Help with 4X4 not engaging
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6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Help with 4X4 not engaging
New to his site...
Please help - any/all information would be great.
My (new to me) 2003 F-150 FX4 5.4/auto 77K miles with esof does not engage the front axle regularly. It doesn't seem to matter if I go to 4H or 4L. The lights on the dash come on properly, but the front axle doesn't pull. It works sometimes, and doesn't other times. I just sold my 1997 F-150 esof that worked flawlessly for 200K + miles.
Also, wondering if the differentials should "Lock-up"? Meaning - should all 4 wheels spin if stuck in the mud/snow? Seems like my old 97 did....
Please help - any/all information would be great.
My (new to me) 2003 F-150 FX4 5.4/auto 77K miles with esof does not engage the front axle regularly. It doesn't seem to matter if I go to 4H or 4L. The lights on the dash come on properly, but the front axle doesn't pull. It works sometimes, and doesn't other times. I just sold my 1997 F-150 esof that worked flawlessly for 200K + miles.
Also, wondering if the differentials should "Lock-up"? Meaning - should all 4 wheels spin if stuck in the mud/snow? Seems like my old 97 did....
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
i have the exact same problem with my 03 fx4. from what ive heard if your front drive shaft turns/works properly and your vaccum actuator on the axle goes back and forth, like mine, and still no pulling power, its supposedly some sort of bushing in the axle.? thats what i was told
Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,310
Likes: 9
From: E.Lincoln County, NC
Generally it will be 1 of 3 issues.
1- Bad solenoid on the firewall
2- Bad vacuum line to the disconnect diaphragm
3- Bad or stuck disconnect diaphragm
There are a lot of posts on this problem, many from my experiences trying to diagnose/repair mine. Start here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...nt-engage.html
and then click the "search" tab at the top of the page to look for the rest of the posts. Use the Advanced Search feature and enter "vacuum" under keyword and my user name and you'll get a list to view. I also have some photos/diagrams in my GALLERY under TECH. Let us know if you need more help.
1- Bad solenoid on the firewall
2- Bad vacuum line to the disconnect diaphragm
3- Bad or stuck disconnect diaphragm
There are a lot of posts on this problem, many from my experiences trying to diagnose/repair mine. Start here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...nt-engage.html
and then click the "search" tab at the top of the page to look for the rest of the posts. Use the Advanced Search feature and enter "vacuum" under keyword and my user name and you'll get a list to view. I also have some photos/diagrams in my GALLERY under TECH. Let us know if you need more help.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,310
Likes: 9
From: E.Lincoln County, NC
i have the exact same problem with my 03 fx4. from what ive heard if your front drive shaft turns/works properly and your vaccum actuator on the axle goes back and forth, like mine, and still no pulling power, its supposedly some sort of bushing in the axle.? thats what i was told
