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F150 4WD Issue - Update and new Question in OP

Posted on 1/11/19 at 8:26 am
Posted by ducksnbass
Member since Apr 2014
754 posts
Posted on 1/11/19 at 8:26 am
When I shift my F150 into 4WD, I get the "check 4x4" light with the wrench. What's the first thing to check? I'v heard the actuator motors can go bad, would that be a good place to start? Oh, it's a 2011 by the way. Going to NM in February and most likely will need the 4WD so I need to get it fixed.

*Update* - Changed the transfer case shift motor and it fixed the "check 4x4" message. Transfer case is shifting fine now but I found another problem. It seems my vacuum actuated hubs aren't disengaging when in 2HI. I'm getting vacuum to the lines at the hubs but I'm not sure how much so I'm not sure if I'm getting enough to keep the hubs disengaged. I've read that it's ok to drive it like this in 2HI as long as the hubs are engaged. It said I may see a decrease in gas mileage but it will just be spinning the front diff. I will eventually replace the hub actuators but just want to make sure it won't hurt anything to drive like this for a while.
This post was edited on 2/5/19 at 9:15 am
Posted by wickowick
Head of Island
Member since Dec 2006
45820 posts
Posted on 1/11/19 at 8:39 am to
Have you put a code reader on it yet?
Posted by KABoss02
Dallas
Member since Jul 2009
1362 posts
Posted on 1/11/19 at 8:43 am to
Was just talking to a mechanic friend last weekend about what companies had the best 4wd system (was curious what he thought). He said the Ford system is a vacuum? system that constantly break if used in mud of off-road with any frequency. Apparently weight of mud or debri impacts cause damage to the lines and fitting pretty frequently. Do you fall in that category? His company services tons of service trucks in west Texas of all makes.
This post was edited on 1/11/19 at 8:46 am
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
14318 posts
Posted on 1/11/19 at 9:31 am to
There was a thread last week on this. It's an electric shift motor on the transfer case. Costs about $80 and takes 5 mins to change.

It's not a vacuum system.
This post was edited on 1/11/19 at 9:32 am
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
14318 posts
Posted on 1/11/19 at 9:50 am to
LINK


Looks.just like this. Just a few bolts. Climb under truck and change it. 5 min fix.
Posted by LSUA 75
Colfax,La.
Member since Jan 2019
3708 posts
Posted on 1/11/19 at 10:14 am to
Should’ve bought Tundra.
Posted by Jsteven
Nashville, TN
Member since Sep 2010
668 posts
Posted on 1/11/19 at 10:35 am to
I just had the actuator and solenoid replaced on my 2012 platinum, same symptoms you are describing.
Posted by Volt
Ascension Island, S Atlantic Ocean
Member since Nov 2009
2965 posts
Posted on 1/11/19 at 10:57 am to
I’ve been having the same issue for awhile and saw where you can take the end cap off of that motor.
It’s the grey part that’s held on by three small bolts.
When you take that off, just take your hand and spin the little plastic piece sticking out from the center of that cap.
Spin it around both ways.

It immediately helped for about 10 days, but now it’s hanging up again.

You Tube Video - takes about 5 minutes
Posted by Alertbbs1
Member since Sep 2010
118 posts
Posted on 1/11/19 at 4:31 pm to
I had this same issue with my 2011 F-150, there was a recall on the truck, I think it was a speed sensor on the lead frame. They fixed it for $Free.99. I have put my tuck in 4WD multiple time since then and have not hat any issues. While they don't call that problem out directly in the recall, it may have solved the problem. Put your VIN in the Ford Recall website and see you are eligible. Worth a shot before you spend any $$$
Posted by FournetteForEver7
Member since Nov 2015
2296 posts
Posted on 1/11/19 at 11:49 pm to
4Wd switch could be bad
Posted by ducksnbass
Member since Apr 2014
754 posts
Posted on 2/5/19 at 9:16 am to
Update in OP. Fixed the shifting issue but now I have another question.
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