Guys, I could use some pointer. I just had the complete front end apart to change the vacuum actuators, yes thats right.... the truck is only 3 years old but these parts were ROTTEN, totally rotten. They fell apart when we took them off, pretty surprised and not in a good way.

With the truck not running the front hubs are locked meaning when you turn the front half shafts they are engaged.

With the truck running the hubs disengage meaning you can turn the wheel free from the half shaft in 2wd mode. Normal right?

Heres the problem, when I want to select 4wd the vacuum does not stop, it still keep the hubs in free wheel mode/ 2wd . If I go and disconnect the vacuum tube at the vacuum actuators to stop vacuum to the hubs, then the hubs lock up in 4wd mode.

Why is it when the 4wd is selected the vacuum does not stop so so the hubs can engage in 4wd engaging the hubs?

Is there a way to check the solenoid?

can anybody tell me anything else on how this system works?

Again, thanks for any replys.

 

Just doing some searching it looks like it can really only be the iwe solenoid.

Good information for anybody interested, check out post #6.

https://www.f150forum.com/showthread...ghlight=vacuum

 

not sure what year your truck is, but if it's an 04/05 i would recommend buying the new style IWE solenoid, the older one is just waiting to break if it has not already. ask for a IWE solenoid for a 2006 F150, you want the one with the shroud around it. it could also be the switch, unlikely, but maybe.

 

my 06 (March of 06 built) had the shroudless IWE, I bought the updated one. I took the shroud off the new one and it was the same number on the IWE itself. I think one could just make a shroud for the existing one. For the $22.xx I paid I have peace of mind. I think you need to ask for the specific part number listed in one of the threads about it not just for an 06 one. I'll see if I can find the number.

 

really, that's interesting, i wonder why you got the old solenoid, typical ford though, using whatever they have on hand at the time. couple guys did make shrouds, but for the low cost, i would just buy the new part. this is what part number i ordered (for the father-in-laws truck, not mine) and got the new style, 6L3Z-9E441-A

 

If I remember correctly the "TSB?" said "and some early 06 models" sure enough mine qualified as "early 06" That is about how my luck runs!!! I saved the switch just incase(I don't think it was defective just shroudless). In fact ther shroud actually can occomadate 2 switches. Complete with the opening for the clip to mount it. Must be a duplicate application.