• Sign Up! To view all forums and unlock additional cool features

    Welcome to the #1 Explorer ST Forum and Explorer ST community dedicated to Explorer ST owners and enthusiasts. Register for an account, it's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the Explorer ST Forum today!


4WD Fault Service Required

BrooseDaMoose

Active Member
Messages
946
Reactions
530
Points
82
Location
East Freetown, MA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST, Silver Spruce Metalic
#41
Ok, that makes sense. I did some reading on how this system works. This is what I think describes it the best: "Ford crossovers, SUVs, cars, and trucks alike take advantage of the Ford Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) and 4-Wheel-Drive (4WD) systems to deliver both grippy and utilitarian mannerisms to seemingly everyday vehicles. The allure of drivetrains where all four wheels do equal work is without a doubt all the rage in this age of crossovers and SUV's. This “smart” feature of your beloved Ford car, truck, crossover, or SUV model measures steering wheel angle, accelerator pedal position, and a host of other variables to instantly give control of any slipping wheels back to the driver. Under optimal driving conditions, a latent function of the Intelligent AWD and 4WD systems routes all power to the front wheels to maximize fuel efficiency, but is always at the ready to flip the polarity and send power to the rear wheels during spirited acceleration. Reserved for bigger and more labor-inclined models, the Ford Intelligent 4WD System offers the same gamut of traction-reinforcing attributes but adds sublime advantages on rugged terrain. The sensors will detect changes in the terrain such as rocks, mud, grass, snow, or sand to both traction and driver confidence. The Ford Explorer can be fitted with the Ford Intelligent 4WD System and piles on the versatility with the coupling of the Terrain Management System™. The Terrain Management System™ touts five different selectable drive modes to give you the ultimate, on-the-fly decisions on how your Ford Explorer will behave on differing topographies. Stick to the Normal mode for routine driving experiences, but changing to Mud/Ruts, Sand, Snow/Gravel/Grass, and Hill Descent Control™ modes will provide the driver with instant changes to drivetrain performance and output." So I guess the actuator that connects the front wheel to the power train is stuck?
 

Messages
281
Reactions
92
Points
27
Location
Desert South West
Vehicle
2023 Explorer ST
#42
Its not working, could be a bad electrical connection, or the AWD module is bad, or the actuator, or the front diff, best to have Ford check it out. Everytime I look, I find another TSB related to this issue.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10234127-0002.pdf
 

BrooseDaMoose

Active Member
Messages
946
Reactions
530
Points
82
Location
East Freetown, MA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST, Silver Spruce Metalic
#43
The AWD module is definitely bad. I can’t even connect to anymore. Before I took it in I could open the module settings and read the DTC’s but now it just shows it red and says error.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Last edited:

BrooseDaMoose

Active Member
Messages
946
Reactions
530
Points
82
Location
East Freetown, MA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST, Silver Spruce Metalic
#45
I already checked. First thing I did after getting the error in Forscan and remembering the service manager said I asked them to disconnect the module.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Messages
281
Reactions
92
Points
27
Location
Desert South West
Vehicle
2023 Explorer ST
#46
Do you have access to the service FULL service manual? It has pinpoint troubleshooting procedures. The online version is not complete, the electrical schematics and 3.0TT engine documentation are both missing.
 

BrooseDaMoose

Active Member
Messages
946
Reactions
530
Points
82
Location
East Freetown, MA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST, Silver Spruce Metalic
#47
Do you have access to the service FULL service manual? It has pinpoint troubleshooting procedures. The online version is not complete, the electrical schematics and 3.0TT engine documentation are both missing.
No I don't. I looked for one but couldn't find one. I did find the Electrical Diagram service manual on ebay but not the Service manual.
 

