4x4 won't engage
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Ann Arbor
4x4 won't engage
i have a 97 f-150 4.6 auto with manual transfer case.......anyway when i shift the t-case from 2 hi to 4hi the t-case feels like it engages and it does b/c the front drive shaft turns.....the lights on the dash don't come on...but the real kicker is that some times the t-case and the front diff engage and the lights come on and i have 4x4....im not sure if its a vaccum problem or front diff shift fork thats busted...i have also heard the switch on the t-case that tells the front diff to engage will fail ..but any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Ann Arbor
sometimes disengageing the t-case and while travel forward at say 5-10 mph whip the steering wheel back and forth .....i had the same problem with myy 96 ford explorer...the automatic hubs stuck on occasion
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From: Isanti, MN
The F-150s don't have automaic hubs. There is a vacuum operated disconnect in the front differential.
It's probably a problem with one of your solenoids, or maybe a vacuum hose is plugged.
It's probably a problem with one of your solenoids, or maybe a vacuum hose is plugged.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Ann Arbor
ur right the f-150's have a vacuum operated center disconnect... i checked the vacuum lines and the solenoids both operaterate fine when i do get the axle to engage...4 LO works fine but the LOW light doesn't come on.....4 HI works but i have to wiggle the floor shifter back and forth....is there a switch or contact patch that can be clean with out tearing the transfer case part...the transfer case shifts perfectly it just doesn't engage the front axle....am i correct in believing it is a switch in or on the t-case not making contact that is causeing my problem??
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
First of all, the fuses for the 4x4 system would probably be located in the fuse box in the passenger compartment. I believe they are under the instrument panel on the drivers side, check your manual.
RacerLT, there is an indicator switch that I believe is mounted to the transfer case somewhere. The shop manual is very vague in this respect, but I'd try replacing it. The instructions for replacing the switch are simple: unplug it and unscrew it. Look for a sensor along the linkage for the transfer case and on the case itself, it shouldn't be to hard to find.
RacerLT, there is an indicator switch that I believe is mounted to the transfer case somewhere. The shop manual is very vague in this respect, but I'd try replacing it. The instructions for replacing the switch are simple: unplug it and unscrew it. Look for a sensor along the linkage for the transfer case and on the case itself, it shouldn't be to hard to find.
