i have a 2006 f-150 crew cab 4x4. the 4x4 does not engage all the time. i posted here earlier and i tapped on the transfer case actuator motor and i got the 4x4 to engage. it will work for awhile, and then i will have to tap on it again. where is the best place to get a new motor? and does this mean that i really need to replace? or is possible to remove and lube/clean the original motor? also, what do i need to watch for when replacing the motor if it comes to that? looking for a little help from somebody who has done this before. thanks

 

You most likely need to replace the shift motor. I would try Rock Auto and see if they list one for your '06. They carry a lot of OEM replacement parts. Napa may also have it. Otherwise you're going to have to get one from the Ford dealer. A good practice is to engage the 4x4 every month or so to keep it working. Don't have to be moving, just engage it while parked. I did that on my '06 and it helped. The shift motor on that truck was replaced @ 34K miles under warranty.

 

I would pull the actuator motor first and make sure that's your problem. See if it turns with no load on it. You could disassemble it but if its not working it's probably full of moisture and beyond a simple wipe and lube job. They are basically the same as a power window motor so most any auto parts store should have one I would think.

 

i have been able to get the 4x4 to engage by tapping on transfer case motor. i was wondering if it could be the gear box sticking or the motor. a new motor comes with a new gear box attached to it. is it worth trying to pull the old motor/gear box and cleaning it up. i bought the truck from some body who probably did not exercise the unit often enough. i was trying to find out if anyone ever had any success in getting the original motor/gear box freed up by pulling it and cleaning it up. once i tap on it and get it to engage, it will continue to work from the dash for an hour, a day, or maybe one minute. im confident the problem is with the motor/gear box. just not sure it needs a new unit if it is possibe to bring the original back to life.

 

If it's that intermittent it's not going to hurt to try and clean it up. I've not had one apart but it's probably a permanent magnet motor so don't tap to hard or you can break the magnets inside and it definitely will need replacing

 

If you need 4WD, YOU Need 4WD when you need it!! I have been thru this same situation as you describe until it finally quit no matter what you do to it. I have to use it all the time pulling my boat up slimey steep ramps. Just replace it with a new one as many of us have had to do. The OEM motors are 2nd rate. You can get a Dorman for about $100 on E-Bay. Installation is easy, just pay attention when pulling the wires from the original plug and re-installing in the new plug. I think there is a how-to video out there on this procedure. You can do it!!!!! Renzo in Kau, Hi.