4 x 4 Troubles

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 20, 2007 | 08:16 AM

newfie-sailor

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 13

Likes: 0

4 x 4 Troubles

i have an 03 F150 FX4 with 85000 kms and never ending problems, rear end chatter, leaking rear end front seal, wheel bearings, battery cable, the latest is with th 4 X 4.
when i turn the switch to engage 4X4 the light comes on and its makes all the noises and you would believe that it is in fact it is in 4 wheel drive but only the back wheels are turning, any suggestions or toughts as to what may be causing this problem would be appriciated, hopefully this will be something that i can fix as i have put alot of money into this pit.

Nov 23, 2007 | 10:10 AM

newfie-sailor

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 13

Likes: 0

no suggestions

Nov 23, 2007 | 11:02 AM

ATC Crazy

Hotshot

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 12,359

Likes: 4,394

From: SW VA

The ESOF (electronic shift on the fly) is notorious for problems. There is a motor on the transfer case which shifts it into and out of 4WD. It likes to sieze up if not used. If the motor is not your problem (which it probably is), then you could have vaccum problems on the front differential.

Nov 23, 2007 | 11:04 AM

newfie-sailor

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 13

Likes: 0

oh, ok thanks, some where to start anyway.

Nov 23, 2007 | 11:10 AM

ATC Crazy

Hotshot

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 12,359

Likes: 4,394

From: SW VA

I'll pull up some links for you in a minute....Here ya go. According to the second link, if the "4x4" light comes on, then the transfer case has shifted...so that would mean you have a vaccum problem at the front axle.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...=transfer+case

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...=transfer+case

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...=transfer+case

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...=transfer+case

Last edited by ATC Crazy; Nov 23, 2007 at 11:17 AM.

Nov 23, 2007 | 06:24 PM

88Vmax

Junior User

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 84

Likes: 0

From: Ajax, Ontario

This drawing helped me when mine wasn't working. One of the vacuum hoses had fallen off the solonoid.

Nov 23, 2007 | 06:28 PM

Wilber15

Elder User

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 892

Likes: 1

From: Duluth, MN

If the light is on in the cab, your shift motor is working. it's going to be either the vacuum actuated shift fork on the front diff. or the actual actuator that supplies the vacuum.

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Joe Kucinski

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Brett Foote

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Joe Kucinski

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Brett Foote

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

Pouria Savadkouei

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Brett Foote

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Joe Kucinski

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Michael S. Palmer

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Verdad Gallardo

Jan 14, 2008 | 07:08 PM

bigun72

Posting Guru

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 1,422

Likes: 0

From: Jackson,Tn

im glad i looked at this topic cause i got stuck today and my front tires wudnt lock in ...... the back gears down when u put it in 4lo , but the front want pull or nuttin either ...

Jan 14, 2008 | 07:25 PM

#10

newfie-sailor

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 13

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigun72

im glad i looked at this topic cause i got stuck today and my front tires wudnt lock in ...... the back gears down when u put it in 4lo , but the front want pull or nuttin either ...

keep me posted, hope u figure out your problem

Jan 14, 2008 | 07:26 PM

#11

LastSplash

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 252

Likes: 0

From: North Pole, Alaska

If I remember correctly there is a cover on the vacuum actuator for the front axle disconnect that you can pull off and inspect the shift fork.

Jan 15, 2008 | 08:02 AM

#12

88Vmax

Junior User

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 84

Likes: 0

From: Ajax, Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by newfie-sailor

just checked out the vacuum lines on my truck they all seem fine, forgive my lack of experience with 4wd systems but is there some way i can test or check the shift fork or vacuum actuator.

See my thread here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ive-issue.html . In the picture, you should see the solonoid move in and out if you are getting the proper vaccuum to it.

Jan 17, 2008 | 07:24 AM

#13

nawicks

New User

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 12

Likes: 0

If you pull the cover off the vacuum actuator and look at it while someone shifts the truck into and out of 4 wheel you'll be able to see if its moving (truck on ofcourse). If the vacuum actuator doesn't move the shift fork lever about an inch its probably not engaging. Grab a pair of channel locks or pliers and slide that lever back and forth manually a few times. This should break it loose. Don't wory, you won't break the lever unless your really reefing on it. My mechanic told me to do this and it ended up working great for me. He said that's all he does when they come into the shop.

Jan 17, 2008 | 07:33 AM

#14

ncranchero

Postmaster

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 3,310

Likes: 9

From: E.Lincoln County, NC

You may have to allow the truck to move forward or backwards a few inches to allow the fork to fully engage the axle. For safety sake roll it manually while in Neutral.

Feb 20, 2008 | 05:40 PM

#15

bigun72

Posting Guru

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 1,422

Likes: 0

From: Jackson,Tn

Quote:

Originally Posted by newfie-sailor

keep me posted, hope u figure out your problem

well i thought i wud get out there today and try to fix my problem, first i removed the cover on the little vaccum thang on the front diff. and moved the thang in and out good ...... so i took the vaccum lines off of it and blowd air up threw them ..... then i get up under the hood were there is like a plug on the fender wheel plastic skirt thang and try to unplugged the bigger vaccum line that runs into the diff down below .... and i broke the little white plastic splicer thang ..... so i finally rigged it back together and went to plug it back up and the blue & pink vacumm lines on the other side of the plug just crumbled .....so now im gonna just take it to the dealer and tell them to fix the mf'er ......

IM BOUT READY TO KICK THE PERSONS A$$ WHO DESIGNED THIS !!!!!!!