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 issues and questions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 11:46 AM
  #1  
fishpimp's Avatar
fishpimp
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
4x4 issues and questions

so i just got my rear end swapped. and i went to an open parking lot to test out the 4x4.

so i pulled in and had the hubs inthe auto position clicked it to 4x4high and i went in a circle felt nothing differant. so then i got out and turned the hubs to the lock position and i did a circle ant was so resistant to go in a circle . didnt feel right. so i flipped the hubs back to auto and the swith back to 2wd but the 4x4 light on the dash will not shut off. why is that? and do i need new hubs?

what am i doing wrong.
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 11:56 AM
  #2  
bpounds's Avatar
bpounds
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
Likes: 319
From: Whittier, CA
Yes, you have an auto hub problem. They are not pulling in automatically. I don't think you need new hubs, because they do move manually, but you have to figure out why they won't move in automatic.

I don't know why the dash light continues to show 4x4. Try reaching in and turning the front U-joints by hand to see if the transfer case is actually still engaged. If it is, while the **** is in 2x mode, you will have to trouble shoot the actuator motor.
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 12:08 PM
  #3  
fishpimp's Avatar
fishpimp
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
i should be able to spin the front u joints if the 4wd is not selected?
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 12:24 PM
  #4  
bpounds's Avatar
bpounds
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
Likes: 319
From: Whittier, CA
Yes, if the hub is disengaged, and the transfer case is also disengaged, you should be able to turn the front axle. If everything is disengaged, you should also be able to turn the front driveshaft. It's an open diff of course.
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 12:29 PM
  #5  
fishpimp's Avatar
fishpimp
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
if they dont spin how can i get to the actuator motor?
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 12:35 PM
  #6  
fishpimp's Avatar
fishpimp
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
is it ok to drive like this?
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 12:38 PM
  #7  
bpounds's Avatar
bpounds
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
Likes: 319
From: Whittier, CA
It's on the side of the x'fer case, right side IIRC. You can pull the connector and test the elect before pulling the actuator.
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 12:47 PM
  #8  
bpounds's Avatar
bpounds
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
Likes: 319
From: Whittier, CA
Originally Posted by fishpimp
is it ok to drive like this?
Not very far, until you figure out what the problem is. If the x'fer case is engaged, but both hubs are unlocked, it's probably okay to drive. But if only 1 hub is acting up, that could be a problem. Chances are you will be okay, but there is some risk.

A short test drive is a good idea, because the x'fer case might actually disengage. Maybe try cycling it in and out a few times while driving.

Also, you didn't mention 4H or 4L. If you tried it in 4L, you have to be in park or neutral for it to disengage, and sometimes letting the truck free roll a few feet will help.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Fords to Drive Before You Die

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-4

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-9

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 12:50 PM
  #9  
fishpimp's Avatar
fishpimp
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
the front drife shaft does not spin even though the switch is on 2wd
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 12:52 PM
  #10  
fishpimp's Avatar
fishpimp
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
only high. i did not try low. the conector only has 2 pins. i am assuming pos and neg?
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 12:53 PM
  #11  
fishpimp's Avatar
fishpimp
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
if i remove the actuator motor. are there any seals or fluid that will need to change
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 01:27 PM
  #12  
bpounds's Avatar
bpounds
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
Likes: 319
From: Whittier, CA
We need to get some other opinions, fish. I have not had reason to remove mine. I think it is above the wet line, but I don't really know first hand.
 
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 01:53 PM
  #13  
fishpimp's Avatar
fishpimp
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
i might bring it to the shop who swapped my rear end.
 
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2009 | 01:48 PM
  #14  
krewat's Avatar
krewat
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,562
Likes: 424
From: Long Island USA
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by fishpimp
if i remove the actuator motor. are there any seals or fluid that will need to change
Nope, it won't drip on the driveway

If the 4x4 light is on, that means the transfer case is still in 4x4.

You might want to locate the 4x4 relays, and swap them. One is for going INTO 4x4, the other is for coming OUT of 4x4. If one is bad, and you swap them, it'll come out of 4x4.
 
Reply
Old Nov 4, 2009 | 06:04 PM
  #15  
RBlanton's Avatar
RBlanton
New User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2002 F-250 4X4 Relays

Where can I find the relays that engage and disengage the transfercase?
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:46 PM.

story-0
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die

Slideshow: 10 Fords to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-22 14:29:44


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition

The latest Expedition is quite popular, but it certainly isn't perfect.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-22 14:23:19


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