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F150 4WD Issue - Update and new Question in OP
Posted on 1/11/19 at 8:26 am
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.
*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
10
Posted on 1/11/19 at 8:39 am to ducksnbass
Have you put a code reader on it yet?
Posted on 1/11/19 at 8:43 am to ducksnbass
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 on 1/11/19 at 9:31 am to ducksnbass
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.
It's not a vacuum system.
This post was edited on 1/11/19 at 9:32 am
Posted on 1/11/19 at 9:45 am to LEASTBAY
I had a 2011 F-150 Platinum with ecoboost and 4wd. I had several issues with vacuum related problems. After I traded the truck I got a recall from Ford about the vacuum pump being defective. Don't know if this is your issue but my issues included the 4wd hub locks chattering (no code). Shop changed the actuator on one side then the other because of the same issue. A/C would not switch between levels only blow in one area. Thank goodness for extended warranty. I also noticed that periodically I had to use excessive force on the brakes which is another indicator of low vacuum. Good luck. Since you have a code, go to a parts store and let them read it for you.
Posted on 1/11/19 at 9:50 am to ducksnbass
Posted on 1/11/19 at 10:11 am to wickowick
quote:
Have you put a code reader on it yet?
No, I haven't. I'll try to get that done this afternoon.
I know the transfer case shifts by the actuator motor. But, I think I've read something about the hubs being vacuum actuated? I haven't noticed any chatter from anywhere. It's fine until I try to shift it.
Yes, I do use it fairly often during the fall/winter months.
Posted on 1/11/19 at 10:14 am to ducksnbass
Should’ve bought Tundra.
Posted on 1/11/19 at 10:35 am to ducksnbass
I just had the actuator and solenoid replaced on my 2012 platinum, same symptoms you are describing.
Posted on 1/11/19 at 10:35 am to LSUA 75
quote:
Should’ve bought Tundra.
Thanks, that's helpful.
Posted on 1/11/19 at 10:36 am to Jsteven
quote:
I just had the actuator and solenoid replaced on my 2012 platinum, same symptoms you are describing.
What solenoid?
Posted on 1/11/19 at 10:57 am to ducksnbass
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
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 on 1/11/19 at 12:21 pm to LSUA 75
If you want to haul a heavy load, get you a Ford. If you want to swallow a heavy load, get you a Toyota.
Posted on 1/11/19 at 4:31 pm to ducksnbass
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 $$$
Posted on 1/11/19 at 5:23 pm to Alertbbs1
quote:
I had this same issue with my 2011 F-150, there was a recall on the truck, I think it was a speed sensor on the lead frame. They fixed it for $Free.99. I have put my tuck in 4WD multiple time since then and have not hat any issues. While they don't call that problem out directly in the recall, it may have solved the problem. Put your VIN in the Ford Recall website and see you are eligible. Worth a shot before you spend any $$$
The lead frame connector was an issue with the transmission. This is the transfer case, I had the same problem on 2012 F150 changed solenod and actuator fixxed check 4x4 light
Posted on 1/11/19 at 9:49 pm to KABoss02
Vacuum hubs on my 250 got me stuck in the mud twice
Posted on 1/12/19 at 8:39 am to Jugheadlsu
Could be, all I know is mine doesn't come on anymore. When I told Ford about the issue they said that that recall may fix it. May just be coincidence.
Posted on 2/5/19 at 9:16 am to ducksnbass
Update in OP. Fixed the shifting issue but now I have another question.
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