2003 4X4 Issues
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5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
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2003 4X4 Issues
During the recent blizzard here in SW Missouri, I backed my truck out of the garage into about 18" of snow. The truck was in 4hi but I was not able to back more than one car length out of the garage.Tried 4l to no avail. After digging out and getting back into the garage I read the thread "How to Troubleshoot and Fix F150 4x4".
Per the thread I ruled out transfer case problems, checked the fuse, checked the solenoids, vacuum lines, and the actuator function. While checking the actuator I lubricated the shaft with WD-40. All indicator lights, 4WH & 4WL are working. Everything seemed to be in working order so I tried again to "plow the snow" as I have always done in the past, to no avail.
After plowing the lane, which is 1/2 mile long, with the tractor I was able to get to the highway in 2w drive. The highway was clear so I went about my business. I needed gas so I pulled into a gas station about a mile down the road. The lot was not in the best shape so I thought I would try 4w again and to my surprise everything was working fine.
The next morning we had additional snow. I backed the truck out in 4wl and went to town with no problem, came home and parked in the garage thinking everything was OK.
About six hours later and 4" more snow, I needed to go to town again. Pulled out of the garage, no 4wd. Son-in-law pulled me to the highway, I drove about a mile and had 4wd again.
I appears that something is freezing up until I drive it a while.
Any clues as to what the problem may be?
Truck is a '03 F150 Supercrew FX4 with a 5.4l engine and 32,000 miles.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Per the thread I ruled out transfer case problems, checked the fuse, checked the solenoids, vacuum lines, and the actuator function. While checking the actuator I lubricated the shaft with WD-40. All indicator lights, 4WH & 4WL are working. Everything seemed to be in working order so I tried again to "plow the snow" as I have always done in the past, to no avail.
After plowing the lane, which is 1/2 mile long, with the tractor I was able to get to the highway in 2w drive. The highway was clear so I went about my business. I needed gas so I pulled into a gas station about a mile down the road. The lot was not in the best shape so I thought I would try 4w again and to my surprise everything was working fine.
The next morning we had additional snow. I backed the truck out in 4wl and went to town with no problem, came home and parked in the garage thinking everything was OK.
About six hours later and 4" more snow, I needed to go to town again. Pulled out of the garage, no 4wd. Son-in-law pulled me to the highway, I drove about a mile and had 4wd again.
I appears that something is freezing up until I drive it a while.
Any clues as to what the problem may be?
Truck is a '03 F150 Supercrew FX4 with a 5.4l engine and 32,000 miles.
Thanks in advance for any help.
New User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1
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Hey harley,
As you know the vacuum actuator that engages the front differential runs off intake vacuum. With wear/cold temperatures it be difficult for the actuator to engage the differential. If it still works, you might as well leave it. A new one is about $100 and will the old one generally needs to be punched/ground out.
Your other option is a cable operated system. I currently use it on my truck, however its still very difficult to move. I often use a pair of channel locks and move the actuator arm myself.
Hope this helps.
As you know the vacuum actuator that engages the front differential runs off intake vacuum. With wear/cold temperatures it be difficult for the actuator to engage the differential. If it still works, you might as well leave it. A new one is about $100 and will the old one generally needs to be punched/ground out.
Your other option is a cable operated system. I currently use it on my truck, however its still very difficult to move. I often use a pair of channel locks and move the actuator arm myself.
Hope this helps.
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