Brown Wire Mod

[mgtsldr38]

So i was researching into disengaging the A4WD, and ran across this site. http://www.explorer4x4.com/controltrac_mod.htm Its aimed towards explorers and I was curious if anyone knew if it would work for an expo, I imagine it would.

 

[4x4Dude]

It would be really nice to know if i can take my truck out of a4wd. This would help save on gas a little

 

[MaverikDS]

When I first signed up on this site, I remember someone posting a thread about cutting into the wires for the A4WD system to get it to disengage. But from reading that link, the author says that it won't add any added mpg just let's you decide rather than a computer to use only 2 wheels instead of all 4. But cool idea.

 

[mgtsldr38]

I wanted to do it because its annoying turning the wheel at loc and it acting like its in 4wd, and also it might be a little more fun at the stop lights, haha.

 

[MaverikDS]

Def. I understand the want, just was saying I didn't know if it was worth the time to invest simply for the MPG gain.

 

[EXPOX4]

Guys it does work but please look at the wiring diagram. The brown wire is to me really kindamof light brown. If you go by the wiring diagram you can use process of elimination. There are only five or so wires so it is easy to identify the last wire. I cut the wrong one first, then I cut the right one. When I knew it was right I taped it up so no moisture would effect it. MPG change???? Not enough to notice. The sluggishness that you feal when you acclerate is gone. Now you can power brake if that would be what you are looking to do. In my case the lifted Expeditions experience vibrations which lead to transfer case failures. That is why I wanted to eliminate the 4AWD. Now it drives alot smoother, even when you are turning in the parking lot, no more front end drag. I like it and in my climate I will never use the 4AWD. The job was easy and BIG thanks to the forum for giving a good wiring diagram.

 

[AvroAero]

It can be done. You just need to trace the wire from the transfer case and switch it. Or if you can't trace it run 2 wires to the transfer case and tap in down there. There is a brown wire the strays alone on the transfer case thats the magnetic clutch wire.

 

[jmnt593]

So if I just cut the wire I will only have 2wd and not be able to use 4wd hi or low?
If I put a switch in line with the brown wire what do I have to do to get in 4wd hi?
Thanks
Pete

 

[AvroAero]

If you cut the brown wire you'll permanetly disable A4WD. 2Hi, 4Hi, 4Low will all be active. A4WD uses a magnetic clutch to engage the front driveshaft where 4x4 uses mechanical means.


If you put a switch inline with the brown wire, you don't need to do anything but turn your dial to 4Hi to get into 4hi. Because its two different systems the brown wire only affects the A4WD aspect. They do it because some vehicles don't have the 2hi option on the dial.

 

[nvycrmn]

so to rehash this topic since i am thinkin of doing this to my expy, i can cut the brown wire and my truck will be in 2wd but my selector switch will still work for 4h and 4l? just checkin cuz in the explorer forums, they say you will still be in awd...im not lookin for mpg. i didnt buy a full size suv and lift it for mpg. i just dont like awd. i enjoy running in 2wd sometimes when im offroading...makes it harder and you get better rooster tails!

 

[trippn01]

sorry for stepping in,i feel a little lost in this subject...but wouldnt removing the fuse have the same effect,without any cutting of wires?

 

[nvycrmn]

dont apologize...lookin for any input. i would imagine that pulling the fuse would have the same effect. just looking at all of my options. i want 4h and 4l but want 2wd as well. dont want awd. might just pull the fuse this weekend at the beach and see how she does pullin the jet skis out of the water without AWD.

 

[panda24619]

damn i love having 2wd! haha sry to those who dont. but if ur talking about fiesta. not a problem. ive pulled trucks out of there in 2wd all the time. our weight helps a little by adding traction when pulling on that fiesta sand. havent gotten stuck there... well... haha mud isnt good. anyways ive pulled out trucks there. end of story.

 

[nvycrmn]

well im gonna back the truck in the water with the ski's and try punching it out of the water. i wanna see if i can get no help from awd with the fuse removed. i had 2wd option in my 98 and i sure do miss it. cant stand this AWD shit.

 

[ghettoracer]

I am kinda lost on this topic also, what is the point of taking off your AWD just for a few mpg? I mean I live in an area where it snows and rains and find it extremely helpful when the ground is slick....just kinda curious.

 

[panda24619]

well the awd is for the rain. it was developed by ford for better rain traction. wht it dose is activate the transfer case almost like a 4x4 but instead of sending the power to the front and back it sends it to either front or back when slippage is detected. and here in san diego where it rains once in a winter 2wd is great. plus in sand its super funn to throw dirt everywhere. like on fiesta island or the desert.

 

[nvycrmn]

GHETTO, im not doing this for mpg. like i said before, i didnt buy an expy for gas mileage. i want 2wd cuz i cant stand the AWD and i dont need it. if anyone needs AWD in san diego, its because THEY CANT DRIVE!!!! i grew up in the midwest so i understand the need of AWD there. but i dont live there anymore so i dont want it...

 

[nvycrmn]

i was looking through my owners manual and it says that fuse 104 is for the 4x4 shift something or other. so to me, if i pull that fuse, im not gonna be able to use 4x4. sound correct?

 

[smo0othride]

GHETTO, im not doing this for mpg. like i said before, i didnt buy an expy for gas mileage. i want 2wd cuz i cant stand the AWD and i dont need it. if anyone needs AWD in san diego, its because THEY CANT DRIVE!!!! i grew up in the midwest so i understand the need of AWD there. but i dont live there anymore so i dont want it...

Mostly true... but the streety are very slippery in San Diego when it rains, and I always wish I had AWD when driving on wet roads. If I floor it on a wet road the expedition slides all over the place and I can barely keep it in a straight line.

 

[panda24619]

a little off topic. anyone ever hydroplane their expedition? i did over by mcrd under that bridge threw the tunnel doin about 55. i scared the shit oput of my cuz but since im good at controling my truck i saved it and didnt over steer or under steer. that time i wish i was in awd. but i have nvr hydroplaned her other then that cause of the awd. like today after that random thunderstorm there were a few accidents from the wet. its cause zoners dont know have to drive in cali. and if it sprinkles they slam on the brakes and loose grip. but yeah awd is good and bad. 2wd is great for SD in the dry then awd is great when it dose rain. o and pulling the fuse... it dose seem like that would work. maybe go to fiesta pull it and then floor it. see wht tires spin. try switching it into 4x4 and see wht happens. if it all works then its good if not put the fuse back.