Hi
2009 F150 5.4L
Ice and snow is here! UHG!!

Turned on the 4x4 High, and didn't hear anything so thought it was a smooth transition. But no doesn't feel like it engaged. I can hear a "click" when I turn if off, but nothing turning it on.
I further double checked by just driving on dry pavement - no buckle or anything, hard turns easy. Seems as though it is not engaged. Also driving on the snow and Ice, giving a little gas, and the back starts to go sideways, not typical for a 4x4, usually spins tires but still goes forward if only a slight twist.
Dash says It is on. If I put it in neutral, and switch to 4x4 Low, the dash reflects that. However I do not feel it when driving.

Is it actually engaged? If not is there something I am not doing that is not working? I am heading to the dealer next week for a inspection for engine light. gonna have them check this as well. How about a relay or fuse?

I am still not too familiar with all these buttons and computer stuff in this thing. Im a little old school. Manual 4x4 shift or actually going out and turning the locks hahahah.

Thanks guys!!

 

Doesn't sound like your TC is engaging. I'd go underneath and check the wires and connections on the motor. Should be on the drivers side. Pull the plug and clean the connections would be the first thing I'd try.

 

Hi
Thanks for the quick reply, I was running around this forum. How about IWE? I am not at my truck (at work atm) would that be a viable option as well? I know we did extensive tune up, vct, coils, and plugs. Wondering if we messed up one of the vacuum lines.

 

I'm thinking not because, you can run with the IWEs connected by disconnecting the solenoid that controls the vacuum to them without any issues or binding. You don't get the binding until you are in 4WD and to do that you need the TC switched to 4WD as well. Since you report no binding in 4WD, that tells me that it could be TC or front diff.

I suppose it could be the IWEs if they were really bad and not engaging at all but, I've never read/heard them just going bad. Usually you get some grinding noise first. IWE's take vacuum to disengage.

If you have a helper, you could see if the noise you are hearing is coming from the TC area or by the driver side firewall in the engine compartment (where the solenoid is located). You should hear something in both places.

 

I would replace the vacuum check valve for the IWE. It is common for them to leak and partially engage when it shouldn't, it is possible it is stuck closed. Worst case you have a spare for when it fails.

If you can get all for wheels of the ground, engage either 4WD, put the transmission in neutral. go under and turn the rear driveshaft by hand. If the front shaft doesn't turn it it the transfer case, if the front shaft turns but not the wheels it is the IWE.

 

Even if the IWE's are bad, you should still get into 4Lo and feel the extra gear reduction from the transfer case. It just wouldnt be powering the front wheels. But you said you don't feel that driving which would indicate the shift is not happening at all.

 

thanks all

@mass-hole @Blue2016XL That is correct. There is no binding on concrete at all. full radius turn, free flowing steering. That was my first red flag!
@mass-hole When I put it in 4L, I heard something, but then driving was normal. That should have been screaming at me.
@Blue2016XL I see what you mean. Has to be engaged to bind. I'll crawl under there. Fortunately have underground parking (and head maint there), I'll take a peek, hopefully it is not a big deal getting the the switch.

Thanks. I'll report back what I find, if not, I still have the appt at the dealer - I'll see what they say as well.

 

Would help a lot to know what the code is. Run on down to Auto Zone, Advance Auto, and have them check the codes.
Meanwhile, read this thread, might be, might not be the trouble.

 

I got in the truck on lunch break - put it in 4L (after neutral) DID cause a bind. I am not used to these newer 4x4, Still did not feel a bind in 4H. Is it possible that this newer model (all mine were pre 2005) has better 4x4 on dry pavement? Maybe I am using this **** incorrectly. Missing owners guide (of course).
@johnday in BFE Engine light is not on.. however EXCELLENT vid. Gave me an idea what to look for.

 

You shouldn't run the truck in 4H on dry pavement. If you have 4A (4WD Auto) you can run it in that all day long on any kind of terrain. You should still feel some kind of bind in 4H on dry pavement. If you have a helper, see if they hear any movement on the TC motor when you switch to 4H from 2H. Then to 4L. Hopefully they can hear it without getting under the truck since it will want to be out of park. My guess as I never tried switching to 4WD with transmission in park.