Need help w/ 4x4 problem

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 12, 2010 | 12:13 PM

REPHOTO

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

Need help w/ 4x4 problem

I am a total newby at posting something like this, so if I do something wrong, I'm sorry. I have a 2006 250SD 4x4 PSD with ESOF. Bought it new. Has 50K miles. Also have a 1989 F150 4x4 4.9L w/ 200K miles and a manuel transfer case shifter. I don't use 4WD very often, however when you need it, you need it. Problem is w/ the 250. A couple of weeks ago, I needed to use 4WD Low. When I selected low, it would only go to high. High worked, but it would not shift to low. I've been working on my own vehicles since the mid 60's, so I'm not new to the mechanical world. The only manuels I have are the owners manuels and a Haynes. Obviously the Owners manuel won't help and the Haynes doesn't address my problem other than how to change out parts. I need to find out which part is bad. Can anyone give me some TECHNICAL reference to diagnosing the switch, relays, control module, etc? I HATE going to a dealership.

Thanks
REPHOTO

Nov 12, 2010 | 12:22 PM

dchamberlain

Lead Driver

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 8,180

Likes: 669

From: Scio, OR

The Owner's Manual may very well help you. You can download it here.

https://www.flmowner.com/servlet/Con...ionalEventPage

Many people forget, or don't realize, that you have to have the truck in neutral (or foot on the clutch if manual), and your foot on the brake, before the 4WD Control Module will attempt to shift the transfer case into low.

I've found that occasionally I'll need to let the truck creep just a little, while putting just enough pressure on the brake to activate the switch, when shifting.

Nov 12, 2010 | 12:32 PM

thomabb

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 2,405

Likes: 4

Did you have the truck in neutral with your foot on the brake? The ESOF transfer case will not go into 4L unless you do.

Nov 12, 2010 | 12:34 PM

thomabb

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 2,405

Likes: 4

Oops, I see Dave already covered that. My bad.

Nov 12, 2010 | 01:09 PM

REPHOTO

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

Thanks for the replies so far. I thought about mentioning that I new about the neutral part of the sequence, but that wasn't the fix. BUUUUUUTT, the creep did the trick. Man do I feel stupid now, but happy.

Thanks!!!

Nov 12, 2010 | 01:13 PM

REPHOTO

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

Oh, by the way, with the manuel shifter on the '89, if it was a little difficult, I did exactly that. Let'er roll.

Nov 12, 2010 | 01:15 PM

dchamberlain

Lead Driver

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 8,180

Likes: 669

From: Scio, OR

It's a matter of getting the gears to mesh. They don't always want to do it by themselves.

I'm finding that the more I use it, the easier it is to get it to shift.

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Joe Kucinski

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Brett Foote

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

Pouria Savadkouei

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Brett Foote

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Joe Kucinski

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Michael S. Palmer

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Joe Kucinski

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Brett Foote

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Joe Kucinski

Nov 12, 2010 | 07:17 PM

lbrjet

Freshman User

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 45

Likes: 0

DChamberlain,

Thanks for the creeping advice. I haven't used my 4lo yet so I'm going to keep that in the back of my head.

Thanks

2010 F250 SC 4X4 5.4L 3.73

Oct 30, 2011 | 06:49 PM

#10

s91Ford

5th Wheeling

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 28

Likes: 0

my 2006 f250 4x4 diesel has esof with auto/manual hubs. up until yesterday all worked fine. i will turn the switch to 4hi light comes on but no 4x4, if i went outside and put hubs in lock then i have 4x4. today i turned the switch while in auto and 4x4 worked, however now with 4x4 disengaged when i make a tight turn it sounds like a crunching sound from front wheels. any ideas..thanks

Oct 31, 2011 | 09:41 AM

#11

maverick22

Laughing Gas

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 939

Likes: 1

From: Central Kansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by s91Ford

Probably would get more help if you posted your own question rather than in an old thread, but I'll go ahead and give what help I can. It sounds like the switch and the transfer case all work, so that pretty much leaves the front hubs. Here's a thread about taking them apart - if may be as simple as they need to be greased.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...with-pics.html

Oct 31, 2011 | 11:31 AM

#12

s91Ford

5th Wheeling

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 28

Likes: 0

Thanks we just went over the truck and came up with the same answer. Thank you very much for the insight.

Oct 31, 2011 | 07:24 PM

#13

s91Ford

5th Wheeling

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 28

Likes: 0

4x4 problem

Well after changing 1 hub and found it not to be the problem we tested the vac system and found it to be the PVHS. Good luck to anyone with the similar problems, and thanks for the feedback.