I just picked up a 93 F150 for a winter beater.. I knew the 4x4 didn't work when I bought it but I am just curious if you guys know what the most common problem is with it. I've got electronic push button with auto locking hubs.. The light doesn't light up on the dash and I hear no sounds when I push it. Are there any common issues with this that would be cheap to fix? It's my winter beater, so I'm not really looking to dump a bunch of money in it (new transfer case) but if there is a common wiring issue or whatever that is cheap to fix I would do it. I tried searching but it seems like everyone has manual hubs.. I know a small amount but not a whole lot, so more description is better, or if anybody knows of a link to a good troubleshooting guide about it I would appreciate that. Thanks!

Edit: Noticed today that there is actually a slight clicking noise that seems to come from somewhere in the passenger side of the dash.

 

I think you can replace the auto locking hubs with manual ones.
It wouldn't help with the button or lights, but at least you'd have four wheel drive.

 

Most common on the auto 4x4 (shift on the fly) is the actuator itself. Replacement 4x4 actuator is around 80 bucks. It takes three bolts and one electrical connector to remove and it's in thee most convenient place too. I got sick of replacing them on the trails and where ever so I made the switch to manual. Also thinking of switching to manual trans. But that's a whole other topic.

 

Is there a good way to test this actuator? I'm not the most versed in vehicles, but with a step-by-step I can usually figure anything out. I would have preferred to have a manual 4x4 as well. I"m not sure there is anyone that would prefer the electronic push button.

 

Step one, push 4x4 button. Step two, see if the front driveshaft is locked in.