Ford F-Series 4x4 Problems

welborn

93 ford f150 4x4 is stuck in 4 wheel drive cant get it out the 4x4 light is not on.but it is in 4wheel drive help please

wpalkowski

Pushbutton 4x4 is activated by vaccum lines going to the hubs. Check the condition of vaccumm hoses. They may be cracked or brittle.

billyzack

I just bought a 92 Ford F-150 XLT and when I push the 4X4 buttons, nothing happens, no lights light up, I don't feel any noticable difference in the driving, am I supposed to do something other than push the buttons? I don't have a manual and have never owned a 4X4. Help!! Does anyone know where I can buy an owner's manual?

KCRam

I had a 93 F150 with the push-button 4x4 system, same truck essentially as yours. You should hear a light clunk when you push the button and feel a very slight increase in vibration from the front driveline when it's engaged. Since you have none of that, you need to have the switch checked - more than likely, the previous owner let id die and didn't say anything.

kcram - Pickups Host

wpalkowski

Here's a link to an owner's manual for your truck:

1992 Ford Owner's Manual

billyzack

Thanks, I will get one. I narrowed my 4X4 problem to the switch, I found one on Ebay for $25, the dealers here don't carry it anymore and Bronco Graveyard wants $180 so I took a chance for $25, if it doesn't work, it's only $25, Thanks again, Billyzack

jimcco

My 05 F250 Fx4 V10 shifts itself into 4wd high without moving the control knob. The 4x4 dash lite comes on & can hear the shift taking place. Hubs are set to auto. If stopped and key off then back on it always returns to 2wd; but moving the knob to 4wd then back to 2wd while key on will not reset to 2wd. This is very intermitant; some days it does it some days not.
Local Ford service manager can't find problem or info on Ford net.

fordtuf1

The vaccum activates the hubs to engage, the same vacuum that operates the heat/ac vents. Weird sounding but its the same vacuum supply. Are the vents working right?

I don't really know more but the guys at ford-trucks know a bit more, and there's a guy that posted a TON of detailed service guidelines on his own. He took the time to detail it with pictures and everything, I say he did better than any manuals I've ever read. He goes by the name of guzzle, check him out.

rwhite8

When I'm in 4 wheel drive and turning slightly I get a popping noise in the front left hub. Has anyone else experienced this before? if so what are the possible causes and cures. I have not yet had time to pull it apart to check. Any information would be helpful.

mschmal

4x4 cannot be used on dry pavement. The axles are locked together in 4x4. So, when you are in a turn, the front wheels follow a different path than the rear wheels. Accordinly they spin at different speeds. When you are not on pavement, the froont wheels can slip and you don't hear this popping.

Mark

jhurley

ha Im working on a f250 2006 this veh is shifting in to 4x4
on it own when the switch is in 4x2 sounds like your f250
did you find a fix for yours iv been working on this veh for
about a week I work for ford in tulsa ok as a tech iv installed a new shift motor after driving veh now veh is stuck in 4x4 only way to get veh out of 4x4 is to install a
new shift motor im installing a new 4x4 module & new 4x4 relays see if will work let me know if you found a fix for this . thanks jeff 918 812-8541

grrrman

I've had 2 torque converters replaced in the past 2 years for transmission "shudder". The 1st time it took care of the problem, but this last time it didn't. It acts like its slipping when I'm on the highway, in overdrive, going about 65 to 70 and above. But it also does it to a lesser extent when I'm accelerating from a stop. I've read in another forum that it could also be a "miss" caused by either faulty plugs, plug wires, an O2 sensor, clogged fuel injector, or bad fuel filter. Can anyone tell me if they've experienced this, and what did it take to fix it? I don't want to replace everything if I can narrow it down. Thanks. :confuse:

