2003 F250 SD
5.4 Auto 4x4
Standard cab
I've only had my Super Duty since August and tonight the roads were slick so I used the 4 wheel drive (for the first time on this truck). I locked in my hubs, While in park I shifted the T-case into 4 High. Then shifted the trans into drive and proceeded slowly forward. Everything engaged and the 4x4 worked without issue. Top speed tonight was below 40 mph and about 20 miles round trip. Before I reached the turn around point I noticed the OD light blinking on the gear shift. I also realized that the "4x4" and "Low Range" indicators did not come on immediately...it was a short time of driving before they came on. The truck is now home...I unlocked both hubs returned the T-case to 2 High and moved the truck in both Drive and Reverse to ensure disengagement. The 4x4 and Low Range indicators remained on and the OD light continues to blink.

I have read several forums regarding the OD light issue, but have read nothing about the 4x4 use issue leading to it...that's why I'm starting a new thread about an old and evidently common issue. I have not taken it in yet for diagnostics....I'm leaning towards a connection or sensor issue since the trans and lights were all normal before I used the 4 wheel drive. Thoughts? Anyone else have this specific type of occurrence?

I'm checking fluids and connections that I can see or get to tomorrow when its light out....anyone in Denver metro have a code reader for these?

 

 

Mike...Thanks, yeah thats the plan this morning is to find someone who can read the code/s. Ill post up once I have them to hopefully get a diagnosis started. When it comes to my F trucks...I always come to FTE.com

 

Im really hoping its the 4x4 switch on the Tcase since all was good until I used the 4x4. Praying.

Secondly I want to check out the transmission to see which one is under the truck...I know for sure the truck is a finished model built in Mexico.

 

 

OK well that helps thank you. These have a shift cable correct...my shifter is sloppy as far as shifting into drive etc and low 1 wont even catch which could be adding to the issue.

One bit of good news though...I just went and moved the truck...the 4x4 and Low Range indicators are still on after starting but when I shifted into Drive it did not start flashing the OD light. Im leaning more and more toward the 4x4/low range switch....but horse and cart and all, Ill get the codes read in a couple of hours and go from there.

 

Ok so...I just took the truck up and got the codes read...NONE REPORTING. The OD light remains off....the LOW RANGE indicator shut off and the only thing remaining on now is the 4X4 indicator. How typical is it that the switch goes bad in the t-case? I have to check the wiring and connections first I know, but Im just curious how reliable these things are?

Is there a linkage switch on these?

 

I drove te 250 to work this morning...about 50 miles. The OD light never flashed, the Low Range light never came on except for a flicker or two...the 4X4 indicator remained on. Upon arrival at the site I parked for a bit and then the 4x4 indicator just went off and never came back on.

Ill still get a new 4X4 switch and still go through the wiring more when it warms up but I dont think it was anything more than the switch. Either way, Ill track the even next time i use the 4 wheel drive.

 

I predict you won't be able to find an auto parts store that can read these codes. They don't use high end scan tools, and that's required to read transmission codes.

A good repair shop can read them, and so can any Ford dealer.

 

I am betting your shift motor ion the tranfercase is stickey. I had this happen on my 94. you can take it apart and clean it- or gt a new one for around $100 last time i check (awhile ago)

 

manual t-case with manual hubs behind a 4R100 transmission