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4x4 switch not working

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Old Jul 26, 2023 | 01:37 PM
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4x4 switch not working

91 truck. automatic hubs, 4x4 switch on dash. Pressing 4x4 switch does nothing. Did shift control module self test, checks good. Cleaned contacts in 4 x 4 switch. Problem persists. Now I want to check power between 4 x 4 switch and shift control module but I don’t know how to do that. Does anyone know which pigtail from the shift control module side and which pins to use to test power from the 4 x 4 switch?
 
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Old Jul 26, 2023 | 02:53 PM
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I’m not sure if I still have a printout of the test procedure. My money is on the shift motor being bad. They seize up from not being used. You said that the self test worked which means that the module needs to see that the motor changed position which it most likely did not so it did not turn on the indicator light. You could try tapping on the motor to see if it will free up.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2023 | 12:56 PM
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Put a manual shift transfer case in it, the electric shift has always been junk.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2023 | 01:41 PM
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Originally Posted by 00t444e
Put a manual shift transfer case in it, the electric shift has always been junk.
100% disagree. I used mine all the time in the ‘94 Bronco and it never failed to work when needed. The ‘89 Bronco II also has a push button transfer case with auto hubs and it is the same way. Works every time.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2023 | 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks
100% disagree. I used mine all the time in the ‘94 Bronco and it never failed to work when needed. The ‘89 Bronco II also has a push button transfer case with auto hubs and it is the same way. Works every time.
Some 6.0 Powerstrokes never blew head gaskets or had EGR problems either, but I wouldn't say they are reliable.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2023 | 01:55 PM
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Well…. I never had the manual transfer case lever seize up in my any of my trucks either but there are people on here with that complaint.

It’s coming up on three weeks since this thread was started with no reply from the OP.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2023 | 01:59 PM
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Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks
Well…. I never had the manual transfer case lever seize up in my any of my trucks either but there are people on here with that complaint.
That takes 60 seconds to diagnosed and can be fixed for free almost, not to mention you can shift it easily with a pair of pliers if that does happen. Compare that to tracing out wires and testing relays, fuses, switches, control modules, a shift motor, and possibly having to replace one of those which costs far more.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2023 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by 00t444e
That takes 60 seconds to diagnosed and can be fixed for free almost, not to mention you can shift it easily with a pair of pliers if that does happen. Compare that to tracing out wires and testing relays, fuses, switches, control modules, a shift motor, and possibly having to replace one of those which costs far more.
The system on the B2 didn’t work when I bought the truck. It took less than an hour to figure out what was wrong. Tapped on the shift motor with a hammer and it started working. I’m sorry that using a meter and a book is too complicated.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2023 | 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks
The system on the B2 didn’t work when I bought the truck. It took less than an hour to figure out what was wrong. Tapped on the shift motor with a hammer and it started working. I’m sorry that using a meter and a book is too complicated.
I didn't say it was complicated, but it does take more time and cost more. There is literally no advantage to the electric shift. The manual shift is less complicated, more reliable, cheaper, shifts quicker and has a neutral for flat towing. The electronic shift just adds unnecessary complications, expense and less reliabilty to a system that should be simple.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2023 | 03:44 PM
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The advantage is that the girlfriend does not have to get out to lock or unlock the (auto) hubs and simply pushes the button to go in and out of 4wd instead of moving the lever.

No flat towing so that is a moot point for me.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2023 | 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks
The advantage is that the girlfriend does not have to get out to lock or unlock the (auto) hubs and simply pushes the button to go in and out of 4wd instead of moving the lever.

No flat towing so that is a moot point for me.
We are talking about the transfer case not the hubs, the auto hubs are even worse than the electric shift transfer case. With manual hubs and transfer case all you have to do is leave the hubs locked and pull the lever when you need 4x4, and it will actually work unlike the auto system.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2023 | 05:56 PM
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Originally Posted by 00t444e
We are talking about the transfer case not the hubs, the auto hubs are even worse than the electric shift transfer case. With manual hubs and transfer case all you have to do is leave the hubs locked and pull the lever when you need 4x4, and it will actually work unlike the auto system.
Yes. I know all about manual systems. I have three trucks with a manual transfer case and manual hubs. You said there is no advantage to the auto system and I disagreed. Moving along now…
 
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