4x4 doesn’t engage sometimes
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4wd High
Joined: Apr 2017
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4x4 doesn’t engage sometimes
Hey guys, so I got an 04 F350. 6.0 Dually. I’ve been chasing problems with the 4x4, I’ve replaced just about everything and don’t know what to do at this point. I’ve replaced vacuum motor, transfer case actuator motor, 4x4 switch in the cab, and both 4x4 relays. And still sometimes when I shift into 4x4. It just doesn’t go, light won’t come on. Nothing engages. I’ll wait for a bit, try again later, and it will go right in. Seems completely random. It’s also worth noting that when the truck is in 4x4, it will always disengage no problem. I have been reading about a transfer case control module. Is that something I can just replace? Or does it have to be programmed? I could really use some help here as it’s winter time and I get a lot of snow. Thanks!
Fleet Owner
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4wd High
Joined: Apr 2017
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Thread Starter
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4wd High
Joined: Apr 2017
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Likes: 0
Yes, that is for testing the vacuum auto hubs. My problem isn’t there it’s in the electrical for the switch somewhere
Logistics Pro
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Cargo Master
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From: Fort Worth, TX
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Fort Worth, TX
On my 03 with stock hubs, vacuum is required to unlock the hubs. Yeah, I could get aftermarket manual locking hubs, and I do prefer having the 4x4 shifter on the floor, but the convenience of 4 wheel drive at the push of a button outweighs the hassle of having to stop and get out to mess with the hubs. Of course my opinion may change as parts get harder to find.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
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From: Southern OH
On my 03 with stock hubs, vacuum is required to unlock the hubs. Yeah, I could get aftermarket manual locking hubs, and I do prefer having the 4x4 shifter on the floor, but the convenience of 4 wheel drive at the push of a button outweighs the hassle of having to stop and get out to mess with the hubs. Of course my opinion may change as parts get harder to find.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
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From: Southern OH
You have to get in your truck at some point right? If there is an Ice storm lock the hubs before you get in the truck to leave. It takes so little torque to spin the front axle that the fuel milage difference is negligible.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Fort Worth, TX
How did I know you were going to focus on the occasional ice storm, which in proportion to heavy downpours, are almost non-existent? Whatever. I'm not arguing with you over my desire for convenience, or whether or not I have to get in or out of my truck at some point.
The early style locking hubs do require vacuum to disengage; in fact more than it takes to engage. If you take it apart it has a spring loaded mechanism, like the latch on an old stereo cabinet door. It has to be pushed to close, and pushed to open. There's a video with a guy testing the 4x4 hub engagement, and he put a gauge on the system and shows how it works. Thought I had it saved but can't find it.
The early style locking hubs do require vacuum to disengage; in fact more than it takes to engage. If you take it apart it has a spring loaded mechanism, like the latch on an old stereo cabinet door. It has to be pushed to close, and pushed to open. There's a video with a guy testing the 4x4 hub engagement, and he put a gauge on the system and shows how it works. Thought I had it saved but can't find it.