97 Explorer 4x4 intermittenly doesn't work

[mikewilliams]

My 97 Explorer 400 works fine the majority of the time except for when driving through mud and water. Once I get into some water the engine starts to bog and run no faster than 5-10 km/h in 4x4. As soon as I hit the 4x4 switch and put it in 2 wheel drive it runs fine. It usually takes approx a half hour before the 4x4 will start to allow the quad to work again and it will work fine up until the quad getting wet again. Any thoughts on what's failing or what to look for?

[DirtDemon]

Most likely some kind of electrical connection, check any plugs or wires that may be getting wet. It is really wierd to me that it only runs bad in 4wd, so if there are any circuits dedicated to the 4wd system I would start by checking them.

[screamingthrottle]

could be your front hub oil, makesure that there is oil in it and full. that's what the issue was with mine. and sounds similar to my issue.

[Stoopidbot1]

I agree with DD, sounds electrical. But the oil level that was mentioned is worth a shot.

[screamingthrottle]

here are instructions how to change the hub oil

1.Place a drain pan beneath the hub

2.Remove check/fill plug

3.Turn the hub check/fill plug to the 6 o'clock position and drain the fluid

into the drain pan

4.Turn wheel until front hub fill/check plug is either in the 4 or 8 o'clock postion.

5.Add Polaris Demand Drive Hub Fluid (PN 2871654) until fluid trickles out.

NOTE:Do not force the fluid into the hub under pressure or seal damage

may occur.

[mikewilliams]

Anyone know where i can find the wiring schematics for it?

[mikewilliams]

Can anyone inform me on how these quads are governed? I'm thinking it's got something to do with the cdi box and the override shorting when wet or something like that?

[DirtDemon]

I don't see how that would be the case if it only runs badly when it is in 4wd unless it is only governed in 4wd.

[mikewilliams]

the override is governed in reverse for the 4x4. Is there a possibilty of the override 4x4 and governing shorting? Or where do i start looking for a wiring problem?

[DirtDemon]

Anything that only works when the machine is in 4wd could be suspect. I would look for ANY loose connections, plugs, or other connectors, bare or damaged wires. Unfortunately tracking these kinds of problems is sometimes time consuming and frustrating. A multimeter will most likely be helpful.

[IndyKWG]

Might try a spray bottle when things are dry too on your electrical connections you suspect. Might help track things down as to what is getting wet and causing the problem

[ScramblerLorain]

I have a scrambler so i don't know if it's the same but i had a similar issue and it was caused by dirt in the 4x4 on/off switch. Once i took it apart and cleaned it, it worked fine. Maybe yours is similar?