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Problems disengaging 4x4

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Old Apr 11, 2008 | 07:23 AM
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cowboylelle's Avatar
cowboylelle
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Problems disengaging 4x4

Hi! Been reading 4x4 threads so my eyes are red, but most of the problems people are posting seems to be around not being able to engage 4x4. My problem on my -99 F250 is vice versa: Once I get to 4x4 I cannot go back to 2wd. Tried everything: Brake, neutral, backing up, rolling backwards and forwards, wait 45 sek to 2 minutes, vaccum ok, hubs ok, solenoid motor, or whatever its called, is new and working. Also checked the "High to Low" and "Low to High" relays and fuses. Problem seems to be electric, because sometimes after cooling off for a couple of hours it works and I can get it back. Even the workshop are confused right now.
 
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Old Apr 11, 2008 | 09:25 AM
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When you changed the servo, did you change the switch that's on the transfer case too? I think the switch is right there beside the servo, if not part of the same assembly.

The switch tells the GEM which gear the transfer case is in. If it's not working, or there's a bad connection to it, the GEM won't know it's in 4x4, and won't shift back.

When it's doing this, is the 4x4 light on in the dash cluster?

Otherwise, if there's nothing else wrong, sounds like the GEM.
 
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Old Apr 11, 2008 | 12:06 PM
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mine never seems to snap out quick. i usually gotta park and flick the switch on and off a time or two. then i get out and verify. to be honest i wish i had the manual system....ive had tons of problems with my 4x4 but right now its good
 
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Old Apr 11, 2008 | 03:14 PM
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Need to check

Originally Posted by krewat
When you changed the servo, did you change the switch that's on the transfer case too? I think the switch is right there beside the servo, if not part of the same assembly.

The switch tells the GEM which gear the transfer case is in. If it's not working, or there's a bad connection to it, the GEM won't know it's in 4x4, and won't shift back.

When it's doing this, is the 4x4 light on in the dash cluster?

Otherwise, if there's nothing else wrong, sounds like the GEM.
I honestly don't know - need to check tomorrow. There are two connectors to the servo, one for the power with two pins and one for ???? with 6ich pins. Is that the one you are talking about? I don't reccon I've seen any switch....
Yes the 4x4 light is on all the time. I can force everything back to normal by forcing 12 V to the servo.
 
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Old Apr 11, 2008 | 04:01 PM
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DAVE67FD
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Yeah there is really no other way to go. Most of the trucks bought new/used off the lot will almost 100% of the time have the auto system so those who purchase new (order) or search the lots look for the manual system. Yeah they may work great for several years but can be a headache later on for those who keep the trucks.

Dave
 
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Old Apr 11, 2008 | 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by cowboylelle
I honestly don't know - need to check tomorrow. There are two connectors to the servo, one for the power with two pins and one for ???? with 6ich pins. Is that the one you are talking about? I don't reccon I've seen any switch....
Yes the 4x4 light is on all the time. I can force everything back to normal by forcing 12 V to the servo.
The 6-pin connector is the switch that tells the GEM what gear it's in.

The 2-pin connector is the servo itself.

Check the 6-pin connector for dirt.

It's especially good that you tried energizing the servo directly, and it did come out of gear. For diagnostics, not "good" in any real sense

If you want to try just changing parts, change that switch if it hasn't already been.

After that, assuming all wiring is good, you've gone over the relays, fuses, the switch itself, everything... I gotta wonder if the GEM is going south... There was an issue with the GEM connectors getting water on them. Got any water on the passenger-side floor?
 
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Old Apr 12, 2008 | 06:36 AM
  #7  
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cowboylelle
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GEM position

Originally Posted by krewat
The 6-pin connector is the switch that tells the GEM what gear it's in.

The 2-pin connector is the servo itself.

Check the 6-pin connector for dirt.

It's especially good that you tried energizing the servo directly, and it did come out of gear. For diagnostics, not "good" in any real sense

If you want to try just changing parts, change that switch if it hasn't already been.

After that, assuming all wiring is good, you've gone over the relays, fuses, the switch itself, everything... I gotta wonder if the GEM is going south... There was an issue with the GEM connectors getting water on them. Got any water on the passenger-side floor?
Thanks for these tips! I'll clean the 6-pin connector. Where exactly do I find the GEM? Inside below the dashboard? By the way no water on the floor...
 
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