4x4 stopped working
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
The power for the shift relays and shift motor comes from fuse #111. I would check that.
Also you should know that the shift motor will only have power on it for a second or so while it's trying to shift. If you put a test light between the two pins of the two wire connector, key in RUN, and have someone try to shift to 4WD, the test light should flash.
If that doesn't happen, then the relays are bad, the relay bases and wiring is corroded and not making contact or F111 is bad.
If you look at the wiring diagram below, you'll see that the coil of each shift relay is always powered, and the 4WD control module grounds the other side of the coil to activate the relay. If you have a DVOM, set to continuity, you can probe a good ground and pin 85 of the high to low relay. When switching to 4WD, you should see pulses of continuity through to ground on that pin.
Also you should know that the shift motor will only have power on it for a second or so while it's trying to shift. If you put a test light between the two pins of the two wire connector, key in RUN, and have someone try to shift to 4WD, the test light should flash.
If that doesn't happen, then the relays are bad, the relay bases and wiring is corroded and not making contact or F111 is bad.
If you look at the wiring diagram below, you'll see that the coil of each shift relay is always powered, and the 4WD control module grounds the other side of the coil to activate the relay. If you have a DVOM, set to continuity, you can probe a good ground and pin 85 of the high to low relay. When switching to 4WD, you should see pulses of continuity through to ground on that pin.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
111 was blown, I replaced it and it blew again. I cleaned the plug to the trans case, put another fuse in and there is still no power at the plug. This is a dumb question but will any 4 prong relay work? I went into napa said I Need this and he handed my two relays. They fit but I wonder if perhaps there are different kinds...
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
They are mini-ISO relays. They need to be 5 pin and the pins should look like the diagram above. Most relays have a wiring diagram on the side that should look something like the one in the electrical diagram.
What he gave you are probably single throw (4 pin) and you need double throw (5 pin).
What he gave you are probably single throw (4 pin) and you need double throw (5 pin).
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
Thanks a million for all this amazing information.
One last thing, I can't head out to the parts store because my truck is stuck at the bottom of a hill in 2wd and 2 feet of snow.
The 2 relays I have, have 5 prongs just like the stockers. They look the same, but can they still be wrong?
One last thing, I can't head out to the parts store because my truck is stuck at the bottom of a hill in 2wd and 2 feet of snow.
The 2 relays I have, have 5 prongs just like the stockers. They look the same, but can they still be wrong?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
I did try and compare(I lack electrical skills) but they do not look identical. Some contacts seem to cross differently. I'm going to wait till the morning, run to autozone and get the part number listed in this thread.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
Ok guys I'm going to start from the beginning because nothing is working.
Brand new relays under the hood. Unplug the plug to the trans case motor and check for voltage and nothing(used power probe and grounded it to the chassis). Checked the fuses under the dash and they are all now good. Pulled the switch on the dash and checked for power and am getting power to one wire and the other 3 nothing, not sure what is supposed to get power there....Removed the glove box and visually inspected the 4x4 module and it looks clean, no leaking windshield or corrosion, etc....
Any ideas on my next move? I'd have replaced the motor already but with no power going to the plug I see no reason to...
Perhaps my 4x4 module went out?
Jordan
Brand new relays under the hood. Unplug the plug to the trans case motor and check for voltage and nothing(used power probe and grounded it to the chassis). Checked the fuses under the dash and they are all now good. Pulled the switch on the dash and checked for power and am getting power to one wire and the other 3 nothing, not sure what is supposed to get power there....Removed the glove box and visually inspected the 4x4 module and it looks clean, no leaking windshield or corrosion, etc....
Any ideas on my next move? I'd have replaced the motor already but with no power going to the plug I see no reason to...
Perhaps my 4x4 module went out?Jordan
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
So, since I've been lost, I went through every single fuse under the dash, not one was bad or blown and I've replaced both relays under the hood... I'm still getting nothing...
My question is what gives the 4x4 switch on the dash power? The module? I ask because I don't believe I'm getting power there...
I tested the switch. When I turn the lights on I get power at the first wire(lights up the background with the green glow), but the other three get nothing as I switch through 2wd/4hi/4lo... I'm assuming there should be power there? I don't know what else to do other than replace the 4x4 module but I'm not sure what that effects...
any guidance would be appreciated... :/
Jordan
My question is what gives the 4x4 switch on the dash power? The module? I ask because I don't believe I'm getting power there...
I tested the switch. When I turn the lights on I get power at the first wire(lights up the background with the green glow), but the other three get nothing as I switch through 2wd/4hi/4lo... I'm assuming there should be power there? I don't know what else to do other than replace the 4x4 module but I'm not sure what that effects...
any guidance would be appreciated... :/
Jordan
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 6
From: Garden Valley, Idaho
I really feel for you my USMC friend and so wish I could help you out. My only advice is to find a Ford dealer and let the service manager know what you have already checked. Hopefully they can help. Please keep us posted, and someone may still be able to give you some advice.
Pap
Pap
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
Just to update, I read some threads and saw that the Dash switch gets 5v and doesn't always light up a test light so I broke out the multi meter. The first wire that lights up the switch is getting 12v and the second wire is getting 5v but the other 2 are getting nothing and turning the switch does nothing aswell.... Still trying but I dont know where to go from here :/
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 6
From: Garden Valley, Idaho
Unfortunately for a few V-10 owners, except for the most common early spark plug blowing issue, there aren't many problems associated with the V-10. Consequently, most dealer tech's have a hard time determining the answer to a problem when it comes to V-10's. Hopefully their experience with the V-10's little brother, the 5.4, maybe they have run into a similar situation. I hope it is something simple. Again, make sure you talk directly with the tech that will be working on your truck and give him all of the details you have already checked. Keep us posted.
Pap
Pap
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
Thanks for the moral support Pap.
I don't think it being a V10 has anything to do with it. I would assume the 4x4 electrical system would be the same for the 5.4, 6.8, and the 7.3... But who knows. I'm officially lost and am gonna be forced to bring it to the shop...
I don't think it being a V10 has anything to do with it. I would assume the 4x4 electrical system would be the same for the 5.4, 6.8, and the 7.3... But who knows. I'm officially lost and am gonna be forced to bring it to the shop...
New User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Test the shift motor
It's very easy to test the shift motor. All you need to do is unplug the motor, find the two wires going into the motor and apply ground to one wire and 12v to the other wire you shoud hear the motor shift the transfer case, if not reverse the leads (apply ground to the wire you had 12v to and apply 12v to the wire you had grounded) if the motor is good you will hear it moving. I have an article on how to disassmble the shift motor there is a good chance it just needs cleaned or a brush here is the link.
Servicing A Transfer Case Shift Motor
I know this works because I just did it to my shift motor about an hour ago. I don't have my 4X4 shift problem solved yet, but I know the motor is good.
MM
Servicing A Transfer Case Shift Motor
I know this works because I just did it to my shift motor about an hour ago. I don't have my 4X4 shift problem solved yet, but I know the motor is good.
MM
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boaterdude83
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Jan 6, 2010 09:03 PM
