Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

4x4 engagement problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 27, 2009 | 10:22 PM
  #1  
MarksV10's Avatar
MarksV10
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
4x4 engagement problem

I have a 2001 Ford F250 4x4. I Selected 4x4 high at full stop rear wheels were in sand, light came on but only rear wheels turned, felt vibration. Got home,tested at a complete stop in nutural I could here a switching noise. Tested on a gravel road but couldn't tell if front wheels were ingaged.
What is the best waay to test and what could be the possible problem.
 
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2009 | 11:30 PM
  #2  
EXv10's Avatar
EXv10
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Go back to the gravel road and put your foot on the brake and the gas and let 'er rip for about 10 feet, get out and look at your tracks. I have a gravel road with a steep hill on it nearby for testing mine. Then do a search in here for your vacuum hub part of it and you can read all night on it. Also you can have someone watch your front wheels on the test. Just turning the wheel and waiting for the wiggly feel of your u-joints isn't good enough because one could be locked up or hub friction can make an axle turn. Also they don't all engage at a total stop. I backed off a back hills road on a steep drop to turn around and couldn't go back or forward because it was up against a tree. I knew my manual hubs would work though so I was out of there in a minute.
 
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2009 | 09:19 AM
  #3  
krewat's Avatar
krewat
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Club FTE Gold Member
You can not engage 4x4HI at a complete stop. The front hubs will not lock during the initial vacuum pulse unless you are moving.

If you are driving on gravel, while moving, turn the **** to 4HI and then lay on the gas, it should be obvious if you are in 4x4.

If you are not, try locking the hubs manually and see if you get 4x4. If you do, we need to diagnose the hubs
 
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2009 | 09:36 AM
  #4  
Lubbockguy1979's Avatar
Lubbockguy1979
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,769
Likes: 9
From: Lubbock
Not to hijack but if you put it in 4hi and the hvac system goes to defrost then you have a vacum leak.... How would you diagnose that issue. What would you do to eliminate the hubs from the vacum hoses? I assume the vaccum pump still operates because after I return the truck to 2wd the ac will again blow out the vents instead of the defrost.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Leonandlisa
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Feb 10, 2015 07:26 PM
zrt600guy
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
4
Feb 14, 2012 04:10 PM
Ford Fx4
1997 - 2003 F150
4
Jul 30, 2008 06:35 PM
Chrisjc21
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
1
Apr 3, 2007 08:59 PM
GMayer
1997 - 2003 F150
4
Jun 28, 2005 09:12 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:57 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE