F15o

Hey everyone.

I have a 97 F150 Extended cab with the 4 wheel drive. I am having some problems with the 4X4. The truck has been sitting since 2006 and I finally decided to get her up and running and sell the old girl. I am wondering if anyone would have any suggestions for why the 4X4 would go. I know there are probably a billion reasons why.... I want to know them all so I can try and find the issue. I havent looked yet cause I have to run but I am thinking something as simple as a wire that has cracked or something along those lines. If you have any idea please feel free to let me know....

Thank you everyone for your helpful posts ahead of time...


Thanks again...

F15o

JRV

It'd be great to have a little more information. Is it the electric shift 4x4 or on the floor shift 4x4? I've heard of the solenoid going bad on the electric, while on the floor shift they sometimes just won't engage because they haven't been used in so long, which could definitely be your problem with it sitting for 2+ years. Make sure nothing is binding underneath, and see if anything needs to be lubed up...there have been many other posts on this subject.

Another good place to start would be draining the transfer case. Easy to do...all you need is a 10mm to take off the crossmember, then pull the drain plug. To fill, its easiest to use a syringe to suck up the tranny fluid (you will use 2 quarts of regular Mercon, however I am told you can also use Mercon V in it as well) and squirt it into the top fill. Its just in an awkward spot, you can't really get a funnel up there. It took me all of 20 minutes from start to finish doing mine. The fresh fluid in there might be good for it...mine was being crabby going into 4 Low, after the fluid change and a few miles under the belt, she seems to be clicking right in.

farmerboy3

if it is electronic on the fly shifter... it could be the fuse

willys5555

how do i know if my 4x4 low is working? it definetly goes into 4x4 cause i can feel and see it working but when i put it in park, switch to 4 low...nothing seems to change...am i supposed to have another light on the dash come on...and when i drive, it doesnt seem any different then 4 hi. i have a 97 with electric shift. thanks for any help.

DaleD

On my 97 4x4 4.6L electronic shift you must stop, put it in neutral first
before selecting 4WD LOW, you will see a light stating 4WD LOW on the dash
and you will know by the RPM's of the engine that it's in low ! hope this helps ?

farmerboy3

[quote=DaleD;145163]On my 97 4x4 4.6L electronic shift you must stop, put it in neutral first
before selecting 4WD LOW,

i have to say you are wrong about the electronic shift since we have 3 of them you do not have to stop you can still drive and shift into 4x4 on the go with out stopping or shifting into nutral

willys5555

[quote=farmerboy3;145167]not quite...i know you have to stop...even in the owners manual it says you have to stop. that is to go into 4x4 low. buy yes you can shift to 4 hi while driving.

willys5555

ok so you do it in neutral...maybe thats where im wrong. i always put it in park. i will try that later on then. thanks!

JRV

Farmerboy/Dale - ***** is right. You need to stop for 4 Low. And yes, it is neutral, but I'm sure park works just fine. However, 4 High can be engaged on the fly...only don't engage that if your back tires are spinning.

A lot of times 4 Low can be strange, due to the fact that not many people use it. A good practice is to just routinely click it in for a bit, also just to see if everything is in working order. DON'T run either High or Low on dry pavement!

willys5555

hmm well it seems that mine isnt working then. what should i check to start figuring out what the possible problem is? thanks for the help guys.