4x4 Will not disengage
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: MI
4x4 Will not disengage
Looking for help from the people on this one. Here's the story in a nutshell.
Information:
1. 2004 Excursion - 6.0 4x4 SOF - 121,000 Miles.
2. Auto locking hubs have been frozen since I bought the truck last year. (I didn't think this had anything to do with my problem since the auto lock was working)
3. 4x4 will shift from 2x4 to 4x4 using the SOF switch without any issue. Everything engages and works just as it should. Auto locking hubs work and the 4x4 engages even though the manual hub adjustment won't turn.
4. 4x4 indicator lights up as expected.
The Problem:
1. 4x4 won't disengage using the SOF. I flip the switch but nothing happen regardless of how long or how far I wait.
What I've done to date.
* Replaced the 4x4 actuator because it would turn one way but not the other.
* The connectors to the actuator itself looked clean and without defect to the eye.
* The new actuator acts exactly the same as the old one so I'm now thinking it has nothing to do with the actuator itself.
* To get it out of 4x4 I've been disconnecting the SOF actuator and manually disengaging the transfer case and then putting the actuator back on.
Not interesting in continuing to through parts at it so any insite or suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Information:
1. 2004 Excursion - 6.0 4x4 SOF - 121,000 Miles.
2. Auto locking hubs have been frozen since I bought the truck last year. (I didn't think this had anything to do with my problem since the auto lock was working)
3. 4x4 will shift from 2x4 to 4x4 using the SOF switch without any issue. Everything engages and works just as it should. Auto locking hubs work and the 4x4 engages even though the manual hub adjustment won't turn.
4. 4x4 indicator lights up as expected.
The Problem:
1. 4x4 won't disengage using the SOF. I flip the switch but nothing happen regardless of how long or how far I wait.
What I've done to date.
* Replaced the 4x4 actuator because it would turn one way but not the other.
* The connectors to the actuator itself looked clean and without defect to the eye.
* The new actuator acts exactly the same as the old one so I'm now thinking it has nothing to do with the actuator itself.
* To get it out of 4x4 I've been disconnecting the SOF actuator and manually disengaging the transfer case and then putting the actuator back on.
Not interesting in continuing to through parts at it so any insite or suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
Most likely a bad 4WD shift relay. On the passenger side in the engine compartment you will find 2 or more small relay boxes. You're looking for the relay box with two identical relays and nothing more. It will likely be wrapped in black tape if it's never been opened before.
One relay moves the shift motor from 2WD to 4WD to 4WL. The other relay moves the motor the opposite direction. A common diagnostic practice is to swap the two relays. If one of them is the problem, your ESOF should now shift out of 4WD but not into 4WD. If that happens, first look for corroded pins around the base of the relays and the connection to the box. If everything is clean, or it doesn't start working after it is cleaned up, replace the relays. You can get them from Ford and they're pretty cheap.
One relay moves the shift motor from 2WD to 4WD to 4WL. The other relay moves the motor the opposite direction. A common diagnostic practice is to swap the two relays. If one of them is the problem, your ESOF should now shift out of 4WD but not into 4WD. If that happens, first look for corroded pins around the base of the relays and the connection to the box. If everything is clean, or it doesn't start working after it is cleaned up, replace the relays. You can get them from Ford and they're pretty cheap.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: MI
Most likely a bad 4WD shift relay. On the passenger side in the engine compartment you will find 2 or more small relay boxes. You're looking for the relay box with two identical relays and nothing more. It will likely be wrapped in black tape if it's never been opened before.
One relay moves the shift motor from 2WD to 4WD to 4WL. The other relay moves the motor the opposite direction. A common diagnostic practice is to swap the two relays. If one of them is the problem, your ESOF should now shift out of 4WD but not into 4WD. If that happens, first look for corroded pins around the base of the relays and the connection to the box. If everything is clean, or it doesn't start working after it is cleaned up, replace the relays. You can get them from Ford and they're pretty cheap.
One relay moves the shift motor from 2WD to 4WD to 4WL. The other relay moves the motor the opposite direction. A common diagnostic practice is to swap the two relays. If one of them is the problem, your ESOF should now shift out of 4WD but not into 4WD. If that happens, first look for corroded pins around the base of the relays and the connection to the box. If everything is clean, or it doesn't start working after it is cleaned up, replace the relays. You can get them from Ford and they're pretty cheap.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: MI
Most likely a bad 4WD shift relay. On the passenger side in the engine compartment you will find 2 or more small relay boxes. You're looking for the relay box with two identical relays and nothing more. It will likely be wrapped in black tape if it's never been opened before.
One relay moves the shift motor from 2WD to 4WD to 4WL. The other relay moves the motor the opposite direction. A common diagnostic practice is to swap the two relays. If one of them is the problem, your ESOF should now shift out of 4WD but not into 4WD. If that happens, first look for corroded pins around the base of the relays and the connection to the box. If everything is clean, or it doesn't start working after it is cleaned up, replace the relays. You can get them from Ford and they're pretty cheap.
One relay moves the shift motor from 2WD to 4WD to 4WL. The other relay moves the motor the opposite direction. A common diagnostic practice is to swap the two relays. If one of them is the problem, your ESOF should now shift out of 4WD but not into 4WD. If that happens, first look for corroded pins around the base of the relays and the connection to the box. If everything is clean, or it doesn't start working after it is cleaned up, replace the relays. You can get them from Ford and they're pretty cheap.
Thanks again for the help!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
Hmm. Yeah, I wonder why I said passenger side. I know they're on the driver side. Good enough though. You found the problem despite my help.
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Tuned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Marquette, MI
I have to say that this post was very helpful to me. I had a similar problem except in my case I could not get the truck into 4WD. Thank you chamberlain and the others who contribute to much to this forum. This has been the defeinitive answer to my troubleshooting Ford truck problems since I joined 7 years back.
New User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Lacon, IL
fordtech08 cured my 2004 F350 4X4-He said put truck in N. Push on brake. Worked like a charm. While in 4x4 L. Cause may have been I put in N. coming down our icy hilly lane and used the brake lightly. Thanks Ford Truck Forum and fordtech08
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