Messages
281
Reactions
92
Points
27
Location
Desert South West
Vehicle
2023 Explorer ST
#48

BrooseDaMoose

Active Member
Messages
946
Reactions
530
Points
82
Location
East Freetown, MA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST, Silver Spruce Metalic
#49
I usually get the hard copy but I guess it's time to upgrade. I bought the wiring diagram book off ebay for $40. Thing is about 3" thick! Thanks for the link
 

TMac

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,706
Reactions
1,494
Points
262
Location
Knoxville, TN
#50

BrooseDaMoose

Active Member
Messages
946
Reactions
530
Points
82
Location
East Freetown, MA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST, Silver Spruce Metalic
#51
Messages
189
Reactions
123
Points
37
Location
St. Louis
Vehicle
2021 Explorer ST
#52
The more reference materials, the better. Always.
 

BrooseDaMoose

Active Member
Messages
946
Reactions
530
Points
82
Location
East Freetown, MA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST, Silver Spruce Metalic
#53
UPDATE: I went in to the dealer today and the service rep told me they cancelled the part order because I took my car for the weekend! He is the one who suggested they fix the wire and speed sensor and then I take it for the weekend because the module wouldn't be in until Monday! Of course he said he never said that. So I just played nice and told him that I wanted it replaced and to reorder it. I'll let them fix it and then I'll rip them apart on Google Reviews and social media. They are just not being upfront and honest with me. Something is fishy with them. I think they are used to customers that just say "fix it" and let them throw parts at the vehicle.
 

BrooseDaMoose

Active Member
Messages
946
Reactions
530
Points
82
Location
East Freetown, MA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST, Silver Spruce Metalic
#54
The more reference materials, the better. Always.
I agree with you there but I would think the same components would have the same information in both manuals. Different components wouldn't really be of any use for my Explorer. Just saying.
 

UNBROKEN

4000 Post Club
Messages
4,587
Reactions
5,362
Points
352
Location
Houston, TX, USA
#55
Why would I want an Aviator service manual when I have an Explorer? Engine and tranny might be the same but I'm sure a lot is different else where.
The guy that suggested that has forgotten more about this stuff than most will ever know. It would behoove you to pay attention when he makes a helpful suggestion.
 

BrooseDaMoose

Active Member
Messages
946
Reactions
530
Points
82
Location
East Freetown, MA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST, Silver Spruce Metalic
#56
The guy that suggested that has forgotten more about this stuff than most will ever know. It would behoove you to pay attention when he makes a helpful suggestion.
Ok, I’ll check it out. Thanks for the encouragement!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

DaHuntah

New Member
Messages
4
Reactions
1
Points
2
Location
North West
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
#57
Ok, I’ll check it out. Thanks for the encouragement!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Regardless how much he knows, The Lincoln is going to be a lot different in places than the Explorer would be. I say get the right manual for the right vehicle!
 

UNBROKEN

4000 Post Club
Messages
4,587
Reactions
5,362
Points
352
Location
Houston, TX, USA
#58
Regardless how much he knows, The Lincoln is going to be a lot different in places than the Explorer would be. I say get the right manual for the right vehicle!
The engine and trans, which is what the OP needs info on…are identical in function.
 

DaHuntah

New Member
Messages
4
Reactions
1
Points
2
Location
North West
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
#59
The engine and trans, which is what the OP needs info on…are identical in function.
Maybe so but just about everything else will be different. I've been repairing cars for over fifty year fella, you don't buy a Mercuray Capri manual to work on a Ford Mustang! The engine might be the same basically but not exactly. If he gets a Lincoln aviator manual for a Ford Explorer, a lot of it will be different! Brakes come to mind! Seats come to mind! Broose, get yourself a manual that matches your vehicle! Take that from an old man who has forggotten more than these others will ever know!
 

Last edited:

BrooseDaMoose

Active Member
Messages
946
Reactions
530
Points
82
Location
East Freetown, MA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST, Silver Spruce Metalic
#60
I feel like I've hijaked this thread and now it's getting off topic. UNBROKEN has a lot of knowledge with these particular vehicles and has answered a lot of good questions. Now I'm not sure which one to buy! You sound like a very knowlegable person and make some good points but so has Flyman and UNBROKEN! Maybe I'll buy them both and whichever is more useful I'll keep and sell the other one. Sometimes you have to pay for the right knowledge!
 



Top