Hi everyone, I am a new member to the group. I own a 1997 ford explorer xl, with a 4.0L, OHV engine, and a 4x4 system which has H4, L4, and auto choices. I have always left it in auto, except on a few occasions where I needed to have it in 4wheel drive in low gear (when pullin my boat up the ramp). My problem is a strange one. The 4x4 will go on when backing up and turning (i.e. coming out of a parking), and will stay on for a few minutes. Even stranger, this happens only when its warm. (I live in Canada). This will happen regularly (every day!), and it is very embarrassing to be on 4x4 on pavement, as there are all kinds of growling sounds when turning. Last summer, not needing 4x4 when there is no snow, I disconnected the electrical connector to the transfer case (under the truck), and we used the vehicle in 2x4 whithout trouble. When the winter came, I plugged the transfer case again, and had no problem all winter. As soon as the weather goes back to around 50 degree F or plus and the vehicle is hot, the 4x4 starts locking again, usually after a short stop over, and backing up from a parking spot. Am I the only one with this problem? Does anyone have an idea of what the problem is. We have owned this vehicle since it was new, and it now has 135,000 Km. (around 80,000miles), and had very few other problems. It,s a great vehicle. Roger.

Does not appear to be mechanical, as it does not happen with xfr unplugged. That leaves electrical. I would look for chafed wires. Perhaps something gets more flexible when warm and shorts out. George 96 EB