stuck
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
stuck
stuck in the snow for the first time when my '02 F-150 wouldn't engage front wheels. I know the transfer case engaged as usual but had no front wheel drive. I've read alot about esof automatic hubs not engaging, sounds like this is what happened. Where do I start troubleshooting? Does Warn make a conversion kit to manual hubs? I don't mind getting out to engage hubs. Beat getting pulled out!
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Ann Arbor
The 97 to 03 F-150's dont have locking hubs. They have a vaccum operated center disconnect. check the switch on the transfer case that tells the vaccum solenoids to operate. if that is working fine when shifting into 4X4 you should here a click noise from the passenger side dash area which is the solenoid sending vaccum to the front differential which locks the front axle in. check all the vaccum lines and solenoids on the passanger side firewall area and the actuator on the back side of the front differential. i just had to replace the transfer case switch on my 97 F-150
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 222
Likes: 5
From: NE PA
I had the same problem a few years back just on my way out to plow. It turned out the "plunger" on the front diff was sticking. I crawled under the truck and sprayed it with lube and no problems since. I now put the truck in and out of 4 wheel drive at least once every month.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
HEY im having an issue with this also, When it's cold, nothing on mine works, not the 4x4 light, the t-case motor, or that click noise from the dash. It drives me nuts! Where exactly is this switch that tells the vacuum solenoids to actuate? Thanks
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Ann Arbor
The switch that tells the computer whether it is in 4x4 or not is located on the front side of the transfer case just below where the shift linkage enters the transfer case. If you have the electrically operated transfer case im not sure where its located maybe someone that doesn;t have a manual shift t-case will chime in. If you have a electric operated t-case it could be the motor isn;t working. iknow it was a common problem with our trucks.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Ann Arbor
the swithc is really simple to change, unhook negative battery cable, unhook connector on switch, thread the switch out of the t-case and reverse the process with the new one.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
oh thanks ill go check that out. The strange thing is that it only happens sometimes..... Typically when i need it. I was told that sometimes they become slow when theyre not used much, so i usually click it in and out everytime i drive it and it always works. Unless i gotta go pull somebody out lol
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Ann Arbor
when my switch went bad my 4x4 would work when the truck had sat all night before i tried to use it but not after a had driven anywhere. I think i need to lube my acutautor plunger on the front diff. again because it takes a minute for my solenoids to click an engage the front axle.