Wrench Light when switching to 4x4

[Simsy]

09 expedition EL xlt 193k miles

Tranny down shifts hard. Today when switching to 4x4 the dash flickered, traction control light came on, abs , and brake light along with the wrench icon also went into limp mode (3rd gear only). I also hear clicking by the radio. I checked fir codes while running and nothing came up other than a pending code of U0073.

Please help thank you

 

[Simsy]

I went and had my battery and alternator tested at local auto store today and that was all good

 

[Simsy]

Another update even though no one comments …. After switching to 4x4 I also feel a vibration which becomes worse when turning

 

[blackedoutlimited]

Another update even though no one comments …. After switching to 4x4 I also feel a vibration which becomes worse when turning

Where’s the vibration? Front or rear, driver or passenger? 4WD is not meant to be on while turning especially normal driving

 

[Simsy]

Where’s the vibration? Front or rear, driver or passenger? 4WD is not meant to be on while turning especially normal driving

hard to say. it puts it in safe mode (3rd gear)

 

[Model12]

Simsy ,where do you live ? I am in central Wisc. ON an extremely cold day my 2005. 219,000 miles also went into limp mode when traction light and abs lit up ,, and started blinking ,, when blinking stopped ;was able to drive normal .
Not certain but think problem is combination of old gear fluid in differential ; possibly issues with vaccum lines and old dirt and grime

 

[rslynes]

Old differential fluid gives you that growling noise when turning, until it warms up. Easy drain and refill (there are proponents of adding 'friction modifier', but the jury is still out on that).

Leaking IWE solenoid (or an IWE itself) will cause a vacuum trouble code. Solenoid is a DIY easy and inexpensive fix, but use the Ford/Motorcraft OEM product and not Chinesium.

 

[Simsy]

Old differential fluid gives you that growling noise when turning, until it warms up. Easy drain and refill (there are proponents of adding 'friction modifier', but the jury is still out on that).

Leaking IWE solenoid (or an IWE itself) will cause a vacuum trouble code. Solenoid is a DIY easy and inexpensive fix, but use the Ford/Motorcraft OEM product and not Chinesium.

how can I test the solenoid? would that cause hard shifts even when only in 2wd? I have no codes

 

[Simsy]

Bump …. Also can hear a slight buzzing noise coming from what seems to be the area of the gauge cluster

 

[Simsy]

Today I noticed the problem only occurs once I touch the gas pedal after switching to 4x4

 

[Motorcity muscle]

Lot of miles on truck, have you checked the vacuum lines to the 4 x 4 control module.

 

[Simsy]

Lot of miles on truck, have you checked the vacuum lines to the 4 x 4 control module.

where is that located? just so i know general area

 

[rslynes]

how can I test the solenoid? would that cause hard shifts even when only in 2wd? I have no codes

Bad solenoid would cause vacuum leak causing the front wheel IWEs to remain engaged in 2WD. Checking would require vacuum gauges, etc. to do any real testing and probably more time than the actual part replacement. Again, use the OEM Motorcraft/Ford product for replacement, not an aftermarket.

No, it would not cause 'hard shifts', nor always trigger a 'check engine' error code depending on the severity of the leak if it has one. If you're higher mileage, just replace it as it is cheap insurance.