2005 King Ranch 4wd high indicator light

[DavidGerken]

Hello everyone, new here, new to Expeditions and new to Fords! Just picked up an 05 king ranch 4x4 with 147k miles, CHEAP to use as my daily kid transporter. Thing runs great rides great etc. I did have to do sway bar end links and transmission cooler lines and will be doing a passenger manifold and studs soon. My next little annoyance (being as I live in NE and will definitely be needing the 4wd) is that the orange indicator in the dash won’t light up when switched to four high. It comes on when you first cycle the key on but not when switching into four high. Four low light works and four high seems to be engaging as you can feel it slightly bind on a sharp turn on gravel. Any place to start looking for a solution? Thanks for any help and Merry Xmas!

 

[DavidGerken]

Anyone?

 

[JExpedition07]

Not a 2nd gen but my 3rd gen shows the 4WD mode in the message center. When mine would not show the mode it was because the IWE solenoid went bad, after I replaced that all was well again.

 

[DavidGerken]

Would my 4wd function with a bad IWE? My 4x4 seems to be engaging and disengaging

 

[MasterX]

Simple solution, redneck style and simple, follow process exactly.
1. Acquire a buddy.
2. Sit buddy 20 feet to the side of the expedition while it is parked in gravel or mud.
3. Put Expy in 4H or 4L while in neutral, then pull it into gear while on the brakes fully.
4. Slam the gas and release the brake at the same time for 5 seconds.
5. Ask buddy if the front wheels spun out just like the back ones.

LOL

 

[JExpedition07]

Would my 4wd function with a bad IWE? My 4x4 seems to be engaging and disengaging

The IWE solenoid not IWE. If they fail they fail on the no vacuum position so 4WD will still work.

 

[DavidGerken]

Ok since I’m new to Ford’s and this system it sounds like this failed solenoid is causing the front hubs to remain locked? That would explain the poor mileage and slight noise while slowing down I suppose. So on rock auto I see a 4wd actuator valve I’m guessing that’s what I need? And is it one per side or one per vehicle? And where in the vehicle would it or they be located? Thanks for ask the help!

 

[John Stephan]

Fordtechmakuloco will be your saving grace. Most things related to F-150 translates to the Expy.


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[DavidGerken]

Alright I replaced my solenoid with the doorman from autozone. Still no indicator light and front hubs locked in while running. So I pulled vacuum on the lines as a whole and I can unlock the hubs and hold vacuum, so the vacuum side appears to be good. My next step will be checking for voltage to the solenoid. When in 2wd what should I have across the two leads going to the solenoid? Where does the supply to this come from?

 

[John Stephan]

It's probably 12v constant and ecu controlled ground. Switch tells ecu what to do. Ecu tells solenoid what to do is my guess. Ecu typically just controls grounds either on or off and sensors always have 12v going thru them.

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[DavidGerken]

Thanks John. I guess after I get my exhaust manifold finished up and connect the battery I’ll start checking for power. I guess worse case I’ll run a jumper wire into the cab and wire a switch to lock and unlock the front hubs‍

 

[DavidGerken]

For anyone who wants to know the outcome. Like stated before I replaced the iwe solenoid with the Dorman. And after that still had no indicator light not would the iwe’s unlock. Pulled vacuum on the wheel ends individually then together and found them to be in good working order. Never crossed my mind to check the fuses as the transfer case would still shift. Turns out there is a 10a fuse for the iwe solenoid that was blown. I assume the old solenoid must have had a short. Long story short, check your fuses after changing the solenoid. Thanks for all the help!