4x4 system not responding at all

[JExpedition07]

I've used the 4x4 twice on the truck now and it worked great, I used it going on our land when it was all muddy and soft and the truck did awesome. Today when I went to turn the knob I got no response or even recognition from the truck that I had put it into 4hi, I tried all the settings and nothing came up on the dash at all. Usually it says there is a shift in progress then displays the mode, I get nothing now. Bad switch? Was definitely not in four wheel drive. Kinda ticked off at this truck right now, this stuff shouldn't fail right when you need it. I'll start pulling fuses and stuff apart in the morning but any direction would be much appreciated if anyone's experienced this.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

I've used the 4x4 twice on the truck now and it worked great, I used it going on our land when it was all muddy and soft and the truck did awesome. Today when I went to turn the knob I got no response or even recognition from the truck that I had put it into 4hi, I tried all the settings and nothing came up on the dash at all. Usually it says there is a shift in progress then displays the mode, I get nothing now. Bad switch? Was definitely not in four wheel drive. Kinda ticked off at this truck right now, this stuff shouldn't fail right when you need it. I'll start pulling fuses and stuff apart in the morning but any direction would be much appreciated if anyone's experienced this.

I always like to go simple first. Make sure the plug in the back of the switch is all the way in and making good contact, then check the fuse to make sure it is good. Beyond that you have start with the wiring diagrams and start tracing out the circuit. I hope it's something simple.

 

[docraymund]

If you can get to check the electric shift motor, try doing so. It is a common cause of failure.

 

[JExpedition07]

Checked fuse was good, replaced anyway, switch connected well and it's good but still nothing. Don't really have time this week to deal with it might just bring it to Ford. My gut feeling is that it's going to be 4x4 module since I have no lights. I would think if it was shift motor I'd get a failed to shift message.

 

[Bedrck47]

How many fuses did you check??

What were their locations??

And very important!!! How did you test the fuse to make sure it was good???

 

[JExpedition07]

.

 

[JExpedition07]

Had a few minutes this morning to check my owners manual for fuse numbers related to 4x4 system, only one I found was was #35 outside and checked continuity with my fluke, it was good but I replaced anyway, switch was good as well. All the other fuses I just looked at but they all looked fine and dandy. Should I suspect different ones?

 

[Bedrck47]

OK There are 4 fuses associated with the 4X4 system on your expy

In the battery Junction Box Under Hood Fuse # 75 #35 and #43 35 and 43 have power at all times #75 only has power when the key is in the run or start position

In the Smart Junction Box Passenger Compartment Fuse #35 Only has power when key is in the sstart or run position

Turn key to run but do not start and check those fuses for voltage in and out of the fuse

Checking for continuity is ok but checking voltage is much better

 

[JExpedition07]

Thank you Will definitely double check those after work, I was kind of in a rush this morning so i didn't do a very good diagnosis yet. I swore most of those weren't listed in my manual as related to 4x4 but maybe I was that bad this morning.

 

[Bedrck47]

Also one of those fuses powers the parking aid module Check to see if the back up sensors are working if your expy has the sensors

 

[jeff kushner]

and THAT's why I like this forum Bedrck! That's some great info you had for Je!

jeff

 

[JExpedition07]

Update all fuses were good but thank you for that info, today we tried it in 4x4 auto and 4x4 high and nothing happens in either mode most of the time however 4x4 low works and I can hear it shift and it shows on the dash for low today. So I'm very lost at this point. Once in a great while auto shows up on the dash in that 4x4 auto mode but 90 percent Of the time it doesn't work. Nothing in 4x4 high I just don't get this.

 

[Bedrck47]

Have you gone under the expy and checked the wiring to the transfer case and shift motor Make sure everything is intact

 

[JExpedition07]

Have you gone under the expy and checked the wiring to the transfer case and shift motor Make sure everything is intact

Yep everything looks hooked up and intact underneath going to those items. it can never be simple lol. Whatever this is is bizarre 4x4 auto works once in a great while, no 4x4 high whatsoever, and 4x4 low works.

 

[sjwelds]

I'll relate my own experiences, for what they're worth. On my 06 F-150, I had an issue with the 4x4. It would go between 4hi and 4low but would not shift back into 2wd. I replaced the shift motor and it made no difference. Ended up taking it to a mechanic and he figured out it was the switch. Something about the incorrect resistance or something like that. JE, the erratic nature of your problem would make me lean towards the switch being the issue. Again, just throwing it out there.

 

[Bedrck47]

Suggest you get a copy of this manual It has complete trouble shooting procedures and wiring diagrams
These are the same manuals that I use and from the seller that I got mine from

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-Ford-O...ash=item41c227cdb8:g:62cAAOSwTM5Y7avV&vxp=mtr

sending you a PM check your inbox

 

[JExpedition07]

Thanks all for replies. Over weekend I just left it in 4x4 auto and it will light up for a while and go away (especially over bumps and potholes) so I'm thinking something is loose somewhere but the question is still where. Could still be a switch too I'm not taking anything off the table.

 

[bobmbx]

With that in mind, time to do a hand-over-hand of all the electrical cabling associated with the front drive system, looking for shorts, grounds, and loose connections.

 

[JExpedition07]

With that in mind, time to do a hand-over-hand of all the electrical cabling associated with the front drive system, looking for shorts, grounds, and loose connections.

Yea sounds like what I need to do next is go over it all. Unrelated question for everyone, are the new switches interchangeable with mine? According to Ford 07-14 model year 4WD switches are an obselete part now that is NLA. They look roughly the same size I'm assuming it's just cosmetic and a different part #?

 

[jeff kushner]

WHA??? a 2014 switch is NLA?? Was it superseded? That's only 3 years old....I thought they HAD to keep parts for 7 years??

jeff