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4x4 and defrost

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Old Mar 12, 2022 | 03:44 PM
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4x4 and defrost

Hi!

I've year a lot in here trying to fix this issue, but have run into a dead end and hoping you can help.

Here's what I've done so far:

- had power to transfer case motor, but wouldn't engage 4wd, even with hubs locked in manually
- replaced transfer case motor, now I have 4h and 4l, but only when locking in hubs manually. This combined with defrost only I'm thinking vacuum
- line going into one of the hubs is rotted out, so I replace them on both sides, still nothing
​​​​​​- no power to the pump initially, replace blown fuse, still nothing. Whack the pump a few times and it starts spinning, so replace that. Still nothing
- replace the vacuum solenoid (not sure that's the right name? part 600-402) still nothing

So now I'm thinking there must be a leak somewhere? Any tips on how to find that, or something else I'm overlooking?
 
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Old Mar 13, 2022 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Smellysell
Hi!

I've year a lot in here trying to fix this issue, but have run into a dead end and hoping you can help.

Here's what I've done so far:

- had power to transfer case motor, but wouldn't engage 4wd, even with hubs locked in manually
- replaced transfer case motor, now I have 4h and 4l, but only when locking in hubs manually. This combined with defrost only I'm thinking vacuum
- line going into one of the hubs is rotted out, so I replace them on both sides, still nothing
​​​​​​- no power to the pump initially, replace blown fuse, still nothing. Whack the pump a few times and it starts spinning, so replace that. Still nothing
- replace the vacuum solenoid (not sure that's the right name? part 600-402) still nothing

So now I'm thinking there must be a leak somewhere? Any tips on how to find that, or something else I'm overlooking?
Going to bump this to the top, thanks!
 
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Old Mar 15, 2022 | 12:05 PM
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Had a similar problem on my 2001. Followed a similar path as you. Turned out I had leaking seals behind the hub Auto/Lock switch. Since it was a big job getting in there, I ended up replacing the entire hub assembly ... on both sides of the truck. Lots of work and not cheap. But everything works as it should again. Hope this helps Smellysell.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2022 | 12:09 PM
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Hubs not locking and heating system in defrost mode is a classic vacuum leak flag.

Hub seals are a good bet. You might need to use a smoke machine to pinpoint the source if the seals look OK.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2022 | 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by redford
Hubs not locking and heating system in defrost mode is a classic vacuum leak flag.

Hub seals are a good bet. You might need to use a smoke machine to pinpoint the source if the seals look OK.
Thanks, would a vacuum tester help to isolate what part of the system is leaking at least?
 
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Old Mar 16, 2022 | 06:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Smellysell
Thanks, would a vacuum tester help to isolate what part of the system is leaking at least?
Yes, however, there are some things you can check before getting a Mighty-Vac or similar. You have to figure out which section of the vacuum system is at fault. Otherwise, you'll run around in circles guessing at what's wrong and wasting time and money.

Gas or diesel? If diesel, make sure the electric vacuum pump works and supplying steady vacuum. If gas, check the vacuum supply line and connections coming off the intake manifold.

Cap off the supply to the PVH solenoid and see if your vacuum-powered HVAC functions return or not. This will tell you if the leak is in the 4x4 or the HVAC subsystem.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2022 | 08:01 PM
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Originally Posted by projectSHO89
Yes, however, there are some things you can check before getting a Mighty-Vac or similar. You have to figure out which section of the vacuum system is at fault. otherwise, you'll run around in circles guessing at what's wrong and wasting time and money.

Gas or diesel? If diesel, make sure the electric vacuum pump works and supplying steady vacuum. If gas, check the vacuum supply line and connections coming off the intake manifold.

Cap off the supply to the PVH solenoid and see if your vacuum-powered HVAC functions return or not. This will tell you if the leak is in the 4x4 or the HVAC subsystem.
Diesel

Already replaced the pump and solenoid.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2022 | 06:23 AM
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Just because you replaced something doesn't mean it is good or the original was not. Perform the recommended tests so you know where to focus your attention. See third sentence in my previous post.

 
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Old Mar 18, 2022 | 08:29 AM
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One of the most frustrating and time consuming mistakes you can make when troubleshooting a car is assuming that a new part is a good part.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2022 | 09:19 AM
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Originally Posted by redford
One of the most frustrating and time consuming mistakes you can make when troubleshooting a car is assuming that a new part is a good part.
Never even considered that, I'll cap off the solenoid and see if the HVAC works and report back. Thanks
 
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Old Mar 21, 2022 | 09:49 AM
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Originally Posted by projectSHO89
Yes, however, there are some things you can check before getting a Mighty-Vac or similar. You have to figure out which section of the vacuum system is at fault. Otherwise, you'll run around in circles guessing at what's wrong and wasting time and money.

Gas or diesel? If diesel, make sure the electric vacuum pump works and supplying steady vacuum. If gas, check the vacuum supply line and connections coming off the intake manifold.

Cap off the supply to the PVH solenoid and see if your vacuum-powered HVAC functions return or not. This will tell you if the leak is in the 4x4 or the HVAC subsystem.
So, to cap it off, do I do it at the T where it comes out of the reservoir?
 
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Old Mar 21, 2022 | 10:58 AM
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Pick any spot that is accessible that satisfies the requirement.. This ain't rocket science.

 
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Old Mar 28, 2022 | 06:34 PM
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Originally Posted by projectSHO89
Pick any spot that is accessible that satisfies the requirement.. This ain't rocket science.
So, blocked the hose where it goes into the solenoid, still nothing but defrost. Plugged the hose where it goes into the HVAC before it goes through the firewall, still no hub locking. Reservoir maybe?
 
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