2005 Ford Escape xlt 4x4 not engaging?

Question

I have a 2005 Ford Escape xlt 4x4 but the 4wd does not work. I live in the snow and get frustrated because as soon as my tires slip I can feel the 4x4 trying to engage, but the rear tires never actually catch. It just keeps slipping and a flashing 4x4 indicator light comes on the dash. I've had the car since 2011 and always just thought the 4wd was terrible because the car can't even make it up the smallest hill in the snow, but I recently realized that the 4x4 has never engaged since I've had it. Is this a common problem with this model of car? If so, what are the most common causes of this problem? I know that's a pretty open ended question, but I just want to know if anyone else has had this problem and what the cause of it was. Thanks!

Answer 1

A couple things.



1. This vehicle doesn't have traditionl transerfer case. It's more like a transaxle with a PTO



2. This vehicle doesn't have a tradtional 4WD system, it's basically an AWD system with a user-selectable locking center diff.



3. This vehicle is primarily front wheel drive, if it's moving then the front drivetrain is fine. In this vehicle power is sent to the rear wheels when slipage is detected.



If the 4WD light is blinking, it indicates that the 4WD (AWD) system has a fault and has been disabled. You're going to have to take the vehicle to a shop and have the trouble codes read. A standard OBD-II scanner probably won't cut it, as this is a vehicle-specifc problem.

Answer 2

Ford Escape 4x4

Answer 3

Check underneath your car to see if anything is jammed or broken on the driveshaft, (the long pole looking thing). Also, check the differential(s) that connect the driveshaft to the axles. The engine should be sending power through the transmission to the differential(s) through the driveshaft to make the wheels spin. If there is something broken or stuck in the parts, the wheels can fail to spin.



My guess is that either the middle gear in the front differential is broken, the transfer case is not sending power to the front wheels, or the electronic system that activates 4x4 is not working.



Unless you have experience with mechanics and have the tools to safely do it, I would not suggest fixing it on your own.

Answer 4

speed sensor or the tone ring,not cheap to fix,$200 to $300,,,,,,,,,,,the Escape is a P.O.S. I have a 2005 biggest mistake buying that thing,noisy sounds like an airplane when cold starting till warmed up,even then I thinks it makes too much noise ( V-6 ),CHEAPLY made Ford product

Answer 5

Hey Tiffany,



Car trouble is no fun! I recommend a trip to your local Ford Dealer for repair.



Locate one here and make an appointment too: http://owner.ford.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Owner/Page/LocateADealer



Todd

Ford Service

Answer 6

Looks like your transfer case is bad. Have a mechanic look at it. Not an easy job. But tell him to check the control module first.