I am a true blue Ford fan but I'm pretty frustrated with this truck. Had it since new and it has been tempermental from day one. It has 122K on it and the last year I have had it in the shop three times to address the fact that for no reason at all the low range light will start "fluttering" on and off and the truck will begin to go into 4 wheel drive. Then the OD off light wil start blinking. I've had it to 2 places during these stays they have replaced the MFS and a solenoid. After the most recent MFS replacement (2500 miles) everything seemed great then last night it started again its back at the shop but I'm interested in any comments people might have.

 

Welcome to the forum Bill

Does your truck have ESOF (Electronic Shift On the Fly) with the **** on the dash?
When it tries to go into 4x4 does it try to go into low range or high?
Does anything change if you press the OD off button on the shifter?

 

Yes It has ESOF it has tried to go into 4 high and nothing changes if I press the button. Now I'm being told to change the fluid in the transfer case which I'm fine with but wondering if it is the problem. The trans shop "cleared the code" and couldn't get the truck to repeat the problem.

 

By the way Dave thanks for the welcome and the response. Like I said in my posting I'm a dyed in the wool Ford truck guy, from a Ford family this is my 6th. But it is testing my loyalty.
Bill

 

I've seen moisture in the transfer case cause problems with the lockout switch but that's only on MSOF systems, not ESOF.
I'd be surprised if changing the oil did anything for your problem but it's a good maintenance thing to do anyway.
After the OD cancel light flashes there should be a trouble code stored. If you can get the code for us we may be able to help some more.
This problem doesn't occur more often after a heavy rain does it? We've seen problems with water getting into the fuse box and GEM (Generic Electronic Module) from a leaking windshield. That can cause all sorts of grief.

 

Thanks Dave
I'm going to have the fluid changed just for good maintenance. I can't say that I've pinpointed it to rain but after reading other posts I'll be more aware. I've had it happen more in heavy wind it seemed to me. I'll try to get the code from the shop as well. I've been working this through a local trans shop for the last year now and unless it clears up it will be off to the dealer. Since I have $1100 or so with them so far I had hoped they would be able to fix it under warranty but it's not looking likely.
Bill

 

I had drivetrain issues with my truck since the beginning. Five transfercase assy's, five rear driveshaft "yokes", three shift motors, one transmission. Kept getting the run around from ford......no one knows whats wrong......no one can fix it etc.
Finally, decided to fix the problem myself so I ordered a new aftermarket ATLAS transfercase (bullet proof). Reconfigured the rear driveshaft (no more "yokes"). Shorten the front driveshaft (everything with jerk fittings).
Lot of work to make it fit but so far everything seems strong.
I am getting a flashing O.D. indicator light sometimes so I figure it's getting a false signal from somewhere but I am troubleshooting this with the engineer at advance adapters.
The overdrive is working and does not flash if I push the button every now and then.
My ford manual.....page 307-01-29 states: the TCIL indicates overdrive cancel mode activated (lamp on) and electronic pressure control (EPC) circuit shorted (lamp flashing) or monitored sensor failure.
So, maybe you have something shorted.
I like my truck other than the drivetrane issues but I will never buy another ford.

 

I just stumbled across something that may help.
It doesn't show that it applies to a 1997 truck but it may still be the same problem.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/tsb/full...p?tsb=*01-14-1

 

Thanks Dave I'm going to share this with the shop. I got it back two days ago. Had the transfer case fluid changed and a speed controller replaced. Still waiting on the code info wife takes it for a drive about a mile from home and the low range light comes on and it starts going into 4 X 4. I'm south of you in north wash state and yes it is raining so I go straight out and check the fuse box for water, nothing, get under the dash and everything is bone dry. By the way this time the OD light did not start flashing.