i have read at least 100 posts/threads/ youtube videos regarding the ESOF 4X4 issues, and every single one references vacuum at the hub being the issue and how to fix it.
my problem is not vacuum at the hubs, it is the transfer case not shifting.
when i switch to 4X4 the hvac DOES NOT default to defrost.
when i flip the switch to 4X4 i get "4X4 shift in progress" . then i get "shift delayed pull forward". then the screen would go back to information center screen.
today when i tried, it went from shift delayed to "check 4X4 and threw a wrench light on the bottom of the screen.
anyone know how to diagnose this without giving the dealer a couple grand?

 

The 2914 models don't have 4X4 since they're equipped with antigravity boosters.

 

Failure of the transfer case to shift is caused by either an electrical issue or you need to replace the shift motor on the transfer case.

 

well played. typo fixed.
rite. but how to diagnose so i do not spend $500 for a shift motor only to find out it is in the truck electrical system?

 

This happened to the 2013 I drive. Truck went to a local shop where the tech is pretty good. He replaced the shift motor first, no luck. Dash switch was next, no luck. He checked the fuse for the motor, said the socket in the fuse panel was bad. He wired an external fuse holder into the circuit, I'm not sure where he picked up the power, but he did show me where that fuse is now hidden. Its been over a year, 4WD has been working fine, often used a couple of times a day, every day of the week. The total bill was a little above $500.

 

ok thanks. i guess tomorrow morning will be looking at power distribution for a 4X4 fuse.

 

FWIW, the motor can be working fine but there are contacts on a rotary dial in the motor assembly. If those contacts are dirty or broken then the bcm won't know what state the transfer case is in and it will throw a wrench light. I'd say that of the motors I have replaced in all different brands over the years 70% of them were bad contacts. The motors would still try to run but couldn't complete cycles due to the bad contacts.

 

my motor does not run or try to run.
key on engine off you used to be able to hear it shift.
now no noise at all.

 

well, it was not the fuses.
back to the drawing board.

 

If banging on the motor in a Hail Mary to free it up doesn't work, you'll have to start probing wires to see if the motor is even being commanded to do anything.

 

yea, i am trying to avoid that. there is still currently about 12 inches snow all over everything from the 28 inches we got last sun, mon, tues, wed. storm. and they are calling for another 6 inches starting 4 am through 8 pm tomorrow.

it is now parked, i will be using the 04 plow truck until things clear up.

 

hmm
LOL sound like he just threw a bunch of parts at it. hek , any joe blow can unload the parts cannon . a fuse is the simplest thing, wonder why he didnt check that first thing.

$500 is a bargain for all the time he spent going round in circles

 

Hey everyone! Its been a long time since I've been here!
Ive been having the same issue and haven't been able to find much help anywhere.
My 2013 f350 got stuck in 4high, Ichecked all the fuses and they seemed good.
I swapped the transfer case motor.....no change except I manually moved the transfer case to 2high to install the replacement motor so now its stuck in 2high.
I changed the selector switch in the dash and no change.
I finally caved and took to the dealership and they spent a few hours diagnosing and came up with the 4wd module on the passenger side interior, I swapped that and this didn't help either.
The final shot in the dark I changed the vacuum switch from behind the coolant tank and you guessed it still no 4x4 !!!
Ive run out of ideas, luckily my neighbours f350 is available to try parts so I don't have to buy all these for a hunch that hasn't worked yet.

 

Im lost here so any ideas would sure be appreciated

 

Are you sure the hubs didn't get locked manually? I know I had a issue awhile back. Turned out the one hub was locked out and the other was on "AUTO" From my understanding it is good practice to engage via the lockers and 4 WD Hi and Lo once in awhile on slippery surface like a dirt or gravel lot. Where I live the town as a millings based parking lot that when opened, I take my truck over there to cycle the 4 wheel hi and lo speeds on good payment.