Maulerman

The 4WD in my 2004 F150 is not functioning. I think the problem lies with the engagement mechanisms on the front wheels. My neighbor wants me to pull his boat out of the water for winter and I don't have time to repair it. Since vacuum disengages the hubs if I pull the vacuum lines off the hubs will they engage for the short time I need to pull the boat out?

Aeromech

Yes

60DRB

x2^^

And start reading;


http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1211749-4wd-not-working-help-me-pinpoint-my-issue-plz.html#post12662529

https://www.f150forum.com/f72/how-diagnose-your-4x4-system-esof-186872/

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/836438-everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-the-iwe-system-and-then-some.html
http://www.f150online.com/forums/2004-2008-f-150/360269-iwes-removal-replacing.html

techrep

iTrader: (1)

i would pull the vacuum lines off the IWE solenoid.. that way water will not get in you wheel ends.. it may be a solenoid problem.

lewissa81

^^^ ×2

Dirttracker18

No!

Well maybe.

If your system is not engaging the IWEs may have failed in the open position. While this is less likely it does happen and if this is the case simply removing vacuum will not cause the IWEs to engage.

For a system that fails closed, 4 wheel drive would still work but the IWEs would always be engaged.

YoungDiesel

Where is the boat at that you need 4x4?

homer

The IWE's are spring-loaded to engage, the vacuum pulls them to disengage. If you pull the vacuum then in theory yes they should engage assuming that's the issue you're having (I have done this as a temporary fix myself as my IWE solenoid failed stuck allowing constant vacuum - while even still lighting the 4x4 light).