2004 Explorer - Neutral Tow Feature - Not Working

[Ron_Gratz]

The neutral tow feature installed in my 2004 Explorer has stopped working. We are full-timers. The kit was installed in 2004, and the Explorer has been towed about 70,000 miles using the kit.

The other transfer case functions are working okay. Shifts into "4x4 Low" as it should. Shifts into "4x4 High" as it should. Shifts into "4x4 Auto" as it should.

When I try to activate the Neutral Tow feature, nothing happens. The indicator light does not come on steady for a short period. The indicator light does not blink. And, there is no sound to indicate that the transfer case has shifted to neutral.

On two occasions since the feature stopped working, I was able to get the indicator light to indicate the case had shifted to neutral. This was achieved by going through the neutral tow enable procedure several times interspersed with cycling through the "4x4 Low", "4x4 High", and "4x4 Auto" commands. But now, I can't get the neutral two to enable at all.

Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to look for as a cause of this malfunction?
Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Ron

[Ron_Gratz]

Just an update for anyone who might be having a problem with their Neutral Tow --

It turns out that the Explorer's battery was getting weak.
Apparently, activation of the neutral tow feature is quite sensitive to battery voltage.
The battery was replaced and the problem went away.

Ron

[GMandJM]

Glad to hear it, Ron. Looks like you got Ford's special "self-healing" Explorer.

[Ron_Gratz]

Thanks to those who posted comments and suggestions.

The good news is -- the neutral tow is working again.

The bad news is -- I have no idea why.

Ron

[Teacher_s_Pet]

On our 2003 Sport Trac it is nothing more than a light on a two wire lead that plugs into the wiring harness behind the dash, that notifies you have followed the proper procedure to get into "Neutral Mode". They no longer are sold by Ford, according to others posting on other forums. You could have a defective light or it might not be making contact at the plug connecting point on the harness.

[GMandJM]

duplicate post - sorry

[GMandJM]

Had a neutral tow kit installed on our 2002 Ford Exploder (that's what we call it - not a typo - remember those exploding tires back then?).

Haven't had that issue of not engaging, although you have towed yours many miles more. Other than some clicking along with the lights flashing, we don't have any sounds, as you indicated yours does.

Since you are able to go manually through the 4x4 settings, I would think that it would be likely an issue with the neutral tow wiring rather than the transmission itself. You may want to check the ground. If not that, a call to a Ford service center would be your best bet.

When you solve it, would appreciate if you'd post what the issue was and the fix.

[427435]

The first thing I can suggest is to get under the dash and check the connection to the light.

If that doesn't find anything, you will probably have to go to a dealer and have them reprogram the computer.