Hi again,
Bought a 1997 Explorer XLT and the owners manual is pretty generic. Not sure if I have the AWD model or the 4x4. The selector switch inside reads Auto/4H/4L,
Thanks.
Wes

 

Its all wheel drive. Auto its a certain percentage of power to front and certain to rear When in 4Wd you have 50/50 power to front and rear.

 

Ford's official definition...



The all-wheel drive transfer case is a two-piece aluminum, chain driven, viscous clutch type unit. This produces a system in which all-wheel drive is always activated. All-wheel drive transfer case is automatic and has no external controls.

The viscous clutch is a torque distribution device. It is non-repairable. The internal construction of the viscous clutch consists of alternating plates that are connected to the front and rear outputs of the transfer case. The viscous clutch is filled with a high viscosity fluid which flows through slots in the plates. The resistance to shear causes the plates to transmit torque at the needed ratio. The ratio that torque is transmitted at is approximately 35% front and 65% rear.

A front differential compensates for the difference between the inner and outer wheels. However, when one driveline component travels farther than another, there will be driveline or torsional windup that must be released.

 

So how do you release this "windup"? Is that the kind of rubbing noise I hear occaionally when turning sharply while backing up?

 

I have a 98 explorer Eddie Bower Edition and both my high 4wd low 4wd lights on the right side of the dash will flash 3 to 4 times intermittently about every 4 to 5 min. it just started doing that 2 days ago ( 6-14-07 ) is this something to be concerned about?

 

To answer your question though, you have 4WD. AWD would not have any controls. It is constant.