I'm a new owner to my first 4x4 vehicle. My vehicle is a 2007 f150 xlt. Today while I was driving into work I had my vehicle in 4wd high. As I was going down hill I let off the gas and started braking. When all of a sudden my 4wd drive switched into neutral. I am wondering what could cause this to happen and whether it's an issue or not? I live in NY and it is snowing which was my purpose for being in 4wd. Any help is appreciated thank you.

 

Did it stay in neutral, if not when or how did it shift back into gear? Also are you sure it went into neutral or could the rear tires have broke traction, making it feel like you were in neutral?

 

The 4 hi light went off and I went to give it gas because I happened to stop at a light and it just revved the rpm up that's how I figured it was in neutral. I ended up putting it in neutral on the column and put it in 4 lol to get it going. Once I got going in 4 lo I coasted in neutral before being able to put it back in to 4 hi. A family member told me it might have been possible that I didn't have the 4wd engage fully on the shifter and it could have slipped out of that, but if that were the case it should have slipped earlier into driving rather than 12 miles in to my drive.

 

Did you shift into 4wd on the fly? I have a 2007 XLT as well and when I shift into 4wd on the fly, it doesn't stay in real well. If I stop and put it in, it stays in through anything. I took mine to the local dealer and they went through whatever it is they do and they said there's nothing wrong with it. These are vacuum actuated now so I thought the vacuum hose might have a leak. Even the service manager said he's not a fan of that. Anyway I found that mine works a whole lot better if you engage it when the truck is at a stand still.

 

I put it in to 4 hi while driving about 30mph when I started my way in to work. My 4wd is a shifter on the floor. I know some come with the other option where it's a dial. Well from what I understand to go in to 4 hi you need to be in motion.

 

Yeah, I have the same exact set up. Try it from a dead stop and see if it doesn't work better. I've also found that when I want it out of 4wd, I actually have to take it out and back up just a bit like you used to have to do with the mechanical set up. It's not supposed to be like that but mine seems to be.

 

I'll give it a try.

 

So did you have a chance to try this? Any luck?

 

I also suspect 4wd not working on my 06 F150. Stupid question, if my 4x4 is engaged 4h or 4L I shouldn't be able to manually turn the half shafts going to the wheels correct?

 

the front wheels are DISENGAGED by vacuum from the motor... WIth motor OFF, the IWE should be engaged on each wheel.. Jack up front wheel and try to rotate, should be turning the half shaft and the drive shaft ( if transmission is in neutral or 2 x 4). Start motor and the tire should rotate without turning half shaft.