How can I tell if my 4WD is working?

In 4WD-Lo (and in 4WD-Hi on '97 and later models) the transfer case locks the front and rear driveshafts, so at least one wheel should be turning at either end. Sounds like you may have a problem.

=Vic= Bear Gap, PA

Kev>

In 4-HI or 4-LO, the front and rear drive shafts are supposed to be locked, so front and rear wheels should turn.

Is this control trac??

I think that there has to be some kind of slippage for enough torque to build to properly engage the system.

You could ask your dealer.

HAND

No, it's not an automatic system I'm describing. It's the old-style four-wheel-drive, which is engaged when the selector is turned to 4-HI or 4-LO; some systems don't have one or the other. But when 4-HI or 4-LO is engaged, the transfer case should lock the front & rear drive shafts together, so they both turn.

When in auto mode, yes. When in 4-HI or 4-Lo, no.

Try jacking up only the rear wheels and see if the front wheels make it go forward.

I don't know if Ford's 4wd operates the same but I had a 92 Chevy Blazer 4wd which the front drive wouldn't engage immediately. You had to drive it forward for a short distance before all 4 wheels would hook up. There would be a noticable difference in steering effort when the fronts engaged. The truck felt harder to make tight turns when

short distance

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions.

My Explorer is a '96 with control trac 4 WD. Sorry I forgot to mention this. Sounds like I need to find a slippery road, and see if there's a difference between 2wd and 4wd.

Thanks again!!

Cheers, Kevin

a short distance

go find a desert somewhere, and nail it..

if you got 4 ruts dug, you got 4 wheels doin the diggin!

I tried that in my Expedition. Damn near broke my neck! It did NOT break loose.

Take it out in the dirt and compare. In addition if you put it in 4WD-LO you should notice the difference immediately. I have a

Kev> Hi all: