4wd doesnt engage
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: lugoff, sc
4wd doesnt engage
Hello everyone, im new to the board but have already liked what i have all read and seen. I just picked up a 2000 f150 offroad and my 4wd doesnt engage in high or low. i read the book to make sure i was doing it right. the light comes on and i can hear a click but it doesnt work for sure. I know because i was stuck! Im in arizona and i dont think it was used very much here. What kinda ideas do u guys have...i looked and in think all the vacuum ines are hooked up?? Any ideas would be great...thanks, greg
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,038
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From: South Kitsap County, WA
Best bet is to jack that truck up and check for rotation or lack of it. With the truck running so the vacuum is working, put it into 4HI. If the wheels rotate, check the drive shaft. With ESOF a shaft rotating means the electric motor in the transfer case is not operating. No shaft rotation means the vacuum isn't getting to the vacuum motor in the front diff.
By the way, if all is normal, the front tires shouldn't both rotate, and your front drive shaft shouldn't move either if you have the rear wheels still planted.
-Kerry
By the way, if all is normal, the front tires shouldn't both rotate, and your front drive shaft shouldn't move either if you have the rear wheels still planted.
-Kerry
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Joined: Dec 2003
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Dear Kspilkington...
Did I read your post correctly? Seems counter intuitive....If the front drive shaft is NOT rotating the problem is in the front axle and if it IS rotating, it's transfer case related?
I've done some investigating, with truck fully supported frt and rr. and noticed that my front shaft does NOT rotate...but that my vacuum diaphram on the front axle DOES pull in and out with the switch?
Could you elaborate?
Did I read your post correctly? Seems counter intuitive....If the front drive shaft is NOT rotating the problem is in the front axle and if it IS rotating, it's transfer case related?
I've done some investigating, with truck fully supported frt and rr. and noticed that my front shaft does NOT rotate...but that my vacuum diaphram on the front axle DOES pull in and out with the switch?
Could you elaborate?
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Joined: Sep 2003
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Had a Problem on my truck with the 4wd.
took it to the dealer and found out it was the shift fork, and the two fingers were broke off. 2003 F-150 4wd must have the same problems, Ford can't get a new fork because it is back ordered, don't know when it will be in. Might be the same problem.
2003 F-150 XLT Stepside Reg. cab STX 4X4 Silver 7800 KMS
took it to the dealer and found out it was the shift fork, and the two fingers were broke off. 2003 F-150 4wd must have the same problems, Ford can't get a new fork because it is back ordered, don't know when it will be in. Might be the same problem.
2003 F-150 XLT Stepside Reg. cab STX 4X4 Silver 7800 KMS
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,038
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From: South Kitsap County, WA
Sorry for the time in getting back... many long hours at the job.
With just the front wheels supported off the ground it leaves your rear tires touching. When you engege the xfer case the whole system should be locked together... front and back. The same is true if you have the truck in park with all four whels off the ground. However, the front end is similar to an open differential, it may give when you rotate regardless of which way you've suspended the vehicle.
To make it easier, I check for rotation of the drive shaft. With the truck running and the xfer case engaged the front driveshaft will be locked to the rear, so it will not rotate by hand if working correctly. Rotate the tires and look at the front drive shaft. If the tires move and the shaft doesn't it's the front end. If the shaft does rotate, then you have a xfer case shift motor problem (ESOF) or shift fork (manual).
From what you've said, I'd guess the front differential is suspect. It seems a rash of front diff fork failures are occuring.
Hope that helps.
-Kerry
With just the front wheels supported off the ground it leaves your rear tires touching. When you engege the xfer case the whole system should be locked together... front and back. The same is true if you have the truck in park with all four whels off the ground. However, the front end is similar to an open differential, it may give when you rotate regardless of which way you've suspended the vehicle.
To make it easier, I check for rotation of the drive shaft. With the truck running and the xfer case engaged the front driveshaft will be locked to the rear, so it will not rotate by hand if working correctly. Rotate the tires and look at the front drive shaft. If the tires move and the shaft doesn't it's the front end. If the shaft does rotate, then you have a xfer case shift motor problem (ESOF) or shift fork (manual).
From what you've said, I'd guess the front differential is suspect. It seems a rash of front diff fork failures are occuring.
Hope that helps.
-Kerry
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From: lugoff, sc
Thanks for all the help and info. I havent got around to checking it out yet do to working long hours myslef. the air force does that to ya sometimes with broke jets. I have to take it in to the dealer on wed anyway for them to take care of some stuff and they said they would take a look at it while its in. Its still under warranty so ill let you guys know how it turns out. Thanks, greg
