Problem with 4x4, not engaging

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Apr 3, 2012 | 08:30 AM

gottahaveaford

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Joined: May 2009

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From: Org Buf Ny now Richmnd Va

Problem with 4x4, not engaging

I just bought the truck. The guy said the 4x4 only worked in low gear. I was fine with this as I knew it needed a little work. First off, it has Warn manual hubs. When I push Either 4x4 or 4x4 low there is just a clicking noise coming from the glove box. I have not researched this at all really other than glancing at a few threads. Any help on what part or parts might need replacing would be a great help.

Burke

Apr 3, 2012 | 04:17 PM

Kemicalburns

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Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 14,285

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From: Bend,OR

of course make sure the hubs are locked. put the rig in neutral and then press the 4wd buttons. then place back in gear and see if you get anything. you may need to remove the tcase motor and clean it and reinstall it. then look to upgrade to a manual case since you already have manual hubs and electric tcase is pointless

Apr 3, 2012 | 04:28 PM

Bubba Jones

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,925

Likes: 10

From: Phoenix, AZ

Well I'm not too savvy on the electric 4x4 switches and whatnot, but it sounds like it may be your electric shift control module. Apparently these aren't the most reliable pieces of equipment on the Bronco. I think it is located under your passenger side kick panel.

Hopefully someone who knows more can chime in with some more advice. I luckily have manual hubs and a manual transfer case! Eventually if you get the time/money it may be worth it to get a manual transfer case!

Edit - looks like Kemicalburns beat me to it! Yeah getting a manual transfer case would be much better in my opinion.

Apr 3, 2012 | 08:12 PM

b4hntn

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Joined: Apr 2005

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From: Longview, TX

I add my history about yearly. I bought mine from a traveling sales woman who may not have put it in 4WD for years. I put in neutral then pushed each button about two seconds apart for a few minutes. Let the motor cool for hours or a day. On about the fourth or fifth session it started shifting correctly and has been good for years. I make sure to use 4Lo and 4Hi several times per year. I also shift it at least monthly on the paved driveway to keep the motor loose, but don't move the Bronco. Leave your manual hubs unlocked and you can play with i all you wish. Remember 4Lo requires stopped and in Neutral. I suspect you shift on the fly to 4Hi but I have never taken the chance.

Apr 4, 2012 | 12:23 PM

gottahaveaford

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From: Org Buf Ny now Richmnd Va

Sounds good guys. I will try it all out.

Apr 5, 2012 | 07:40 AM

gottahaveaford

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From: Org Buf Ny now Richmnd Va

Just pushing buttons seemed to have got it working! I sat there and messed with putting it in nuetral and park and drive inching it back and forth a few times after working the 4x4 buttons. I couldn't tell if only 4x4 low was engaged or if I got them both working however, because I never drove it out of the yard while doing all this. Why are there no indicator lights to show which one you are in? How do you take it back out? Just hit the button again or just unlock the hubs?