4wd issues
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4wd issues
I'm in a bit of a pickle and can use any help you have. I have a 97 f250 XLT 5.4L with 4wd issues. It started one day when I used the switch on the dash to go into 4H and it slipped into 4L. I couldn't get it back out until I brought it to my mechanic who manually turned it. He also looked into the transfer case and said everything was fine with it and that it was electrical.
I replaced the transfer case motor with a rebuilt one. No luck. Tried replacing it with a new one, no luck
I brought it to a Ford dealership and they charged me the diagnostic fee for 1 hour and actually worked on it for 3 hours. They said the best they can tell is the computer thinks there isn't a key in the ignition. They said it could be the GEM and fuse panel. To get a better diagnosis it would be around $600
Replaced GEM with a used one and the same with the fuse panel. At that time I noticed the windshield was leaking so I replaced that also. I sill have no 4wd and no indicators on the dash for 4wd. It will work once in a blue moon when I try it but for no reason
I also tested the switch on dash, all resistances measure good.
Any Ideas?
I replaced the transfer case motor with a rebuilt one. No luck. Tried replacing it with a new one, no luck
I brought it to a Ford dealership and they charged me the diagnostic fee for 1 hour and actually worked on it for 3 hours. They said the best they can tell is the computer thinks there isn't a key in the ignition. They said it could be the GEM and fuse panel. To get a better diagnosis it would be around $600
Replaced GEM with a used one and the same with the fuse panel. At that time I noticed the windshield was leaking so I replaced that also. I sill have no 4wd and no indicators on the dash for 4wd. It will work once in a blue moon when I try it but for no reason
I also tested the switch on dash, all resistances measure good.
Any Ideas?
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Joined: Nov 2009
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There are no locking hubs on a 97-03. You have a center disconnect at the hog head that is operated by vacuum. If the lines are clogged/broken your hubs will not engage and you won't have 4wd- or unengage
If you've replaced the motor, switch, relays and brain, all the wires ohm out to be fine/not broken and you can manually shift the t-case levers then that's your only logical step.
Actually, the vacuum lines are always my first thing to check when I have 4wd issues on these trucks
If you've replaced the motor, switch, relays and brain, all the wires ohm out to be fine/not broken and you can manually shift the t-case levers then that's your only logical step.
Actually, the vacuum lines are always my first thing to check when I have 4wd issues on these trucks
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Yes I did check the lines. I do not have a gauge but did disconnect on each end and can put air through the line with out any noticeable leaks. I have not however ohmed out all the wires like you mentioned, just the 4wd switch. When you say ohmed out the wires I assume you are looking for shorts. Is there a centralized spot I should check?
I was told there was a 4wd computer that was separate, or they called it an electronic control module. I couldn't find it, does this sound familiar?
I was told there was a 4wd computer that was separate, or they called it an electronic control module. I couldn't find it, does this sound familiar?
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Looks like its wire chasing. I followed the wires from the transfer case motor up into a grommet and wiggled them. I tried reseating some harnesses under the dash also. After doing this 4wd works great. Problem is, I don't know where the problem is. Does anyone know how to get to the tcase motor wires after they go through the grommet. Or how hard it would be to get the grommet back in if I try to pull it out?
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