4x4 not engaging?
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Joined: Nov 2004
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4x4 not engaging?
Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum and would appreciate any advice/help I can get about my problem.
I have a 98 F-150 XLT, supercab, shortbox, 4.6L, 110K miles, manual transmission, manual 4x4 shifter. About a year ago it became difficult to shift into 4 Low, and now it is difficult to get it into 4 Hi and impossible to get it into 4 low. After i do get it into 4 hi, the dash light comes on but I can tell that 4 wheel drive is not engaging. I checked the lever mechanism to the transfer case and it's moving at the transfer case. I also checked the fluid level in the transfer case and it's topped up. Does this mean something in the transfer case is ceased or damaged? I admit that this summer I only engaged 4x4 a couple times. I usually only use it in the winter driving months. Thank you for your help.
Edwin
I'm new to the forum and would appreciate any advice/help I can get about my problem.
I have a 98 F-150 XLT, supercab, shortbox, 4.6L, 110K miles, manual transmission, manual 4x4 shifter. About a year ago it became difficult to shift into 4 Low, and now it is difficult to get it into 4 Hi and impossible to get it into 4 low. After i do get it into 4 hi, the dash light comes on but I can tell that 4 wheel drive is not engaging. I checked the lever mechanism to the transfer case and it's moving at the transfer case. I also checked the fluid level in the transfer case and it's topped up. Does this mean something in the transfer case is ceased or damaged? I admit that this summer I only engaged 4x4 a couple times. I usually only use it in the winter driving months. Thank you for your help.
Edwin
Last edited by edwintruck; Dec 2, 2004 at 11:21 AM.
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I still think you should double check the 4x4 shift lever linkage. It must be rusted or damaged or something. As I recall, 4x4 High does two things: it mechanically engages the front drive shaft inside the transfer case and also activates a vacuum valve which sends a vacuum signal to the front differential. This vacuum activates a mechanism in the front differential that engages the front wheels. If this vacuum is missing, the front wheels will continue to free-wheel. Checking this vacuum line from the vacuum source all the way to the front differential is a first step. Since the light is lighting, it's a good sign that the front drive shaft is engaging, so it must be the vacuum if you're not getting any four wheel drive.
In 4x4 Low, the sun gear is unlocked from the planetary carrier and the ring gear is locked to the case. This is done by sliding the ring gear housing back and forth. It's a separate mechanism that has nothing to do with engaging the front drive shaft. Since you can't achieve this back and forth movement, something about the shift linkage must be bent or locked up. Sure, the problem could be inside the transfer case, but double check the easy stuff first. You'll probaby find a stone or piece of wood or something jammed in the linkage.
In 4x4 Low, the sun gear is unlocked from the planetary carrier and the ring gear is locked to the case. This is done by sliding the ring gear housing back and forth. It's a separate mechanism that has nothing to do with engaging the front drive shaft. Since you can't achieve this back and forth movement, something about the shift linkage must be bent or locked up. Sure, the problem could be inside the transfer case, but double check the easy stuff first. You'll probaby find a stone or piece of wood or something jammed in the linkage.
