PUSHBUTTON 4X4-----DOES NOT ENGAGE
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From: spfld usa
PUSHBUTTON 4X4-----DOES NOT ENGAGE
I have a 94 f150, auto., 4x4. A new problem just came up with it-----when I try to engage the front wheels, I hear the relay click but dont see the indicator light come on nor do the front wheels engage. I do see a noticable drop in the ammeter for a second or two.
Anyone have any ideas of where to start before I tear into it
.
thanks,,,,,
Anyone have any ideas of where to start before I tear into it
.thanks,,,,,
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Running Springs CA
PUSHBUTTON 4X4-----DOES NOT ENGAGE
Check all of the electrical connections at the transfer case. There is a shift motor that replaces the manual shift lever and an internal magnetic clutch to spin up the output shaft.
Jim
Jim
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PUSHBUTTON 4X4-----DOES NOT ENGAGE
I had the same symptoms with my "93. Turns out the electronics that controls the electric shift motor has to read a set of switches mounted on the rear of the transfer case. If they don't get a good read the controller wont make the shift. I tapped on the round switch housing while the wife pushed the button on the dash. It was enough vibration the switches made contact and the transfer shifted. I think it was caused by not engaging the transfer often enough and the "brush" type switches sitting in the same place all the time began to loose contact. If you shift into 4 wheel once a month or so that keeps the contacts clean. Anyway, that's what I did and it's worked well since then. (knock on wood)
Good luck.
Good luck.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
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From: Baltimore
PUSHBUTTON 4X4-----DOES NOT ENGAGE
It is a good practice to shift into 4wd once a month to keep everything working. However, if you are going to do that under power, make sure you are on dirt or gravel. Doing it on dry pavement could cause damage.
Mike
Mike
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From: Keweenaw Bay, MI
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From: spfld usa
PUSHBUTTON 4X4-----DOES NOT ENGAGE
First of all I want to say thanks to all who took the time to answer my question... I especially want to thank my first contributor for giving me the link to the Ford Explorer Maint. page.
My problem was indeed the same as most others-------the plastic "stop" on the back of the position sensor had indeed exploded!! I replaced it with a piece of 1/4" plastic tubing (as outlined in the Maint. guide).
Just for grins, I called my local Ford dealer to ask for a ballpark idea of the cost of repair. I was told it was not a "servicable item," it had to be replaced to the tune of aprox. $350 PLUS labor-----minimum of 3 hours . "Its pretty complicated to get these working" I asked if there were any repair parts for the position sensor and was told again that when they go out they usually have to be replaced and that usually the motor is shorted as well.
I then called a local mechanic---he said if the motor wasnt bad it could be fixed for aprox. $200 PLUS labor. Labor, he estimated at 5 or 6 hours. I have no idea what the flat rate manual says for this job-----but, total disassembly, cleaning of the armature, time to drive to town chasing down the tubing, and reassembly and testing was 2 hours and 30 min. Laying on the garage floor!!!!!
My cost was $19.00 for the Torx set!!! Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. steve
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