lucass_e

It could be the solenoids, but I just replaced both of them last year when I was having other 4x4 issues, the ones that I installed are not supposed to collect water like the old style, and generally the vacuum actuator on the front axle moves, just not enough to disengage or engage the front axle, it could be the diaphragm actuator itself, as I have had to replace 2 of them the 10 years that I have owned my pickup, but at $100 for the new actuator and $110 for the manual engage kit that I ordered and never have to worry about the vacuum actuator going out ever again.

allinon72

I'm giving my solenoid one more shot...tested it today so I know it works. Has to be a lubrication issue so I loaded up the boot with white lithium grease and zip tied the boot so nothing can get in. Time will tell.

Jbrew

Same here, - 319,716.9 miles and every bit of the 4WD system has been solid..very reliable.

If it's flake like that in the cold only, - you have to troubleshoot it while it's not working. That's never convenient is it lol.

Could be a brain fart situation. When it's cold, the operator turns fan switch thinking it's the 4wd switch. They are in close relation to each other and feel the same.

twoskinsoneman

lol I'm always worried about doing the opposite. Truckin down the highway at 70 and flip it into 4L trying to turn the heat on.

02_Black_On_White

it wont go into 4L

Fordfan2006

still goes into 4hi

02_Black_On_White

yes... As it was designed not for 70mph though

coolride

I will be interested to see the review on the manual kit for the 4x4. I have a 2003 that the 4x4 doesn't engage. And the manual kit costs less than all the oem parts. Plus the diagnostics are simple, toss the vac can and go around it.lol Game over
Sounds simple anyways, but I'd be interested to hear if it works as well as the ads say they do.

tonyroc14

honestly it might be lack of use? I use my 4x4 at least 3-5 times a month and I don't have any issues. I use it whenever I am in the dirt, not because I need it, but because I want everything to get lubricated and function.

twoskinsoneman

very good point.