[williala]

I have a 2001 Ford Escape XLT with 4wd. I was up in the mountains over the Christmas holidays and was trying to go up a road with a moderate slope that had a coating of snow and ice.

I turned the 4wd switch from Auto to On (the On light illuminates) and didn't notice any difference. I then put on tire chains on the rear and tried to ascend the hill again. The front wheels just spun but didn't notice that the rear wheels were spinning at all.

I finally had to back the car up and park it and walk the remainder of the way up the road to the home we were visiting.

Today, we took the car out to an area that had a lot of loose gravel and engaged the 4wd and tried to spin the wheels. The front wheels spun, but the rear wheels didn't.

Any ideas on what the problem could be and any way to troubleshoot it?

 

[megascape]

Have you ever had the Escape towed? I have read that it creates problems with the 4X4. I'll look for the article and send it to you via PM if I find it..

 

[williala]

I don't think that it has ever been towed. We did have an accident in it several years ago in a head-on crash. I don't know if they towed it or put it on a car carrier. However, I don't know if I have ever been in a situation after that where I needed 4wd, so, it is possible.

Should I take it to the local Ford dealer? I there something that they can check on their diagnostic equipment?

 

[megascape]

That would be a good start. You can also sign up on the Ford Forums
another great Ford board
http://www.ford-forums.com/