ControlTrak neutral?
Mike Mayer
The 4WD hi/lo and 2WD switch on the 95-96 Explorer dashboard has no
neutral, i.e., the transfer case is always engaged to the transmission
even though the transmission itself may be in neutral.
Poking thru the shop manuals, there is apparently a dealer-programmable
option that will let you put the transfer case itself in neutral for
purposes of towing or pushing the vehicle from one spot to another. If
you have this option programmed, this puts it in neutral:
1) Ignition to OFF (not locked wheel)
2) Regular transmission in neutral or park
3) Vehicle not moving
4) Step on brake for 5 seconds until a tone sounds. The transfer case
is now in neutral.
As soon as you start the vehicle, the transfer case automatically comes
out of neutral and resumes normal operation.
Maybe everyone knew this, but I didn't.
By the way, when the vehicle is in 2WD, there is actually an automatic
front axle hub disconnect that apparently keeps the front axle, diff,
and driveshaft from turning while you are driving. This would
presumably help fuel economy a little and reduce wear on the front
drivetrain to some extent, although I have heard that it is perfectly OK
to leave the vehicle in 4WD hi all the time without any adverse effects
on the drivetrain.
Another almost humorous gem I saw... To recalibrate the electronic
compass you put it into CAL mode by holding down the MODE button. Then
drive slowly in 360 deg. circles in an empty parking lot until the CAL
goes away. I can see the anal-retentive Explorer owners (like me)
driving in circles monthly to make absolute sure their compass is always
up to snuff. (The manual DOES say that you should never need to
recalibrate it for the life of the vehicle, under normal
circumstances, unless you have something like a magnetic mount antenna
near the front center of the roof where the compass sensor is). Ford
actually demagnetizes every vehicle at the factory to make sure the
compass is accurate.
They also talk about how you have to set your compass deviation based on
where you are in the country. I.e., if you drive cross-country your
compass will lose accuracy unless you update the VAR every few states as
you go.
Mike
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Phil Rose
<ma...@boulder.vni.com> wrote:
> The 4WD hi/lo and 2WD switch on the 95-96 Explorer dashboard has no
> neutral, i.e., the transfer case is always engaged to the transmission
> even though the transmission itself may be in neutral.
>
> Poking thru the shop manuals, there is apparently a dealer-programmable
> option that will let you put the transfer case itself in neutral for
> purposes of towing or pushing the vehicle from one spot to another. If
> you have this option programmed, this puts it in neutral:
[snip]
> Maybe everyone knew this, but I didn't.
I sure didn't, and thanks for sharing. But I'm a bit puzzled about the
"dealer-programmable option" business. Any way to tell if it's been
programmed? Maybe go thru the steps and listen for the "tone"?
> By the way, when the vehicle is in 2WD, there is actually an automatic
> front axle hub disconnect that apparently keeps the front axle, diff,
> and driveshaft from turning while you are driving. This would
> presumably help fuel economy a little and reduce wear
This got me thinking about the poor highway gas mileage we're getting (I
think) in 2WD on our '96. From time to time I've wondered if it's possible
that the "automatic front axle hub disconnect" might not be working
properly. Does anyone know if there's an obvious way to tell if the front
gear is properly disengaged? Would it be likely to cost 2 or 3 mpg if it
isn't (disengaged)? Any thoughts?
--
Phil Rose
Steve Offiler
>From: Mike Mayer <ma...@boulder.vni.com>
>Subject: ControlTrak neutral?
>Date: Wed, 03 Apr 1996 09:44:35 -0500
>Interesting info:
>The 4WD hi/lo and 2WD switch on the 95-96 Explorer dashboard has no
>neutral, i.e., the transfer case is always engaged to the transmission
>even though the transmission itself may be in neutral.
>Poking thru the shop manuals, there is apparently a dealer-programmable
>option that will let you put the transfer case itself in neutral for
>purposes of towing or pushing the vehicle from one spot to another....
(specific info snipped)
I have a question. Based on use of the word "option" above, is appears there
is some action requred by the dealer in order to enable this function. What
exactly does the dealer need to do? Short a jumper someplace? Install a chip
in the electronic control module? Why in the world don't they just include
this function on all vehicles straight from the factory?
On a different note, does anyone know if the '91-'94 electric shift has a
similar neutral mode? (I strongly suspect it does not).
Regards,
Steve O.