Steve0

I have a 2005 XLT and I get a grinding sound in 2 wheel mode and it goes away when I stop or switch to 4 wheel. I am looking for an experienced and reputable garage in the NW Chicago suburbs. Should I go to the dealer on this one?

redefinition1

Try replacing the iwe solenoid. It controls the vacuum that activates the 4wd. The original solenoid was susceptible to moisture that could be passed through the lines to the wheel ends. If you're lucky, just replacing the solenoid could solve the problem. If the problem has been going on for a while, some damage may have been done to the hubs. Start with the solenoid - should cost less than $30 - its a good place to start. Good luck.

OGTerror

Either that ^^^ or you have a leak on you vacuum lines causing it not to disengage properly.

Rodeorat

After all the recent talk of the IWE solenoid, I thought I'd test the 4x4 on my 04 Lariat. Just tested it on the street (dry pavement), but was only planning to make sure it engaged and didn't have that grinding noise, then put back to 2H.
Problem is, it wouldn't go back to 2H. The 4H light went out fine, but the front trans stayed engaged. After shutting down the truck and letting sit for 10 minutes, it went back to 2H and I drove home. Think that's the solenoid too?

Also, I dont hear grinding, but the front drive is fairly loud. Is it normal to hear that front drive? Gotta step on the gas to go too, almost as if the parking brake was still on? Normal?

GATORB8

Could be a leak/clog in the line from the solenoid to the actuator, or a bad actuator.