Questions and Answers

Flashing Explorer Q. Hi, I have a 1998 Ford Explorer with 4.0L engine, ABS brakes, approximately 67,000 miles. The 4WD HI and 4WD LO lights on the instrument panel flash 5 times every two minutes. This started happening a day after I gave somebody else a jump.

Any ideas or suggestions as to what is causing lights to flash? Any answers are appreciated.

Thanks for the help.
Doug

A. There are two possibilities here. One is the Generic Electronic Module (GEM) has stored a DTC and is letting you know. If this is the case the codes will need to be accessed by a scan tool. The other is related to a faulty shift motor. There was a TSB on this. It is number 99-14-2 dated 07/12/99. It says:

Article No.
99-14-2

07/12/99

Lamp - 4x4 lamp flashing and 4x4 inoperative vehicles with A4WD transmission and 4.0 liter.

Transmission - A4WD - 4x4 lamp flashing and 4x4 inoperative - vehicles with 4.0 liter.

Ford:
1997-1999 Explorer

Mercury:
1998-1999 Mountaineer

ISSUE:
The 4X4 indicator lamps may flash on some vehicles. This may be due to oxidation buildup and/or premature wear on the sense plate of the shift motor which can send incorrect signals to the 4X4 controller. Terminals on the transfer case connector may also develop a resistive film, leading to faulty signals to the 4X4 controller.

ACTION:
Install a new shift motor and/or speed sensors with new terminal material.