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4x4 light intermittently doesn’t illuminate

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Old 02-08-2019, 10:02 PM
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It came with the Compustar remote start already installed, so I’m not sure on that one. I work a double shift tomorrow, so I’ll probably try the KAM reset on Sunday when I don’t have to be to work in case it gets funky on the drive.
Old 02-08-2019, 10:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Alaskanmatt
It came with the Compustar remote start already installed, so I’m not sure on that one. I work a double shift tomorrow, so I’ll probably try the KAM reset on Sunday when I don’t have to be to work in case it gets funky on the drive.
Just remember, your throttle and shifting will be different than what you're used to, until the truck learns your style. Perfectly normal.
Old 02-08-2019, 11:56 PM
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Originally Posted by johnday
Just remember, your throttle and shifting will be different than what you're used to, until the truck learns your style. Perfectly normal.
Good to know.

Update: I took the truck out for a dedicated test drive tonight to confirm for sure if the 4WD is working even when the light is off. I did the cold remote start and idle, sure enough there were no 4WD lights on the dash. Went up some icy hills in 2WD, then switched to 4HI when it started slipping. The 4WD definitely is working even when the lights aren’t on. Could hear/feel it kick in with noticeably better control and power going up those slippery hills. I also switched it into 4LO on a couple quiet streets where I could stop and get into neutral. It definitely goes to 4LO just fine. Switching back from 4LO I had to try flipping the kn0b a couple times, it wouldn’t switch back on the first try, but both times it did get back to 2WD after a couple kn0b cycles.
Old 02-09-2019, 07:56 AM
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sounds like the transfer case shift motor is acting up..
Old 02-09-2019, 08:02 AM
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That's all good news! I've been playing with 4X4s since 1976, and learned on the rare occasion that I used 4L, when it won't shift like you expect out of 4L, it can help to keep wheels straight, and go the opposite direction you were going for a few feet, then try again. The drive system can get a slight bind in it preventing shifting. When going the opposite direction, it will unbind. Just a little tidbit.
Old 02-09-2019, 08:56 AM
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Left a message with the Ford dealer’s service department about having them look at it next week. I need to go in anyways to have them make a 2nd key (it was part of the purchase agreement that they would make me another copy since it only came with one). Hoping that if they hook it up to the computer they can tell me exactly what’s up with it, and that maybe it’ll be powertrain-warranty related (it still has a little time left on that) or at least that they might work with me a bit since I’ve only had the vehicle a week.
Old 02-09-2019, 09:12 AM
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They should be able to find something there. When you find out what's going on, please post the results.
Old 02-09-2019, 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by johnday
They should be able to find something there. When you find out what's going on, please post the results.
Will do! I appreciate all the feedback, thanks. Truck did the same routine this morning. No 4x lights after cold remote start when changing the kn0b. Turned key off/on and all worked perfectly.
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Old 02-09-2019, 11:15 AM
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I’m just spitballing here, but I am suspicious if it might be related to the aftermarket Compustar autostart. I’ve only had this issue after cold remote starts, and every time I’ve just turned the truck off/on with the key when it happens the 4x lights come on just fine. I will experiment this weekend with cold-starting/warming for 5 min with the key instead of autostart, brr.
Old 02-09-2019, 11:32 AM
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Hmm, never would have tied that in. You may be on to something.


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