Hey guys.

My '05 150 with 60k will not engage into 4x4. When I actuate the dash ****... nothin'. No grinding--no lights...just dead. The dash light indicators work on ignition. I found that the iwe solenoid was being showered with WIPER FLUID or rain water. I disconnected said solenoid and are currently driving the truck without it. How come I have no grinding if I interrupted vacuum route? Is there a check valve holding pressure? Is liquid in my lines? I am about to purge my lines and replace iwe solenoid?

Thank You!

 

When you remove the l vacuum from the system (disconnecting lines) you are letting the hubs fully engage. So what you are doing is drving in 2WD but your front tires are engaged and turning your half shafts and front dif. but your transfer case is not engaged so you are not it 4WD and your are not hurting anything by doing this, except MPG. If you are not getting lights then check the 4x4 switch motor on the transfer case.

You can check all your vacuum connections and lines and replaced the solenoid for peice of mind and is not a bad idea, but i think you might be looking at a switch motor problem. Find it on the transfer case and tap it a couple times with a rubber mallet to free it up, they get stuck from not being used.

Also read this.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...then-some.html

 

Thanks, "89".

I will check that out--Thing is, I just got back from deer hunting and used 4x4 regularly for several days. I use my 4-drive at least once a month in rural Michigan counties where I "recreate". I do recall a hard incident, crossing a creek, last month--maybe something got rattled. I really appreciate your knowledge, and willingness to pass it on! This is my first malfunction for this truck--I hope this is it! My last 2x2 Ford never gave me a moment's trouble (1996 300-six). I sold her with 250K going strong!

I am learning that this vacuum 4x4 system is a bit precarious. "Switch on the fly" might be for housewives and soccer moms--I had the old part-time Dodge some years ago--what a beast!--But simple.

I'll keep you posted on what I find-- for what you said makes sense.

Still changing that solenoid and SHIELDING it!

Thanks a Bunch!!

Happy New Year!--Please! ha ha...

 

If you get a new solenoid, it comes with a shield preinstalled.

 

Hey 89!

My new solenoid had no protective provision(???)--but I fashioned one quickly out of some aluminum gutter material I had left over... After replacing the 'noid--still nothin'--til I tapped the side of the T-case motor, etc---Voila! What I have learned is that my vacuum system integrity is good--I will replace T-case engage assembly soon!

I will keep you posted. THANK YOU! Also, I think I will create a shield for T-case motor/module assembly in addition. Funny, this vacuum system works a lot like some medical machines I used to work on--lots of solenoid/pressure switches to hold or release pressures at various commands--i.e. "dialysis machines".

They are hydraulicly (ultra-purified water) primed --then pressures are cycled and/or "held", according to "load specs and changes". I believe there were 20 or so Faraday type solenoids in one machine, commanded over all, by a computer mother board. Man, I need a project bad!--Just don't want it to be "My Girl"! Snow up by my cabin is easily 2.5 feet--with drifts!!

Thank You Again!!!

DT

 

Glad it worked! i thought most of the new solenoids came with a cover, maybe that ones been sitting around for a while, oh well you made a cover for it.