just bought a 04 fx4 today, and when i test drove it, it would not go in to 4x4 easily, and once i got it engaged, i had a hard time gettin it out! the seller said he never used it!74000 miles! any thoughts??

 

If it's never been used, the electric shift motor may be frozen or close to it. I'd cycle it in and out of 4LO a half dozen times or so and see if it gets better. If not, you may need a new shift motor.

You can find a remanufactured transfer case shift motor for around $100 at www.rockauto.com

 

It makes you wonder why somebody would spend the extra money to buy a 4x4 and never use it.

 

just in case.

I never need 4x4...just want it. That is why I bought my 4x2 Expy. Was alot cheaper, and honestly, where am I going to be offroading out here in the next 4-5 years.


but I was sure hoping I'd come across a nice Eddie Bauer Expy with 4x4. I'd have stepped down to the lower trim just for that option

 

The stickers look cool!

Seriously...for the money it costs for 4x4...I certainly wouldn't pay for it if I didn't use it.

That being said...I'd never own a truck without it. I found out that once I had it I found lots of uses for it...

 

I got under there and took a look...........just a few bolts holding it on. Is this very involving to change out????

 

I would do what Crazy001 suggests first. Just cycle it in and out of 4wd high, 4wd low and back to 2wd lots of times. Do you have the owners manual for it? I think you have to have the transmission in neutral to go into 4wd low.

 

changing that motor is relatively easy. You have to take apart the wiring harness on the back of the t-case and swap some pins around. Not hard...just takes a few minutes while you are upside down.


give that motor a few love taps with a hammer and do some shifting from 4x2 to 4x4lo and back.

 

Just thought of something else...

Make sure you drain and refill your t-case fluid! If the 4x4's never been used, it was also likely never maintained. Since the T-case is always spinning regardless as to whether the front axle is engaged, the fluid would start to break down.


Fresh fluid may help it shift better...