Ten problems related to automatic transmission column shift have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
4 wheel drive will not engage, and indicator light says it has engaged.
Experiencing a clicking noise from the transfer case at low speed (forward and reverse).
Leaking between case.
Vehicle would lock into and out of 4-wheel drive rapidly on dry, smooth pavement for no reason ,causing vehicle to lurch and lag ( jerking ) and causing front left wheel hop and vibration. Dealership has removed the 4 wheel drive capabilty of this vehicle to reslove the problem instead of repairing. The originally equipped 4 wheel drive Explorer is now only 2 wheel drive. Indicator lights on dash now continuously flash providing somewhat of a drivers distraction. Also vehicle has a loud squeal in front end at speeds from 1 thru 40 mph which one failed repair attempt has been made. Also vehicle engine has loud mechanical engine noise ( knocking and banging ) in upper engine area.
Intermittently 4- wheel drive light comes on . The dealer has determined that the 4-wheel drive has burned out.
4- wheel drive indicator light would flash continually, indicating tha t 4- wheel drive was inoperative. On two occasions vehicle has been at dealer's shop for repairs, and dealer informed consumer that gem module part replacement has been on back order, and was waiting to receive the parts. Can NHTSA help in this matter or provide additional information.
While driving on dry straight road at approximately 55 mph vehicle jerked suddenly to the left. When attempting to correct steering, vehicle went out of control and veered to the right, the spun back to the left. Turned around on the road backwards and flipped on passengers's side and slid into median. Also, abs brakes/suspension and transfer case failed.
While driving vehicle on highway at 60 to 65 mph vehicle switches to 4- wheel drive without warning. Problem has not been corrected.
The 4 wheel drive would jerk when accelerating, has done this for a couple of years, the dealer finally discovered that there was a service bulletin for this problem with the auto 4 wheel drive system and made computer adjustment which has reduced but not eliminated the problem. They say this is normal, it occurs when accelerating usually a fast acceleration and is more pronounced when I pull my boat. I am concerned that this significant jerking over a period of time could be contrbuting to the tire seperation problems or tire damage. I can't believe that any car maker would market a car with the problem that I have been having and say that is is not unusual. I am wondering if this is a large problem since there has been a service bulletin on it.
4- wheel drive hi and lo lights flashed on/off. Dealer replaced shift motor and harness as per TSB 94-14-02. Mechanic said if I did not do it, could have dropped into four wheel drive while driving. Ford refuses to pay cost of $409. 28. Dealer said problem has come up before. Have less then 500 miles in four wheel drive. Believe it is a serious safety issue. Thank you.