Just picked up an old war horse ('02 F150 4X4 5.4L) with 225K on the clock. Automatic w/ shift-on-fly floor shift.

I can shift from neutral to 4L and back up and across to 4H but it seems like I'm hitting a wall trying to get the shifter up to 2H. The 4X4 light does not come on in 4L or in any other position (assuming I am indeed stuck in 4H).

I am a novice when it come to understanding this transfer case / differential. I'm guessing I have a problem with linkage and at worst, I have a transfer case problem.

Could any of you gentlemen point me in the right direction on where to start the diagnosis/ cure?

Thanks!!!

 

If it was stuck in 4H when you got it i would get under the truck and inspect the linkage. People usually have problems getting it in not out.

 

I should add the 4X4 was rarely, if ever used on the truck and the truck may have been sitting all winter (we're in Detroit).

Is it possible the shift fork can't move in that direction. Is there a small motor under there that may be jammed or clogged with debris?

Does anyone have a pic of this area so I can orient myself?

 

Try shifting your transmission in neutral when your trying to shift out of 4x4.

 

I've had tranny in neutral and tried to shift up to what I believe is 2H but it won't budge. I can get the shifter (on the floor) in neutral and in 4L. I can go sideways (directly to the right) from neutral into what I believe is 4H. Can't get it up to 2H. When I'm to the far right (out of neutral), it won't shift down either (which is why I think I'm in 4H).

 

Any other ideas?

 

I pulled the shifter boot from the cabin, placed a light along the linkage so I could see it from the bottom of the truck and blasted the linkage with WD-40. Rocked it back and forth until it freed and problem solved.

 

Spray some dry graphite, or so brake cleaner on it now, you don't want that WD on there...

 

10-4..........