Ford Everest/Ranger 4wd problem ....

[billphillips]

My 6 year old 3.0 Auto 4x4 Everest (same as Ranger running gear) is showing the "4 LOW" warning light permanently. It's not in 4 low it's in 2 high. Turning the switch to any of the 3 positions makes no difference, it stays as is. The speedo also reports a speed as if I were in 4 low.

I do know that the car has to be in N with the handbrake on to shit from high to low. All fuses are checked and no signs of corroded or broken wires.

I have no confidence in the Udon Thani main dealer and need to try and sort something locally. Any ideas or previous experience of this problem please?

[schweizer]

I had the same problem. Check the vacuum hose that runs to the control valve on the intake manifold at the fire wall on the drivers side. Mine was cracked and leaking. The port at the intake was also clogged and was cleaned out with carb cleaner. If you have a hand pump vacuum tester you can supply vacuum to the control to make sure the diaphragm is intact and the port is not clogged.

This control restricts intake flow at engine rpm less than 3000 to enhance low end torque. When it is stuck open the butterfly is open all the time and your low end torque is less, but your gas mileage is better (my experience). It is not hard to remove the intake and clean it all out around the butterfly to make sure it is not so dirty as to be sticking.

Also check the Interlocks its in the manual, if you don't have an English version there is a PDF version online

[billphillips]

Good advice, thank you very much, I'll be trying that out shortly.

[billphillips]

All of the vacuum hoses were removed today and checked as was the valve and diaphragm (using a syringe). No change in the warning display. I must admit that I was struggling to comprehend the connection from the vacuum side of the engine to the 4WD of the auto box. But I'll try anything.

Does anyone have any other suggestions please?

[seedy]

I would check the wires leading to the 4LOW light and the 4LOW sensor. If wiring OK try replace the sensor. Maybe it is stuck on, or it illuminates as a default if the power is not getting to it.

That sensor I would guess interfaces with the ECU so that is why the speedo reads wrong.

[billphillips]

Yea, thanks for that. I'm sure it's some electrically motivated fault. Iv been through just about everything I can think of/find now, more than once!

I'm so reluctant to take it to the Ford dealer here in Udon. I can honestly say that the staff barely know their own names without prompting. For example I had an electrical starting problem (it later transpired to be the starter motor).

On the first of 4 visits for this problem, the head technician / mechanic / whatever, tried to convince me that the cause of the engine not cranking over was as a result of me using B5 diesel fuel !!! The rules of this forum prevent me typing an accurate description of my thoughts at the time.

I'm out and about tomorrow, maybe I can stumble across a transmission specialist with some experience of the same or similar problems.

Thanks for the replies.

[biggom]

Hi Bill,

I now have the same problem with my ford everest.

Did you find out what was wrong and get yours fixed?

[billphillips]

For anyone with the same problem .... On my vehicle it was the transfer box sensor (yellow pointer in the pic) sending the wrong info to the dash and adjusting the speedo to suit.

It's easily accessible from under the car and positioned near to the prop shaft. Removed, cleaned and replaced, it seems ok for now but I'll be ordering a new one to fit at the next service.