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/4-wheel-drive-system-will-not-disengage.html

----------

4WD light is flashing and beeping? NO 4WD high?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/4wd-light-is-flashing-and-beeping-no.html

----------

2002 Jeep Wrangler: 4WD Idiot Light is ON?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-jeep-wrangler-4wd-idiot-light-is.html

----------

Traction control switch will not engage on 4WD High or Low

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.com/2012/10/traction-control-switch-will-not-engage.html

-----------

4WD light flashing and 4WD will engage after few minutes

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/4wd-light-flashing-and-4wd-will-engage.html

------------

2008 Toyota Tundra: 4x4 Wheel Drive Light is Flashing?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/05/2008-toyota-tundra-4x4-wheel-drive.html

----------

4x4 front differential will not engage the axle on ford?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-front-differential-will-not-engage.html

-------

4x4 will not engage on Ford F150?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-will-not-engage-on-ford-f150.html

-------------

Dodge Ram 4x4 light keeps flashing

4X4 LOW LIGHT IS FLASHING ON DASH

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/09/dodge-ram-4x4-light-keeps-flashing.html

----------

Ford 4x4 front wheels will not engage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-4x4-front-wheels-will-not-engage.html

-------------

These details will help.

Thanks.

0helpful
1answer

How to set the 4x4 electronic selector switch on a jimmy 2002

4X4

On these issue, there are few solved help links for troubleshooting the issue easily.-------

Click the link below: ---

No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

-----------

4X4 Truck makes roaring noise in the front end?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/4x4-truck-makes-roaring-noise-in-front.html

-------------

Car will not go into 4WD high or 4WD low?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-will-not-go-into-4wd-high-or-4wd.html

--------------

No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

------------

4 wheel drive system will not disengage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/4-wheel-drive-system-will-not-disengage.html

----------

4WD light is flashing and beeping? NO 4WD high?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/4wd-light-is-flashing-and-beeping-no.html

----------

2002 Jeep Wrangler: 4WD Idiot Light is ON?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-jeep-wrangler-4wd-idiot-light-is.html

----------

Traction control switch will not engage on 4WD High or Low

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.com/2012/10/traction-control-switch-will-not-engage.html

-----------

4WD light flashing and 4WD will engage after few minutes

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/4wd-light-flashing-and-4wd-will-engage.html

------------

2008 Toyota Tundra: 4x4 Wheel Drive Light is Flashing?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/05/2008-toyota-tundra-4x4-wheel-drive.html

----------

4x4 front differential will not engage the axle on ford?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-front-differential-will-not-engage.html

-------

4x4 will not engage on Ford F150?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-will-not-engage-on-ford-f150.html

-------------

Dodge Ram 4x4 light keeps flashing

4X4 LOW LIGHT IS FLASHING ON DASH

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/09/dodge-ram-4x4-light-keeps-flashing.html

----------

Ford 4x4 front wheels will not engage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-4x4-front-wheels-will-not-engage.html

-------------

These details will help.

Thanks.

0helpful
1answer

On the dash of my 92 pajero the two front wheels keep flashing green when its not in 4x4 how ever i degreased under the engine and gearbox and realised after.that the lights had stop flashing until my son...

4X4

On these issue, there are few solved help links for troubleshooting the issue easily.-------

Click the link below: ---

No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

-----------

4X4 Truck makes roaring noise in the front end?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/4x4-truck-makes-roaring-noise-in-front.html

-------------

Car will not go into 4WD high or 4WD low?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-will-not-go-into-4wd-high-or-4wd.html

--------------

No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

------------

4 wheel drive system will not disengage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/4-wheel-drive-system-will-not-disengage.html

----------

4WD light is flashing and beeping? NO 4WD high?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/4wd-light-is-flashing-and-beeping-no.html

----------

2002 Jeep Wrangler: 4WD Idiot Light is ON?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-jeep-wrangler-4wd-idiot-light-is.html

----------

Traction control switch will not engage on 4WD High or Low

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.com/2012/10/traction-control-switch-will-not-engage.html

-----------

4WD light flashing and 4WD will engage after few minutes

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/4wd-light-flashing-and-4wd-will-engage.html

------------

2008 Toyota Tundra: 4x4 Wheel Drive Light is Flashing?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/05/2008-toyota-tundra-4x4-wheel-drive.html

----------

4x4 front differential will not engage the axle on ford?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-front-differential-will-not-engage.html

-------

4x4 will not engage on Ford F150?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-will-not-engage-on-ford-f150.html

-------------

Dodge Ram 4x4 light keeps flashing

4X4 LOW LIGHT IS FLASHING ON DASH

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/09/dodge-ram-4x4-light-keeps-flashing.html

----------

Ford 4x4 front wheels will not engage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-4x4-front-wheels-will-not-engage.html

-------------

These details will help.

Thanks.

0helpful
1answer

4x4 will not engage on 2005 tahoe

It can be faulty 4x4 wd switch.

