Auto Hubs not locking in
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Freedom,Wi.
Auto Hubs not locking in
Hubs won't engage when switched to 4H. 4h works when hubs locked manually. Where do I start trouble shooting? Don't have time to lay up truck. It is under warranty if major but hope for quick fix. Thanks.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
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Start with checking to see if the hubs are getting vacuum. You could check to see if the vacuum level is low when 4wd is engage with a scan tool, but it's just going to let you know if you have a leak or not. I'd start with looking over the vacuum lines going to the front axle, looking for breaks, leaks or kinks. try manually locking one hub at a time to see if it's only one that is acting up. you can also cap the line going to the manually locked side to see if the other is working.
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From: Stephensville WI
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
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Start by your antifreeze jug. You will see a black plastic line that goes to a solenoid. That line is brittle but also can come loose. Follow that line to look for cracks. Seals can also go bad on the hubs (not sure if they go this soon even if your truck is a ‘17 it seems soon.)
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Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Freedom,Wi.
Truck is the 20 F350 in bottom of signature. Was stuck on job site last week and put it in 4H and didn't help. I then locked the hubs and drove out. Cul de sac was snow covered so did a tight turn and felt the front bind when Locked but not in Auto. Also tried in empty parking lot Sunday and front never locked in in Auto. Will try to look under it if it ever dries up in Wisconsin.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 273
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From: Methow Valley
Truck is the 20 F350 in bottom of signature. Was stuck on job site last week and put it in 4H and didn't help. I then locked the hubs and drove out. Cul de sac was snow covered so did a tight turn and felt the front bind when Locked but not in Auto. Also tried in empty parking lot Sunday and front never locked in in Auto. Will try to look under it if it ever dries up in Wisconsin.
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From: Wisconsin
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From: Frederick, MD
When really cold out, I just lock the hubs in. Then as needed, use the switch to engage the transfer case.
It is not real clear to me if there is an actual issue. Using the switch while stationary will not allow the hubs to engage. It does appear that to op tried again while moving and did not feel the same effect as with the hubs manually locked.
What I would do is engage the 4H with the ****. Then stop and see if the drive shaft will turn by gripping the drive shaft. If locked then it won't turn.
It is not real clear to me if there is an actual issue. Using the switch while stationary will not allow the hubs to engage. It does appear that to op tried again while moving and did not feel the same effect as with the hubs manually locked.
What I would do is engage the 4H with the ****. Then stop and see if the drive shaft will turn by gripping the drive shaft. If locked then it won't turn.