scalliwag

My front driveshaft turns but I dont know if the 4 wheel drive is even engaging because the 4x4 light doesnt even turn on. It used to work off and on but now I got nothing.

60DRB

I gather you have the "push button" 4x4 system? It sounds like the 4WD shift motor may be stuck or malfunctioning. It is an electric motor on the transfer case that does what the floor shifter does on "manual" 4WD trucks like mine. (engages the transfer case, and sends a signal to the vacuum solenoid and dash light) You can try tapping on the shift motor to see if it will loosen up. It may be "frozen". From what I've read this is common when the 4WD is infrequently used.


http://www.f150online.com/forums/2004-2008-f-150/360269-iwes-removal-replacing.html

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/836438-everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-the-iwe-system-and-then-some.html

fx4_soldier

You might want to check the vacuum lines, our hubs are activated on and off by vacuum and if the hoses are even slightly cracked it will effect your hubs. Even if your transfer case is workng the hubs wont be locked in.

beetlebz

Does anyone know of a way (outside of my very limited imagination) of isolating the IWE solenoid, or the IWE itself as the problem? Replacing everything, including the new CV thats too short for my leveling kit, will run me around 400 bucks... and thats exactly $395 more than I have lol

the 4x4 system still engages fine and there are no noises or issues in 4x4 at all that I can tell, so I suspect its a slow vacuum leak, and fundamentally the IWEs gear health wise are fine. If its just the solenoid great... and I can replace the IWEs later when funds permit.

thoughts?

60DRB

The second link I posted above explains how to isolate where a leak might be, including the IWEs. It's very easy. If you can't get the link to work I can send you my edited and enhanced version as a Word Doc.

beetlebz

indeed it does, shame on me for not following the link. I assume it must be the IWE(s) at fault, ill get out my vacuum pump at work on friday and test them out. Maybe even remove the main line from the solenoid and plug it and see if the noise stops.

I wish I had explored the IWE issue more initially... this thread and its contributors are fantastic!

twinkota

got the grinding noise coming from my front right actuator in 2wd. I already replaced the iwe solenoid and no luck. Vac guage showed the actuator loosing vacume within a few seconds. Anybody know where i can find a schematic, instructions for removing the actuator. I gots some wrenchin skills, just wondering if i can tackle this one day, and drive it to work the next.

60DRB

...the other link I posted tells about the IWE replacement and has some good pictures. The guy who started that thread recently posted good cut-away digrams of how the IWEs are constructed. The replacement isn't hard. You'll read that the parts are "Ford only" to buy. My local dealer matches on-line parts prices. If yours won't, there are several dealers that sell parts on-line. IWEs are under $80.00 each.

Skull31

I like to add and have heard this from plenty of mechanics.

When switching to 4WD/HI,light throttle up to 50,switch to neutral(if traffic conditions allow this) and switch to 4HI,wait a moment for light to come on,then place back in drive.Just less stress on the transmission.Now again only do this if traffic allows.

twinkota

60DRB, Thanks for the link! I got the front end tore apart. Didn't know i'd have to seperate the ball joint and tierod end, but the guide made it simple. I found a small leak inside the iwe actuator, wasn't holding vacuum when i hooked up a low pressure air hose to the vac port. I'm gonna do some searching online for the new one, and 3 nuts that are reccomended to be replaced. Any reccomended sites to purchase? Thanks for the help!