4WD -- Front wheels not engaging. HELP!!!
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From: Corpus Christi, Texas
4WD -- Front wheels not engaging. HELP!!!
I have ready several posts regarding the front wheels not engaging into 4WD. I have 97 F15 Lariat with the automatic transmission and 4.6L engine. I have the automatic system with the control on the interior dash of the vehicle. When switching into 4WD H or Low.. lights work correctly and the transfer case is also fine and the pin that is on the front axle is sliding in and out correctly...these items I have checked following the instructions of some of the other posts. However, I believe I am missing something.. because the front wheels are still not engaging.....
.....On a recent hunting trip, I noticed that the front wheels were not binding as usual when in 4WD and then I noticed that they were not spinning on the slick 1" thick mud............ If anyone can give me some help it would be greatly appretiated.
.....On a recent hunting trip, I noticed that the front wheels were not binding as usual when in 4WD and then I noticed that they were not spinning on the slick 1" thick mud............ If anyone can give me some help it would be greatly appretiated.
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From: Louisville,Ky.
You might try putting it up on jack stands all of the way around and putting it in 4wd. See if the front driveshaft is engaging. If so, you're front differential pin might not be pulling in fully.
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4x4
My '03 has been at 2 dealerships with the same diagnosis - the front fork / gear is not engaging, probably due to a bent fork. Mine has probably 4 hrs in 4x4, never been off-road, never been engaged when moving (over 5 mph), trucks never ever been abused, so it probably won't be fixed (seems clear on my truck anyways it ain't a system worth fixing). Wish I didn't have to pull all that extra weight though! We'll have to leave it at home when it snows - of course, one of the main reasons to own a 4x4 in the northeast! Dealer wants ~ $650 to repair (if it turns out thats the problem), no warranty that it will last any longer. Hope you find yours to be a less expensive repair!
Last edited by cjstang; Feb 19, 2005 at 07:28 AM.
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From: ny
Originally Posted by cjstang
My '03 has been at 2 dealerships with the same diagnosis - the front fork / gear is not engaging, probably due to a bent fork. Mine has probably 4 hrs in 4x4, never been off-road, never been engaged when moving (over 5 mph), trucks never ever been abused, so it probably won't be fixed (seems clear on my truck anyways it ain't a system worth fixing). Wish I didn't have to pull all that extra weight though! We'll have to leave it at home when it snows - of course, one of the main reasons to own a 4x4 in the northeast! Dealer wants ~ $650 to repair (if it turns out thats the problem), no warranty that it will last any longer. Hope you find yours to be a less expensive repair!
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I had a similar problem on my 98 Expedition (I believe these have the same 4WD design as the F150, according to my Hayes manual). Anyway, the problem, which apparently is quite common was a vacuum leak. The front differential is engaged with a vacuum motor, which in the expedition is controlled by a electrical vacuum switch located behind the battery. One of the vacuum lines had a crack (near the battery). My short fix, which is still working was a little electrical tape. Hope this helps.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
fficeffice" /><o
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fficeffice" /><o></o>
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More things to try
mnk1220,
If you've confirmed that the vac solenoids are functioning and the diaphragm on the front axle is moving freely (as had been pointed out, the front wheels/axle must turn to engage the gear in the diff), you'll probably need a 'Front Fork and Gear Kit'. List is $122.80 from Ford. Its been posted that its 2-3 hours to install for someone with reasonable skill - if you have someone else install, shop around to get a reasonable price. Search this forum and you'll find more details, including a blow-up diagram of the front axle assembly. Good luck. [for those that have seen previous posts of mine here, I'm 'behaving' . . .]
If you've confirmed that the vac solenoids are functioning and the diaphragm on the front axle is moving freely (as had been pointed out, the front wheels/axle must turn to engage the gear in the diff), you'll probably need a 'Front Fork and Gear Kit'. List is $122.80 from Ford. Its been posted that its 2-3 hours to install for someone with reasonable skill - if you have someone else install, shop around to get a reasonable price. Search this forum and you'll find more details, including a blow-up diagram of the front axle assembly. Good luck. [for those that have seen previous posts of mine here, I'm 'behaving' . . .]
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