In a bind, no AWD/4HI/4LO :-(

[1997SCEBFEX]

Hi Team!

Gen 1, 1997 Eddie Bauer Expy. Recent service was rotating tires, fuel filter, and PCV valve several weeks ago.

I turned the little knob today from 2HI to AWD/4HI/4LO and NOTHING happened, not even a click, no lights, no clunk(s), nada.

Re-read a few earlier posts from this year, but am stumped as where to start.

Fuses seem to be o.k., and haven't started chasing the vacuum lines, but am thinking the center solenoid off the front diff as a place to start, or the vacuum lines behind the battery or on the firewall. The vacuum gauge (boost) works and shows both boost and 22 inches on decel/coast etc.

Could it be a gremlin, or perhaps an easy fix? I pulled the center console and checked the pigtail to the rotator knob, however to no avail; all seems GTG.

The lights all come on when starting up, thus not the bulbs.

Any/all help certainly appreciated via the ether as I troubleshoot.

Thanks & Best,
PanHandler.

 

[MoHawk]

Run it in 2WD...



Sorry, wish I could be more help but my truck is RWD only.

 

[bedrck46]

I realize that you said you checked the fuses. There are 4 fuses that could effect the circuit. #17 in the power distribution box (engine compartment) and #13,23 and 15 in the junction box (pass compartment) in looking at the service manual the first thing it states to check is fuse #15 should be a 5A fuse

 

[FordandPolaris]

Shift motor is a common one to go out. The fact you do not get anything tells me that after fuses, it is probably that. I would think if you pulled it out you could put power and see if it engages. Just a thought.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

thanks to all; stopped for the night - darn rain & cold.
Will continue and post updates!

THANKS!

PanHandler.

 

[reefkrazy]

I have the same issue right know. I cannot get an answer to whether or not power comes from the shift motor. I have a new shift motor on order. From what I have read, the shift motor is the major reason for failing 4 x 4. Its cold and wet up here so I haven't crawled under her to see I can read anything as far as power in shift motor.

 

[bedrck46]

being its cold and wet you may be having a leak from the windshield which could be dripping on the gem again check fuse #15 which is power for the gem

 

[FordandPolaris]

being its cold and wet you may be having a leak from the windshield which could be dripping on the gem again check fuse #15 which is power for the gem

I would think if he lost power to the GEM he would be seeing many other issues. Pretty much anything not essential to engine operation runs through the GEM. No GEM means no windshield wipers etc.

 

[bedrck46]

you may be right but what harm does it do to at least check a fuse also could be the start of other problems if the gem is getting wet

 

[tonydiv]

If all the fuses are good, then my guess is shift motor.

Is there a vacuum accumulator in the system? I'm not sure if the center axle disconnect will stay locked when you hit the gas and get in to the boost.

 

[bedrck46]

information from workshop manual

 

[reefkrazy]

I'll check the fuse again. I belive I was getting like 3 or 4 volts on the switch in cab. But when I go from awd to 4hi the volts dropped.

 

[bedrck46]

If you like I can send you a copy of the elect prints Although I do agree that the shift motor is the most common failure I would want to make sure that the circuit that activates the shift motor is operating correctly before pulling the shift motor You could also go under the truck and check the connection to the shift motor for power prior to pulling the motor

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

All great advice in this thread. waiting for it to dry out here and continue troubleshooting.

PanHandler.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

information from workshop manual

Thanks bedrck!!

PanHandler.

 

[stamp11127]

This is a 12v system. I haven't look at the wiring diagram but I'll go out on a limb an assume they aren't dropping the voltage down to 3-4 volts. Recheck the voltage to the switch, if it really is that low fix that problem first. That low voltage will not engage the shift motor.

 

[reefkrazy]

If you like I can send you a copy of the elect prints Although I do agree that the shift motor is the most common failure I would want to make sure that the circuit that activates the shift motor is operating correctly before pulling the shift motor You could also go under the truck and check the connection to the shift motor for power prior to pulling the motor

Please do this would help a lot. This has been going on for months. When I got the truck it worked. Then stopped. Then worked. Now completely dead. Where is the gem located ? Is it behind the fuse panel ?

 

[bedrck46]

the Gem is mounted to the fuse panel there are two large connectors on the fuse panel. I would suggest that you use a mirror and flashlight to help you look up under the dash. If your going to remove the gem make sure you disconnect the battery also take your time pulling the fuse block and gem. Once you get the gem off of the fuse block you can remove the cover and open up the gem to see if there is signs of moisture etc.

 

[bedrck46]

prints attached 97 expy 98 is the same

 

[reefkrazy]

11.9 volts on fuse 15. Had a break in the rain up here. I have a new windshield as of a year now so I dont think its water issue.