4x4 Transfer Case Shift Motor RELAY
My 1997 Expedition 5.4 Eddie Bauer 4x4 with 240K miles (original owner) would not go into 4x4. I spent a lot of time on the forums and troubleshooting this. The 4x4 light on the dash would not turn on.
I first verified the front differential would lock, and the vacuum was working on the front actuator, which is attached to the front differential. The actuator moved and locked and unlocked the front differential.
The problem was that the transfer case would not do anything. I replaced the transfer case motor, but there was no change. Now I need to sell the old transfer case motor on ebay.
Then I took off the dashboard (easy job) to get to the 4x4 Transfer Case Shift Motor RELAY. I borrowed a friend's expedition and borrowed his RELAY. (Yes, I took his dashboard apart). Booya! It was the relay. Also, rather than buying a new relay from Ford for $192 or ebay for $40, I opened the relay and saw that it needed some soldering. After 4 minutes of soldering the loose connection on the circuit board, the RELAY was repaired. (Sorry, I wish I took some pictures.) I now have 4x4 again! Now the 2wd, Awd, 4x4, 4L switch lights up.
Two Notes:
1 - If your 2wd, Awd, 4x4, 4L switch is does not light up (when the headlights are on), it's likely your relay under the dashboard.
2 - The front drive shaft locks in two places: the front differential and the transfer case. Just because the front drive shaft moves when the wheels turn, does not mean your transfer case is locking properly. The vacuum controls the actuator and locks the front differential, and the transfer case motor locks the transfer case. Both need to work to get 4x4 working.
Hope this helps.
GVAN