eatmytailpipes

I just bought and picked up my newly purchased 2003 Ford F-250 Superduty XLT Sport Package. It has 120k on it. And I got it as a as is deal from NH. And the 4/wd wont work. It has the dial for a 4/wd shift. When I go to shift it into 4/wd it will not engage. And the 4/wd light does not show up on the dash. If you can help me on what this can be. If you know how to electrical test the switch can you let me know also. I will like ot be able to use the 4/wd since it came with a plow.
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all the fuses are good. the front shaft is locked in. the switch has power. but it is not switchin power to the front.
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well i put a jump it and jumper wires to the transfer case motor. and the transfer case moved and made noise. but i dont hear the sound when it is on the truck. when its in the truck i get NO POWER to the motor. If someone could tell me where the relays are for the motor and how i can test them.
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well the relays are good. and saturday at about 5pm est time. i had to go to town. and i had the wires and stuff all hooked to the motor. and i stopped to do something. and i heard a big boom. the transfer case tried to go into gear by itself. and then the motor was turning like it was trying to go in. then i went about 50ft. then it locked into 4/wd. then the motor started to make the noise again so i pulled the fuse and it stopped. and at this point it was locked into 4 hi so i put the fuse in to put it back into 2/wd. and it did but the front hubs were locked. then i went to turn around and it tried to engage while i had it in gear and i hear the gear grinding in the transfer case.it happend about 4 times. then the front hubs unlocked by itself. so i slowly at 5mph drove it a mile. and i parked it. so this morning i pulled the 2 wires off the transfer case motor. and it is fine now. this all started and the switch wasnt even in 4hi or 4lo. it was in 2/wd. I am starting to feel this truck is a hazard on the road. PLEASE HELP!

jimmie2

I have a 1993 Econoline van E150 with the straight six engine. I am not getting any fuel through the injector because they are not opening. I am getting the hot or positive side but I am not getting ground. Ground is supposed to come from the PCM or computer but I'm not getting it. Is there any sensor that the could cause the computer to not give me a ground?

KCRam

You somehow found your way into the Ford F-Series 4x4 Problems discussion. You should probably head over to the Full Sized Vans discussion for assistance to your problem.

kcram - Pickups Host

jhurley

the problem to fix was the 4x4 going in to 4x4 on its own
orange wire going from 4x4 module to relays was short to ground also burted up 4x4 module had to do a lay over
on wire & replace 4x4 module .

grrrman

UPDATE: My transmission shudder turned out to be a cracked spark plug and a bad plug wire. I had cleaned the injectors good, and added Lucas Transmission fix to the tranny, but neither helped. I finally took it to another trans. shop for a 2nd opinion and they were the ones who found the bad plug and wire. Good thing they were honest.. unlike the original shop. They told me the 2 plugs closest to the firewall were very hard to get to, and that the garage I took it to last time for a tuneup had probably changed all but those plugs since the six others were in much better condition. So if anyone else out there experiences what feels like your transmission slipping at high rpm's, change the plugs and wires first, then go from there. It will save you lots of money.

olehagun

I have a 2003 f 250 super duty diesel and when I shift into 4+4 the 4+4 light comes on but the front wheels don't drive I also tried it in low range and the transfer case shifted into low but still know front wheel drive .I am new to this truck any ideas. (The 4 wheel drive did work a month ago )

darrinb

I have a 2000 F350 Diesel p/u, I am having issues with the transfer case cycling in and out of low 4wd when I am trying to engage it. I do know that the vacuum lines to the hubs are not working so I manually turn the hubs myself. When I turn the switch to 4wd it comes like its supposed to, but when I put the transmission into neutral and turn the switch to 4lo, it will cycle in and then out and do that back in forth until I either turn the switch back to 4hi or try to time putting transmission into to drive when the light is on for 4lo. l I have a 35 fifth wheel and sometimes I will use low range to maneuver the trailer around so I don't have to use some much throttle to get moving. I will also do this w/o turning hubs and just utilizing low range for its gearing. Anyone have comments on why it cycles in and out?

atvfox89

Does anyone know why my 4 wheel drive doesnt work? i used it about 3 months ago then recently i went to put it into 4 high i heard it engage but i am not getting any power to the front wheels. i have a 1997 ford f150. if anyone can help me determine the problem it would be greatly aprreciated.

mdaly

I have an '03 Ford F - 150, 5.4 L and I can't get the 4x4 to engage. I've replaced the center axle disconnect solenoids and there's power flow but it just won't engage. What else could be the problem?

wpalkowski

Did you check to see if you've got a vaccuum leak? If you've got a leak, the hubs won't pull in.

mdaly

Where would I check for a vaccuum leak? Do I check at the new solenoids or on the 4x4 case itself?

