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Shift on the fly switch?

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Old Aug 14, 2007 | 02:51 PM
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Question Shift on the fly switch?

Has anyone had this switch go bad? What were the symptoms?
 
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Old Aug 14, 2007 | 05:01 PM
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I just realized why no one is really responding to both my 4wheel drive issues, now that i see almost EVERYONE who has esof has had problems of some kind with it and are tired of hearing about it Specifically the switch, anyone????
 
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Old Aug 14, 2007 | 05:50 PM
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I have not heard of many problems with the switch itself. It is usually a problem with the front hubs or vacuum system. Sometimes it will be the electric shift motor on the transfercase itself.

Make sure to double check all your fuses and relays before you start digging in too deep with other stuff though.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2007 | 06:30 PM
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I started a thread in the diesel forum about this, the situation as it is right now. Both 4x4 lights cycle when the key is turned over, my hubs dont lock(no vacuum leak), and the transfter case doesnt engage. When i move the switch to 4x4hi ABSOLUTELY nothing happens, no dash light no noises, nothing, i can manually lock the hubs though and the hubs engage the front drive shaft
 
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Old Aug 14, 2007 | 06:34 PM
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I threw codes for the transfer case solenoid circuit failure, thats what started this WHOLE MESS. Is that the shift motor?
 
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Old Aug 14, 2007 | 06:35 PM
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Have you checked at the relays to see if they are getting power when you turn the switch?
 
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Old Aug 14, 2007 | 06:38 PM
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Not yet, what does the relay power? The solenoid? Is the relay driver side by the master cylinder?
 
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Old Aug 15, 2007 | 09:33 AM
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I believe there are two relays. One that powers the vacuum system, and one that powers the shift motor. I believe they are under the hood by the master cylinder (I guess Ford doesn't bother listing them in the owner's guide anymore). The relays should have one terminal hot all the time (or possibly just with the ignition on, I'm not sure), it should have two terminals that go to ground (one actually goes to either the vacuum system or shift motor and then to ground). And one should recieve power any time the switch on the dash is changed to 4x4 (with the vehicle on or running).
 
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Old Aug 15, 2007 | 09:41 AM
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Yes, the transfer case motor does go bad, but it isn't the weakest link in the ESOF system. The weakest links are the hubs.

As for the switch, it's probably the least troublesome part for ESOF!

From what I hear, even parts stores carry replacement motors.
 
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Old Aug 15, 2007 | 05:17 PM
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Redford thanks for the help, :::"from the other forum":::

OK so today i replaced the switch and checked both fuses related to 4x4, flipflopped around every relay on the truck i could find, and checked for voltage at the shift actuator-motor. Nothing happening on the dash, no lights for 4x4 except the ones that cycle with the key and go out, turn the 4x switch nothing, and no voltage at the shift actuator-motor. Im at a huge loss here...Im thinkin the only thing left is "software" Im pretty sure the 4x4 is located in the GEM "jim" module, can it lock you/user out of 4x4 if it doesnt like some fashion of whats going on???
 
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Old Aug 15, 2007 | 06:29 PM
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Try locking your hubs manually, then see if the motor will engage the transfer case.

May the torque be with you!
 
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Old Aug 15, 2007 | 07:18 PM
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Ive tried that
 
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:15 PM
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Does anyone have a pic of the vac solenoid or the wires and connector that power it? Does anyone know if the switch itself powers the vac solenoid and transfer switch motor or the GEM module, via input from the ESOF, tells the relay to turn on switching the two?
 
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Old Aug 17, 2007 | 08:32 PM
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Any takers on this problem today?
 
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Old Aug 27, 2007 | 09:38 PM
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It sounds like it is your vacuum solenoid. I can't get you a picture because I don't have ESOF.
 
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