4x4 doesnt work
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4x4 doesnt work
hey guys. new to the site. i just bought a 97 f150 w/ 5.4l automatic. i have the transfer case shifter on the floor. the previous owner had the repair manual and said he tested the actuator on the front axle and it held vac. so he replaced the solonoid on the passenger fender. no luck. when i pull the shifter into 4x4 nothing happens, the light on the dash does not come on either. can some one point me in the right direction. thanks in advance BUD
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Just got done fixing mine that had similar issues.
There is a small plunger type switch on the drivers side of the transfer case. It is screwed in and has a connector with two wires plugged into it. This switch sends a signal to the GEM which in turn activates the dash light and works the solenoids. My switch was bad. Picked one up at the local dealer for $36.
Easy way to test it is remove it and using a volt/ohm meter check for continuity across the two pins when the ball is pushed in. If you get none its bad, replace it.
There is a small plunger type switch on the drivers side of the transfer case. It is screwed in and has a connector with two wires plugged into it. This switch sends a signal to the GEM which in turn activates the dash light and works the solenoids. My switch was bad. Picked one up at the local dealer for $36.
Easy way to test it is remove it and using a volt/ohm meter check for continuity across the two pins when the ball is pushed in. If you get none its bad, replace it.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Eastern CT.
Yep like Shimjocky said,,,prob that "Oil Switch" in the transfere case front with wire to it!,,My sons 01' F-150 had no 4x4 working no light on the dash,,,found out about this switch,,,we tested it by unplugging it,,slide in a jumper wire (to the wired plug end),,,and clamped other end to ribs on the tranny with vise grips (the wired plug is just a ground anyway,,no power to it) started the truck,,engaged the shifter,,4x4 dash light came on,,and 4x4 worked,,,changed the switch,,all is good. Good luck !
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I have a similar problem on my 97 f 250 with the 5.4. On start up the 4x4 lamps light up, but when I slect the 4x4 on the dash (A little different) Nothing happens. The 4x4 was working the last time I had to use about a month ago. I also noticed Yesterday that my stereo functions but it has no display lights (Can't see the time or station). Is there a circuit that is connected between the two? After that what is the trouble shoot procedure for this problem or problems?
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just wanted to thank everyone who replied, i replaced the oil switch on the transfer case and i'm good to go!
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Posting Guru
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From: Eastern CT.
You are going to need to watch the front diff vacum actuator,,may have to pull the plastic cover off to see it,,,,start the truck,,BLOCK THE WHEELS,,,have a friend pull into 4x4 while your under the front to watch this actuator( make sure they dont put it into drive,,and run you over,,,that would SUCK),,,see if the actuator works,,,may need some penatrating oil on the diff control lever (acutator hooks to this lever),,and make sure it moves,,,check the vacum lines,,,,they go up behind the battery to a couple vacum solenoids,,mounted to the firewall,,Good luck.
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do you by chance have a picture of diagram of where that switch is located? I wanna make sure I test the right part.
also, if that switch is bad, will 2H and 4L work? I'm having and issue with just 4x4H. My light does not come on in the dash but I can hear the relay clicking under the oval on the passenger side.
thanks....
also, if that switch is bad, will 2H and 4L work? I'm having and issue with just 4x4H. My light does not come on in the dash but I can hear the relay clicking under the oval on the passenger side.
thanks....
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From: Eastern CT.
Midnighteride, if your talking about the "oil switch" on the transfer case,crawl under your driverside, at the tranny,,transfer case is bolted to back of tranny,, there is a 7/8" size(I think) plug, with 1 or 2 wires going to it on the front side of the transfere case. Thats the "Oil Switch"( It was there on my sons 2001 F-150 anyway.,,,Good Luck
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o.k. i found 2 broken vac. lines behind the battery coming from the selonoid's. i repaired both. i took it for a spin and pulled the stick. didn't feel like anything happened so a few blocks later i put the stick back in 2wd and it sounded like a lawnmower under my truck then a loud thump and a jerk in the steering wheel. then it was quiet again. i am assuming this was the front axle dissengaging? i really appriciate all the help. i have tons of experiance with old school 4x4s (lock the hubs pull the stick and go) but the vac. operated IFS set up is all new to me.