thunderman

I have recently puchased a used F350 Super Duty Power Stroke Turbo Diesel and I just love it. I recently tried to use the four wheel drive with the shift on the fly switch on the dash. The light comes on but nothing. The hubs are on auto and nothing happens. I have followed all the proceedures to the letter. If I get out and turn the the hubs to lock, the on the fly feature on the dash works fine on, and off, on command. I thought it might be the shift motor on the transfer case but it's not becasue it does shift on and off. The problem is with the hubs not locking in and out automatically. I heard some rumors from different sources that ford has had some problems with this year and model. I went to the dealer and asked them what they thought, and they acted like it wasn't common, and that they haven't heard about this. I have an appointment to take it in, but I am not confident they are being truthful, and just want to keep the mechanics working for that day.They claim they will have to take the hubs apart and investigate. Yikes! They say 4to 5 hundred bux. I would like to know if anyone knows anything about this, and can share their experiance with me. Thanks guys.

thunderman

I also have a 1999 Ford Escort purchased for my sons in Vancouver. My oldest son has mentioned to me few times it would be nice to have a keyless entry to his car installed. I thought being close to xmas I should look into this and if it doesn't cost a arm and a leg, Santa could bring him one. Does anyone know if this is possible to install it or the approximate costs to do so? Thanks.

jeff155

After reading all the transmission problems I couldn't find any one that really had m exact problem. I own a 2001 Supercrew and few months ago it started to shutter a little when I turn, some time its worse than others but I haven't noticed anything that makes it worse or better. The shutter is only when I turn, it almost feels like Im trying to turn while Im in four wheel drive, but my 4x4 light isn't on and when I turn and switch it switch's to 4x4 and I can feel the difference, especially if I try to turn the shutter is much worse. Also once I switch into 4x4 it is hard to switch out, it has never gotten stuck in 4x4 yet usually I can get it out by stopping and switching it back and fourth.
I just $500 on front end work at the tire shop on new control arms. The mechanic at the tire shop thinks it might have something to do with my differential but he wasn't sure. Any ideas?

godchsrf150

Hi I just bought my super duty with 120000 miles and the 4 wheel drive is not working. The drivers side bangs in and out with the occasional grinding when you accelerate. I have switched the hubs on the front and it still does it only on the drivers side. I have had two mechanics look at it and both told me it was the hubs but didnt fix the problem. I think it is in the axle. It is also very difficult to get out of 4 wheel drive wich usually consists of driving backwards and forwards to coherce it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

gryphon101

You also have to have the auto-transmission in neutral to engage the 4x4 low.

flinstone1

i bought this truck with 45,000 on it. everything worked fine. the 4x4 got a tricky when engageing. sometimes it would and other times not. now it doesnt do anything. no 4x4 or lights. suggestions'?

jfarrow

The 4wd on my1999 F250 quit working about two months ago. The problem is the GEM (Generic Electronic Module) but these are back ordered until 2011 and there is no substitute. Has anyone else out there had problems with these and, more importantly, did you come up with any solutions? I love the truck, but will need 4wd before 2011.

Thanks

KCRam

2011? Ouch. I'd strongly consider trading for another truck. Doesn't have to be a new one, just one that works.

kcram - Pickups Host

jfarrow

I know you are right, but I haven't gotten over being mad at Ford yet. It just seems like a hell of a way to treat a customer.

brianw208

I have had the exact same thing happen, I fought it for a year, the only thing thats wrong is you have leaky front hub seals.

godchsrf150

Was it the axle seals? I have the same problem.

hobo5

I have a 2005 (50K) with the same problem. I find if I do the following the 4 wheel drive engages:
key off
turn 4 wheel slector to 4 wheel high
start truck
the 4 wheel engages (light on)
Wish I knew what the problem is. I would like to fix it.
Hobo5

brianw208

With my 1999 F350 the light came when I switched to 4/Wheel Drive, but the HUBS did not lock. When I manually locked the hubs the 4/Wheel drive worked if this is how yours reacts then follow the info below. The auto hubs lock up by vacuum, with my F350 all vacuum lines did not have any leak but the HUB Seals did. You should check all vacuum lines and the pump first them if no leaks are found check the hubs.

whitfield1

i have had this same problem in my 2000 f 350, i had my mechaninc take the hubs apart and free them up and lube them as at first the manual turning of the hubs was very hard, this made manual locking easy but did not fix the auto problem. I have checked out the vacum including installing a new vacum solenoid on the passenger fende rand all is well with that. Now i have been told that all i can do is buy new hubs which are expensive. Could you please relate to me what exactly i need to look for or do to my hubs to fix a vacum leak in them?

