4x4 Still Doesnt Work
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New User
Joined: Oct 2006
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4x4 Still Doesnt Work
Well last week after I brought my truck to the dealer they told me my 4x4 solenoid was out. So they charged me $100 to look at it and $28 for the part. This afternoon I installed the solenoid. I go to the nearest hill and try 4x4 well it still isnt working. I have the light on the dash and I can hear the transfer case clunk but still no 4x4. I am pissed now ive spent so far $128 and my 4x4 doesnt work. Anybody now of anything else that could be wrong.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2007
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These may seem like stupid tips, but took me a few minutes to check out my 4x4 and get it working, and its all I got.
-Does your truck have auto-locking hubs or manual hubs...With auto, make sure you are driving first, else they 4x4 won't engage from a stand still and you're rear tires will spin w/out 4x4 engaging.
-If they are locked, make sure you shift as Ford recommends...for my truck..it was Neutral to 4H until the light came on and then into 4L if I wanted...and then I could shift into drive...and then I would feel the truck drop into 4by-
- And it could also be the hubs...vacuum locking hubs aren't the most reliable
- Or transfer case..which is no fun...
- That's all I got...good luck
-Does your truck have auto-locking hubs or manual hubs...With auto, make sure you are driving first, else they 4x4 won't engage from a stand still and you're rear tires will spin w/out 4x4 engaging.
-If they are locked, make sure you shift as Ford recommends...for my truck..it was Neutral to 4H until the light came on and then into 4L if I wanted...and then I could shift into drive...and then I would feel the truck drop into 4by-
- And it could also be the hubs...vacuum locking hubs aren't the most reliable
- Or transfer case..which is no fun...
- That's all I got...good luck
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 680
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Since you can hear the transfer case clunk, I would look at the vaccuum lines to the front hubs. If you can get the wheels off the ground, you could check to see if the front driveshaft is spinning in 4Hi, which would mean the t-case is working and not the front hubs.
Stupid question- was this the vacuum solenoid? When you installed it, did yo make sure the lines were clear of water? Are you sure the solenoid is good? Occassionally, I've seen "new" parts that were bad as well.. Just more stuff to check. Good luck
Stupid question- was this the vacuum solenoid? When you installed it, did yo make sure the lines were clear of water? Are you sure the solenoid is good? Occassionally, I've seen "new" parts that were bad as well.. Just more stuff to check. Good luck
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 662
Likes: 2
From: CO
See if both IWE's are engaging. With the t-case in 2wd, stop the engine, crawl under each side of the truck and see if you can spin either front half shaft by hand. Both should be locked in. If either spins, that IWE is stuck disengaged and not working.
If that works, start the engine, put the t-case in 4wd, and see if half shafts are locked in again. If they are, it about has to be something between the t-case and the IWE's. If they are not, the new solenoid is not shutting off the vacuum to the IWE's.
I think these IWE's are pretty reliable. It's the crappy little vacuum solenoid and the somewhat fragile vacuum lines that disengage them that cause the headaches. They're really nothing like the pos vacuum hubs from years gone by. The IWE's should lock in at a standstill, at least mine do.
If that works, start the engine, put the t-case in 4wd, and see if half shafts are locked in again. If they are, it about has to be something between the t-case and the IWE's. If they are not, the new solenoid is not shutting off the vacuum to the IWE's.
I think these IWE's are pretty reliable. It's the crappy little vacuum solenoid and the somewhat fragile vacuum lines that disengage them that cause the headaches. They're really nothing like the pos vacuum hubs from years gone by. The IWE's should lock in at a standstill, at least mine do.
