The indicator light on the dash of my 2005 has suddenly stopped working when i put it in 4 wheel high. Thought it was just a burnt bulb but it lights up when I go to start up. I believe that it is engaging in 4 wheel drive with no problem and the light comes on for 4 low........ If I shift on the fly it doesn't light up at all. If I put it into 4x4 from neutral the light turns on and then off once very quickly. And like I said, it works fine for 4 low.

Can anyone please tell me whats going on with this thing... Winter's approaching fast and I'm gonna be needing the 4x4

 

My truck does the exact same thing so your not alone.
Will be watching this to see what others say...

 

so the 4wd stays engaged but the light goes off? or does the light go off and the 4wd disengages as well? If youre not sure go find a big patch of grass and put it in 4hi and punch it...if it stays engaged it might just be the light.

 

The 4wd stays engaged but the light goes off after a split second, or does not come on at all.

 

id try diconnecting the batter for 20 mintues then putting it back on.

 

I dont know about gryoungs, but I have tried that in the past to no avail.

 

then my answer is....if the 4wd works still...whats the big deal? lol

 

burn it to the ground... or try resetting the computer

 

Sounds like an actuator motor issue (on the transfer case). You can put the front end up on stands (tires not in contact w/ground) and check if the 4x4 is engaged or not. IN PARK, Engine running; in 2wd you should be able to spin the front tires by hand. In 4wd the tires should not spin.

This is assuming your 4x4 solenoid and actuator motor are both working properly. The actuator motors are known to "freeze up" from dis-use. Sometimes tapping on the actuator with a rubber or wood mallet will knock it free if that's the issue.

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