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4x4 won't engage

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Old Feb 15, 2010 | 04:45 PM
  #1  
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4x4 won't engage

I have a 03 f150. The light on the dash says its in 4 wheel low range but it isn't. I don't hear the ticking under the dash when I turn the shift ****. I replaced the transfer case motor last fall. The light on the dash will not go off when I shift back into 2h. Any ideas?
 
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Old Feb 26, 2010 | 02:23 PM
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I had a similar problem and I think that mine is finally fixed.

First, you must find an HONEST garage with a good code scanner and it will check the electrics making sure that electronically it is shifting in and out of 4X4.

Finally I found the problem in mine. It was shift electronically and it still would not get into the 4X4 but the mechanic found a cracked solenoid that is on the R/S firewall. There a 2 solenoids here. One for engaging the 4X4 and one for disengage. He changed only the engaging one ($50) and now I can get my 4 wheel drive to work.

Good luck!
 
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Old Feb 26, 2010 | 07:54 PM
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the switch moves two solenoids on the fire wall. they open and send vacuum donw a hose to the axle differential. there are two hoses on the center pumpkin area of the axle that work the "on- off" 4 x 4 cylinder to engage the front axle. take the hoses off and see if one has vacuum at idle when your in 2 wheel drive, and the other has vacuum when in 4 wheel drive. if you have vacuum, the cylinder is "stuck". If you have no vacuum, follow the hoses to the passenger fender well and then up to the fire wall. if hoses are o.k., probalby the solenoids are not working.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2010 | 08:09 PM
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We have more snow here in ohio tonight. I put the truck in 4 wheel drive and it worked. I don't know whats wrong but I will check everything out. I just hope it keeps working until the weather breaks. Thanks for the info.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2010 | 10:52 PM
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mind is a little tempermental on going into gear. I come to a full stop, shift into 4 x 4, pop it inot neutral to let things move around, and it does fine. Without using neutral, it might work 75% of the time.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2010 | 06:24 AM
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Mine works when it wants to. I normally shift from neutral to drive back to park then hope it engages. I think my problem is out front though not in the transfer case. I've had the truck in 4lo and the front end was not pulling.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2010 | 07:18 AM
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cj, crawl underneath and spray a little penetrating oil on the actuator shaft. it sounds like the actuator on the front axle is not moving freely.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2010 | 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by cowboy1997
cj, crawl underneath and spray a little penetrating oil on the actuator shaft. it sounds like the actuator on the front axle is not moving freely.
Will give it a try.
Thanks
 
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