4WD lights flashing, power windows

[Bassman]

I own a 98 Esplorer, 4.0. On start up, everything appears to work fine, I am able to engage both the 4WD high and low using the on-dash switch. However, after a couple of minutes, the 4WD high & low lights begin to flash six times approx every miunute or so. At this point, I no longer have 4WD capability, coupled with loss of power to the power window system. The PW system will work periodically. I have seen these exact symptoms expressed by others, but I have been unable to get any responses. There is a plastic box under the dash which contains 7 relays. Could one of these relays be the culprit, or is there an interuption of power to one or more of these relays? I did remove the three relays which were grouped at one end and I plan on testing them; FOAB-14B192-AA (x 1) and F57B14B192-AA (x 2). I believe the other four relays were identical but did not jot down the number. Thing is, I have no idea which relay feeds what instruments. Both maxi fuses #4 and #6 in the Power Distribution unit under the hood appear fine. According to the owner's manual, Fuse #26 (interior fuse panel) protects the Power Window Relay, Electronic Shift Relay, and a couple of other things, however, that fuse also appears fine. I could really use a chassis wiring diagram for the 98, I bought a Haines manual which covers yrs 1991-2001, but has chassis wiring for only 93, 94 & 95 (figures).

[STLMach1]

I have almost the same issue with my 96 EB Explorer though I've not tried the 4WD while the light flashing sequence is occurring. Oddly it seems to occur MUCH more frequently when it's warmer outside; say 60 degrees and up. During the winter when it's colder, this almost never happens. I have also had NO luck finding any posts online that points to the issue. Often times after driving the vehicle for a while at highway speeds, the lights will quit flashing and suddenly the power windows will work again.

If ANYONE has any information that could assist, PLEASE share it.

Many thanks,
Michael

[96EBExplorer]

Flashing 4WD and 4WD LOW Lights and power windows inoperative. Hot weather seems to bring it on, though I've even had it happen in cooler weather. A neighbor having the problem had me wiggle several of the fuses and sometimes the windows started working. But not so consistently that I believe that it solved the problem. I seem to have to turn the engine off, leave it for an hour or so, then come back and turn the key on and the flashing has stopped and windows work again (for awhile). While the obvious effect is that the power windows don't work, does this also mean that 4WD also doesn't work? Sure hope this group has an answer! I don't dare lower the windows if I'm going to have to park away from home lest I'll not be able to get them up and lock up!

[Scram Bulleggs]

Same exact problems you are all having with no solution. If any of you figure something out please post your remedy.

[Scram Bulleggs]

Well fixed it(for now) Under the dash just above the break pedal is a small black box with tape around it. Real pain in the butt to get to. In this box were relays(my model had 7) 6 of them are a rectangle shape one is a square. I checked the numbers on teh rectangle ones they matched so i swapped them around with no luck. I found a square relay that matched except for some end numbers under the hood. I pulled that out and replaced the one under the dash. All is working fine now. planning to go to autozone soon and get an exact replacement.

Good luck.

[96EBExplorer]

Thanks for the possible answer! Let us know if it stays fixed! Meantime, I'm going to look for someone around here competent to find and replace that relay.