kkrash

2001 350 diesel 7.3 liter HELP! ford dealer says my 4x4 locked up and the calipers burnt the hubs. A bit technical for me. I think they are scamming me out of $1100.00 I know i can get it done cheaper but how do i really know that is the problem.ps only 80k miles Thanks

frog12

Hey Guys...My son has an '03, F-250 & I have an '05 F-350 both have similar problems as the topic. My 4X4 wouldn't slip in with the interior switch. The shop replaced my vac pump (rt fender) without checking anything...that did nothing. They said that the pump goes out frequently. Then they started checking and told me that it is the gem module. Now I'm hearing hubs... My son didn't have any problems until they worked on the heads. Now he has had the vacuum pump replaced. Revolving cash register. Neither of our problems have been fixed, BUT, I'm thinking that if fORD's better idea engineers continue with these kind of issues... I'm looking for a '55 2 wheel drive. Call me a FROG!!!

pcmedic

I had a simular problems on my 2004 f250 diesel and all it was that the vacuum line that control the hubs had a hole in it. The dealer also tried to repair the pump but I said no and found the hole. The vacuum lines run under the engine to each hub.

spoom

'03 5.4 F150 4x4 At about 30k miles lost the front part of the 4 wheel drive. Inside the front pumpkin there is an unbelieveably cheap potmetal-appearing yoke for sliding the splined gear that engages the front half shafts. Just over $400 at a trusted independant transmission shop. I was stunned how cheaply made this little part was-I can see the bean-counters cheaping up on a door handle or something easy to get at, but not something like that!

ssbn599

I have a 2000 F-150 lariet 4WD. The shift on the fly switch won't budge. What should I try to troubleshoot? Thanks.

bob2539_1

bob2539_1

When traveling the front hubs seem to try to lock in...it makes a noise like going over rubble strips...to stop it I turn the switch to 4 wheel drive and it stops...or I manualy lock the hubs in and it stops the noise...do I need to replace the hubs ???

jdrle

I just bought this truck for a great price, but when you shift into 4x4 with the a/c on blowing out the front vents, it looses vacuum and then blows out of the defrost vents. I was told it is probably the vacuum lines at the hubs. It does seem to engage into 4x4 and light comes on. If you turn the switch to 4x4 and 2wd back and forth a couple times it looses vacuum. As long as it is in 2wd the vents blow fine. It does recover after switching back to 2wd, takes a few minutes. Just want a second opinion.

braggon

braggon

Has anyone changed-out the auto-locking hubs for manual locking hubs on an electric shift on the fly truck. Any problems? Better MPG?

1998truck

I have had this truck for, this is the second winter season. Because the lock out hubs are not marked, I cannot remember which way to turn the lock out for , in 4-wheel drive and out of 4 wheel drive. These are also very stiff when I try to turn them. How do I keep them from becoming so tuff to turn ?

frog12

J.D, I have pasted about five different vacuum devices on my '05 4X4. I still haven't found the right combination that will allow my auto-4X4 to lock in from the interior switch. They are all apparently linked into some logic chip/chips that require a computer programmer. It has cost me a LOT and I'm wondering what FORD's bright idea was on the whole set-up. Good luck...

ford_dude1

hi, recently bought a 1998 ford f250 lariat, and i live in northern canada. i i went to use the 4x4 high the other day and the light comes on but the wheels don't turn. if i put in 4x4 low in neutral the light comes on and i can hear the 4x4 engage but still nothing. i've been told i have to lock the hubs manually but my front tires have a hub cap there isn't any dials there. am i missing something or is there a problem with it? any info would be awesome, i need this 4x4 to work, the truck is useless in the snow please someone help me lol

thanks, frustrated ford guy

dbweaver

I have a '99 F250 that has the vaccum lock hubs. It did the same thing yours is doing. There is a yellow O-ring on the back side of the wheel bearing assembly on each front wheel. I cleaned them real good and replaced the O-rings. That fixed it for a while. They quit working again so I just lock my hubs in manually now. It was a pretty tough job for me to fix. I don't want to do it again. I don't think it takes much dirt or dust to interrupt the vacuum.