Bought a 96 Explorer Sport, a few questions..

[David Ponder]

Just bought a 96 Explorer Sport XLS. 149K miles, Black, runs good. This is to replace the Taurus for my daughter. Interior is pretty good, paint is good too.



It needs a few repairs, as in the control module for the 4WD I think. It has Control Trac 4WD, and where the 4X4 High is on my Sport Trac, hers states 4X4 Auto. It seems to engage intermittently, but when it does, it works fine. I was thinking the module, as I hear no clicks when it is not working. Thoughts?



Also, the 3rd brake light is out. I read that this has a flourescent bulb and a ballast, and that the ballast is the most common part to fail. Also saw it was $80 plus... Any thoughts on this? Anyone have any alternatives?



Other than that, I need to put brakes on it, and shocks. Guy wanted $2250, got it for $1900. Will post a few pictures soon.

 

[David Ponder]

Ordered a Dorman complete LED 3rd brake light from Amazon.com for $66. (Local parts stores wanted between $153 and $229 for this part) These will fit the 96 & 97 Explorers with the flourescent lamp. Just got it today and it looks like it will fit just fine. Bypasses the ballast.

 

[Johnny O]

The 4-Auto setting does work intermittently. When the computer detects rear wheel slippage then it kicks the front axle in. If you want or need 4wd all the time, like off-road or in snow, then hit the 4-Hi button.

 

[Gavin Allan]

:worthless:

 

[Steve McKellop]

The EF forums will be a great source of info on your "new" '96 Sport.