need help with transfer case shift motor
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 896
Likes: 12
From: Kenna,wv
need help with transfer case shift motor
Never thought this would be an issue. My shift motor is presumably bad. When switched to 4wd, nothing happens. Light doesnt come on in either 4 high or 4 low. The underhood relay is clicking and 30 amp fuse is good. It worked 2 weeks ago. I presume the shift motor took a dump. Advanced Auto wants $160 for one. I found replacements on RockAuto and Summit Racing much cheaper. However, on both sites, one of the brands said you need to repin the connectors due to the speed sensor wiring. The other makes no mention of it other than there are two connectors- a 2 pin and a 6 pin. Any experience here?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 155
From: Milwaukee, WI
GEM? It's on the left, is that what you are thinking of?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 896
Likes: 12
From: Kenna,wv
Update. I switched the relays this AM on the front box by the master cylinder. It did not initially go into 4X4 until I pulled forward. Then it was stuck in 4 high. Wouldnt go back to 2wd. So, I put it in neutral and it went right into 4 low. But, again, not back to 2wd. I pulled the relays and switched them back and it went right into 2wd. So, I presume I have a bad relay. Does this make sense?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
Yes. You have a bad relay. What you did by switching them is one of the first tests that should be done when the transfer case doesn't shift.
It would be a good idea to check around the bases of the relays for corrosion, clean any up if there is any and replace both of the relays. They are pretty cheap from the dealer.
It would be a good idea to check around the bases of the relays for corrosion, clean any up if there is any and replace both of the relays. They are pretty cheap from the dealer.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
I would replace the relays before you proceed with the diagnosis. Strange how you have no lights showing though.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
The 4x4 and Low lights are controlled by the encoder switches on the shift motor. When the shift motor completes a shift, the encoder reports this back to the GEM/4WD module (depending on year) and the module turns on the light. Because his relay was bad, the shift was not occurring, so no light.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 896
Likes: 12
From: Kenna,wv
Thanks guys. Saved me the trouble and expense of a new shift motor. I almost went out of character and just replaced it without troubleshooting. I guess 10 year old relays are allowed to fail!
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia
I'll be interested in hearing if the relays fixed it... when mine wouldn't shift into 4 wheel drive and the light didn't illuminate it was the motor that was bad. They are known for being weak. My replacement went again just shy of the one year mark of replacing it so it was covered by warranty. Been good for the last three years now...
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 896
Likes: 12
From: Kenna,wv
Definitely the relay. I changed the suspect one tonight and works like it should. I switched it in and out several times. When looking at the front of the X, the front most relay box holds the two relays in question. My left one was bad. I switched it with the right one this AM and it went right in 4wd but would not come out until I switched them back around. Double checked on my way home that it would not engage with them being back in the original spot. Grabbed a relay out of the garage that I bought for a nitrous kit, popped it in and viola. It switches in and out. If nothing else, if you suspect the motor is bad, swap these relays and see what the behavior is. Its free and easy.
New User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Please, can you tell me which number relays you swapped? Ive located the box right there by the brake fluid resevoir.
Definitely the relay. I changed the suspect one tonight and works like it should. I switched it in and out several times. When looking at the front of the X, the front most relay box holds the two relays in question. My left one was bad. I switched it with the right one this AM and it went right in 4wd but would not come out until I switched
them back around. Double checked on my way home that it would not engage with them being back in the original spot. Grabbed a relay out of the garage that I bought for a nitrous kit, popped it in and viola. It switches in and out. If nothing else, if you suspect the motor is bad, swap these relays and see what the behavior is. Its free and easy.
them back around. Double checked on my way home that it would not engage with them being back in the original spot. Grabbed a relay out of the garage that I bought for a nitrous kit, popped it in and viola. It switches in and out. If nothing else, if you suspect the motor is bad, swap these relays and see what the behavior is. Its free and easy.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 852
Likes: 12
From: Billings, MT
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ml#post6606389
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