Newbie Questions...
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Arlington, TX
Newbie Questions...
I have searched for a few of these questions but didn't really get my questions answered. Just bought an '03 F250 SuperCrew Lariat 4x4 with the 7.3L and I had a couple questions seeing that the original owners manual was "missing"... the dash has a switch for both 4wd Hi & Lo, why does my truck also have locking hubs? Also, I have had small Diesels before but this truck has a plug sticking through the grill that i can plug and extention cable too... is this for really cold nights?... not that I would worry about that in Dallas... just curious. All in all I am really enjoying my new truck. It has an awesome presence and drives extremely well. Any insite from you guys would be greatly appreciated!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
From: Prince George, BC
the hub system as i understand it, i may be wrong, im sure if i am someone else feel free to correct me, is that when the hub is in auto position the hubs are free until you put it in 4x4 then when the back wheels spin the front ones grab on, kinda like all wheel drive i guess, and when the hub is in lock, all four wheels grab at once, there is now waiting. and you are correct about the plug in the grill, it is the block heater plug in. hope this helps (also hope i am right)
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
From: Prince George, BC
the hub system as i understand it, i may be wrong, im sure if i am someone else feel free to correct me, is that when the hub is in auto position the hubs are free until you put it in 4x4 then when the back wheels spin the front ones grab on, kinda like all wheel drive i guess, and when the hub is in lock, all four wheels grab at once, there is now waiting. and you are correct about the plug in the grill, it is the block heater plug in. hope this helps (also hope i am right)
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
The locking hubs (as I understand it) are a feature installed by Ford for those of us who do not always like to rely on the "automatic" function. If you put your truck in 4x4 but the front hubs do not engage, then you can manually lock them in. It's good practice to operate these every now and then, I do mine when I'm filling up.
Also, when you put it in Low, you need to be stopped with the transmission in park or neutral and the brake on for the 4x4 Low to engage. Reverse the process to get it out of 4x4 low.
Your heater plug is for use if your truck will be outside for extended periods of time (i.e. overnight) when the temperature is below 30 degF. It's not really a problem below that, but it really does help your truck to start and get up to temperature quicker. You should only need to operate it for 3-4 hours before you want to start your truck, so most people use a timer rather than leaving it plugged in all night (although that won't hurt anything if you do).
Hope this helps.
Also, when you put it in Low, you need to be stopped with the transmission in park or neutral and the brake on for the 4x4 Low to engage. Reverse the process to get it out of 4x4 low.
Your heater plug is for use if your truck will be outside for extended periods of time (i.e. overnight) when the temperature is below 30 degF. It's not really a problem below that, but it really does help your truck to start and get up to temperature quicker. You should only need to operate it for 3-4 hours before you want to start your truck, so most people use a timer rather than leaving it plugged in all night (although that won't hurt anything if you do).
Hope this helps.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
the button on your dash just takes the place of having a transfer shift handle coming up through your floor board. You can also have automatic locking hubs (which I feel are not the most reliable) that engage without needing to be manually engaged. You have to lock and unlock your hubs manually. Remamber, keep your hubs unlocked until you need to use four-wheel drive.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
FarmerPhilCo
The hubs say either lock or auto - so in either case they are turning, unlike the completely manual system that I like, right? I had automatic hubs on a GM pickup without the manual locking feature, and the only way the 4x4 engaged was if the front wheels made a complete revolution - fine unless you are already stuck. I understood the new hubs to incorporate the automatic function so you don't have to get out and lock them in, but also have the manul function should you already be stuck or for some reason the automatic feature fails. I hate the idiot switch on the dash, but the market is apparently driving things in the automatic way.
The hubs say either lock or auto - so in either case they are turning, unlike the completely manual system that I like, right? I had automatic hubs on a GM pickup without the manual locking feature, and the only way the 4x4 engaged was if the front wheels made a complete revolution - fine unless you are already stuck. I understood the new hubs to incorporate the automatic function so you don't have to get out and lock them in, but also have the manul function should you already be stuck or for some reason the automatic feature fails. I hate the idiot switch on the dash, but the market is apparently driving things in the automatic way.
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
When its in auto and you turn the switch there is vacuum lines that go to the hubs and auto lock the hubs for you. They are NOT very reliable but the first sign of trouble check the lines for leaks. Also when they dont work you can get out and lock them manually to get yourself out.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,833
Likes: 4
From: Jefferson, Iowa
emergency function, or if you like having them locked in the winter for safty purposes they are nice. If you get stuck in a mud hole like me and they stop working, nice safety feature. When in lock, they are locked like a normal hub in lock, and in auto, they stay locked after you use 4x4 until you backup, and then they are disengaged.
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