4WD Not Engaging
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New User
Joined: Nov 2005
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4WD Not Engaging
We had a blizzard yesterday here in Colorado. As I was driving home and trying to electronically switch(I have an automatic transmission) my truck into 4WD High it would not engage the 4WD. I tried it again this morning and still nothing. It has been very cold the past couple of days with temperatures in the teens. Can it be something to do with the cold or should I make a service appointment? The indicator lights on the dash still illuminate when I have the vehicle in the accesory position or first start the truck. I have tried both 4WD high and 4WD low(doing as the manaul says, and putting the truck in neutral). Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
take a hammer and lightly tap the shift motor on the back of your transfer case.
then switch to 4x4.
9/10 times a 4x4 problem occurs, that shift motor got water into it and corroded in place. the hammer will knock the corrosion loose and allow it to shift
be aware this is only a short term fix. eventually the corrosion will build up enough so the hammer won't work anymore
then switch to 4x4.
9/10 times a 4x4 problem occurs, that shift motor got water into it and corroded in place. the hammer will knock the corrosion loose and allow it to shift
be aware this is only a short term fix. eventually the corrosion will build up enough so the hammer won't work anymore
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Tylus,
That worked. It will now engage and the light illuminates. Since you said it is only a short term fix, what do you think is my next step to keep it from happening in the future. I use the 4WD maybe 3 times a year. Should I take in for service or is something I can do on my own? Thanks again for your help.
That worked. It will now engage and the light illuminates. Since you said it is only a short term fix, what do you think is my next step to keep it from happening in the future. I use the 4WD maybe 3 times a year. Should I take in for service or is something I can do on my own? Thanks again for your help.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
glad it was relatively easy.
for now, just leave it as is. You are 100% guaranteed that it will quit eventually. But you might make it several years before it happens...or maybe 1 week. It just depends on how bad the corrosion has built up insde that shift motor
I personally would just not touch it until it breaks completely. There is a pretty common "Preventative Maintenance" that alot of guys do, myself included. Just shift into 4x4 1-2 times a month. Gets that motor shifting and hopefully keeps the corrosion under control. This has been a problem for Ford 4x4's since 1992 when they first introduced the Electric Shift system. It has gotten alot better over the years, but you still run into it occasionally.
for now, just leave it as is. You are 100% guaranteed that it will quit eventually. But you might make it several years before it happens...or maybe 1 week. It just depends on how bad the corrosion has built up insde that shift motor
I personally would just not touch it until it breaks completely. There is a pretty common "Preventative Maintenance" that alot of guys do, myself included. Just shift into 4x4 1-2 times a month. Gets that motor shifting and hopefully keeps the corrosion under control. This has been a problem for Ford 4x4's since 1992 when they first introduced the Electric Shift system. It has gotten alot better over the years, but you still run into it occasionally.
If you really want to fix it, it's gonna cost you about $300 for a new motor + labor.
The job itself is pretty straightforward. You unbolt the motor, and then you have to pull apart an electrical joint pin by pin. Nothing you can't do on your back upside down under the truck. Just takes about 1 hour to do because of the pin-by-pin part.
part of the reason I suggest leaving it alone until she breaks for good. That is one pricey motor...especially if you can keep the old one going
The job itself is pretty straightforward. You unbolt the motor, and then you have to pull apart an electrical joint pin by pin. Nothing you can't do on your back upside down under the truck. Just takes about 1 hour to do because of the pin-by-pin part.
part of the reason I suggest leaving it alone until she breaks for good. That is one pricey motor...especially if you can keep the old one going
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 554
Likes: 1
From: Newport, Wa.
take a hammer and lightly tap the shift motor on the back of your transfer case.
then switch to 4x4.
9/10 times a 4x4 problem occurs, that shift motor got water into it and corroded in place. the hammer will knock the corrosion loose and allow it to shift
be aware this is only a short term fix. eventually the corrosion will build up enough so the hammer won't work anymore
then switch to 4x4.
9/10 times a 4x4 problem occurs, that shift motor got water into it and corroded in place. the hammer will knock the corrosion loose and allow it to shift
be aware this is only a short term fix. eventually the corrosion will build up enough so the hammer won't work anymore
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,834
Likes: 3
From: Kzoo
I had a problem with the 4WD about a year ago but it ended up being a switch under the hood that got water on it and crapped out. Obviously you have found your problem but this is for anyone who searches and reads this threat at a later date.
By the way Tylus your avatar cracks me up! lol...
By the way Tylus your avatar cracks me up! lol...