4X4

On these issue, there are few solved help links for troubleshooting the issue easily.-------

Click the link below: ---

No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

-----------

4X4 Truck makes roaring noise in the front end?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/4x4-truck-makes-roaring-noise-in-front.html

-------------

Car will not go into 4WD high or 4WD low?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-will-not-go-into-4wd-high-or-4wd.html

--------------

No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

------------

4 wheel drive system will not disengage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/4-wheel-drive-system-will-not-disengage.html

----------

4WD light is flashing and beeping? NO 4WD high?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/4wd-light-is-flashing-and-beeping-no.html

----------

2002 Jeep Wrangler: 4WD Idiot Light is ON?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-jeep-wrangler-4wd-idiot-light-is.html

----------

Traction control switch will not engage on 4WD High or Low

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.com/2012/10/traction-control-switch-will-not-engage.html

-----------

4WD light flashing and 4WD will engage after few minutes

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/4wd-light-flashing-and-4wd-will-engage.html

------------

2008 Toyota Tundra: 4x4 Wheel Drive Light is Flashing?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/05/2008-toyota-tundra-4x4-wheel-drive.html

----------

4x4 front differential will not engage the axle on ford?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-front-differential-will-not-engage.html

-------

4x4 will not engage on Ford F150?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-will-not-engage-on-ford-f150.html

-------------

Dodge Ram 4x4 light keeps flashing

4X4 LOW LIGHT IS FLASHING ON DASH

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/09/dodge-ram-4x4-light-keeps-flashing.html

----------

Ford 4x4 front wheels will not engage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-4x4-front-wheels-will-not-engage.html

-------------

These details will help.

Thanks.

0helpful
1answer

Will not shift into 4wheel drive

On these issue,there are few solved help links for troubleshooting the issue easily.-------

Click the link below:---
No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

-----------
4X4 Truck makes roaring noise in the front end?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/4x4-truck-makes-roaring-noise-in-front.html

-------------
Car will not go into 4WD high or 4WD low?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-will-not-go-into-4wd-high-or-4wd.html

--------------
No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

------------
4 wheel drive system will not disengage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/4-wheel-drive-system-will-not-disengage.html

----------
4WD light is flashing and beeping? NO 4WD high?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/4wd-light-is-flashing-and-beeping-no.html

----------
2002 Jeep Wrangler: 4WD Idiot Light is ON?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-jeep-wrangler-4wd-idiot-light-is.html

----------

Traction control switch will not engage on 4WD High or Low

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.com/2012/10/traction-control-switch-will-not-engage.html

-----------

4WD light flashing and 4WD will engage after few minutes

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/4wd-light-flashing-and-4wd-will-engage.html

------------
2008 Toyota Tundra: 4x4 Wheel Drive Light is Flashing?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/05/2008-toyota-tundra-4x4-wheel-drive.html

----------
4x4 front differential will not engage the axle on ford?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-front-differential-will-not-engage.html

-------
4x4 will not engage on Ford F150? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-will-not-engage-on-ford-f150.html

-------------
Dodge Ram 4x4 light keeps flashing 4X4 LOW LIGHT IS FLASHING ON DASH

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/09/dodge-ram-4x4-light-keeps-flashing.html

----------
Ford 4x4 front wheels will not engage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-4x4-front-wheels-will-not-engage.html

-------------

These details will help.

Thanks.

0helpful
1answer

I have a 1998 explorer and the 4wheel drive will switch on like it should and the lights do not blink or anything but I can tell the rear end doea lock in low but never any power to front axle in any...

On these issue,there are few solved help links for troubleshooting the issue easily.-------

Click the link below:---
No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

-----------
4X4 Truck makes roaring noise in the front end?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/4x4-truck-makes-roaring-noise-in-front.html

-------------
Car will not go into 4WD high or 4WD low?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-will-not-go-into-4wd-high-or-4wd.html

--------------
No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

------------
4 wheel drive system will not disengage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/4-wheel-drive-system-will-not-disengage.html

----------
4WD light is flashing and beeping? NO 4WD high?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/4wd-light-is-flashing-and-beeping-no.html

----------
2002 Jeep Wrangler: 4WD Idiot Light is ON?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-jeep-wrangler-4wd-idiot-light-is.html

----------

Traction control switch will not engage on 4WD High or Low

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.com/2012/10/traction-control-switch-will-not-engage.html

-----------

4WD light flashing and 4WD will engage after few minutes

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/4wd-light-flashing-and-4wd-will-engage.html

------------
2008 Toyota Tundra: 4x4 Wheel Drive Light is Flashing?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/05/2008-toyota-tundra-4x4-wheel-drive.html

----------
4x4 front differential will not engage the axle on ford?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-front-differential-will-not-engage.html

-------
4x4 will not engage on Ford F150? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-will-not-engage-on-ford-f150.html

-------------
Dodge Ram 4x4 light keeps flashing 4X4 LOW LIGHT IS FLASHING ON DASH

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/09/dodge-ram-4x4-light-keeps-flashing.html

----------
Ford 4x4 front wheels will not engage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-4x4-front-wheels-will-not-engage.html

-------------

These details will help.

Thanks.

0helpful
1answer

I have just replace an engine in a 1997 explorer 4.0 vin e with a 1999 motor from an explorer. the key will not start the vehicle although I can jump the relay and it starts runs fine. Also the OD off...

i would love an answer to this question myself because i am having the same identical problem with my explorer! i just had the motor replaced in my 97 explorer with one from a 2000 explorer and my OD light stays on and 4wd lights blink every couple minutes! also the explorer is stuck in 3rd gear! if i manually shift down into second it will go but thats it?????
0helpful
1answer

4wd high and 4wd low lights flashing at same time on 1997 ford explorer and often engages 4wd when not needed.

possible solution is to take out your dash control panel which has 2 screws . pull it out the radio and all will come out and check the wirer behind the switch. see if it is louse or disconnected also you could need a new switch
Not finding what you are looking for?

651 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Ford Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

xxxxxx xxx

Level 3 Expert

5117 Answers

Are you a Ford Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...