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 not working

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 9, 2009 | 01:41 PM
  #1  
jahoskins75's Avatar
jahoskins75
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
4x4 not working

I have a 2003 ford f-250 diesel that will not lock in four wheeel drive. I tried to lock in manually but still did not work. The fourl wheel drive light indicator does not even come on in the dash. My vents for defrost and a/c seem to work fine. Any idees on what to do?
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2009 | 01:47 PM
  #2  
Monsta's Avatar
Monsta
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Club FTE Silver Member

Have tried doing a search? if you search for 4x4 relays it may get you a path to follow.

My guess would be that you have an electrical problem either in the switch or maybe one of the relays for the transfer case.

Have you crawled underneath to have a look-see at the harness to the transfer case to make sure a wire isn't broken or something?
 
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2009 | 04:03 PM
  #3  
krewat's Avatar
krewat
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Club FTE Gold Member
There's a whole bunch of stuff to check, but since you say the light doesn't come on in the dash, that means the transfer case is not engaging and has nothing to do with the hubs. Do this:

Get a test light. Pull the two-wire connection from the servo motor on the transfer case, and connect the test light.

While the engine is running, have a helper turn the 4x4 **** from 4x2 to 4x4HI, wait 10 seconds, and then turn it back. Watch the test light. If it lights each time the **** is turned, you have power to the motor and the motor is bad.

If the test light doesn't light, you have a problem upstream. While you're under there, check the multi-wire connector going to near the servo motor. That is a switch that tells the electronics which gear the transfer case is in. Make sure it's seated, and that the connections are clean.

If that checks out fine, check the fuses, and then the relays. The relays are in a small box near the main power distribution box near the master cylinder.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:48 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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