automatic 4x4 does not engage

i got a 94 explorer with automatic 4x4. i have only tried using it a couple times. fortunately the time i really needed it it worked, but the other times i kind of needed it, it would not engage. i had to push the button like 20 times for it to work. i had a shop check the button out when the car was in for something else. the shop said it was going to cost $400 to fix the problem. any suggestions as to what it might be? i thought i would try and save myself the money by doing it myself if i could figure out what it might be.

i was aslo wondering if you might know where to order interior accessories like the a/c vents on the dash.

Same thing happened to my 94 Explorer almost 1 1/2 yrs ago. I had no problems with it for the longest time, then the time I did need it on the trail, it failed me, we then went to the junk yard and found a manual transfer case and put that in. No more messing with the electronics. We did mine for less than $300.

what all did you have to do to swap in the manual t-case?

I know I would need to cut for the shifter and so on but were there any driveshaft length issues or anything else?

Pull your shift motor out and clean it. seems to be a common problem with the auto system. you can find detailed info on how to do it at www.4x4central.com. This is a site dedicated to the explorer. anything you want to know about your truck you can find there, if you can't find it ask. lots of people willing to help.