2005 F-150 w/dash switch 4WD

[dgsapper12]

hello all,

just bought a great '05 F150 4wd. it has the 4wd switch in dash (excuse the very non-technical terms). so driving along every once in a while the 4wd sounds like it will try to partially engage. makes a racket so i simply bump the 4 wheel high lightly and sound goes away.

so my question for you pros is this:

1. could it just be as simple as replacing the dash switch?

2. could it be replacing the solenoid down on the transfer case?

3. could it be the vacuum solenoid out on the passenger firewall?

any input would be much appreciated.

thanks!

 

[ford4wd08]

Check the solenoid on the passenger firewall, if it doesn't have the hood covering it, it likely has water damage. The redesigned it to have a good because water was making it engage when it wasn't supposed to. Otherwise check vacuum lines down to the hub. It could be the switch but I doubt it. Do you hear grinding like the hubs are trying to engage or that they are partially engaged?

 

[ProZach]

Check the solenoid on the passenger firewall, if it doesn't have the hood covering it, it likely has water damage. The redesigned it to have a good because water was making it engage when it wasn't supposed to. Otherwise check vacuum lines down to the hub. It could be the switch but I doubt it. Do you hear grinding like the hubs are trying to engage or that they are partially engaged?

x2
easy fix if it just started and no permanent damage has been made. Otherwise it's gonna cost you a pretty penny on those vacuum lines and hubs + the solenoid.

Here's a how to I wrote up on mine when I proactively replaced it.
some people reuse the original solenoid if it isn't damaged and clip it into the new one in the second slot (you'll see what I mean in the writeup).

I can't access the link right now. I'll try tomorrow and post it here. Super easy fix DIY.

it's on f150forum.com if you want to search under the user name "ProZach"

edit: forgot I posted it on here too
here ya go
http://www.truckmodcentral.com/forums/f63/how-replace-iwe-solenoid-2004-2006-f-150-4x4s-14150/

 

[mrolgren]

Check the solenoid on the passenger firewall, if it doesn't have the hood covering it, it likely has water damage. The redesigned it to have a good because water was making it engage when it wasn't supposed to. Otherwise check vacuum lines down to the hub. It could be the switch but I doubt it. Do you hear grinding like the hubs are trying to engage or that they are partially engaged?

x2
easy fix if it just started and no permanent damage has been made. Otherwise it's gonna cost you a pretty penny on those vacuum lines and hubs + the solenoid.

Here's a how to I wrote up on mine when I proactively replaced it.
some people reuse the original solenoid if it isn't damaged and clip it into the new one in the second slot (you'll see what I mean in the writeup).

I can't access the link right now. I'll try tomorrow and post it here. Super easy fix DIY.

it's on f150forum.com if you want to search under the user name "ProZach"

edit: forgot I posted it on here too
here ya go
http://www.truckmodcentral.com/forums/f63/how-replace-iwe-solenoid-2004-2006-f-150-4x4s-14150/

Agreed, Same thing happened to mine a while back.

Insert shameless plug here(a link to my writeup)

How To: IWE Solenoid Replacement with Pictures. - F150online Forums

 

[ProZach]

Check the solenoid on the passenger firewall, if it doesn't have the hood covering it, it likely has water damage. The redesigned it to have a good because water was making it engage when it wasn't supposed to. Otherwise check vacuum lines down to the hub. It could be the switch but I doubt it. Do you hear grinding like the hubs are trying to engage or that they are partially engaged?

x2
easy fix if it just started and no permanent damage has been made. Otherwise it's gonna cost you a pretty penny on those vacuum lines and hubs + the solenoid.

Here's a how to I wrote up on mine when I proactively replaced it.
some people reuse the original solenoid if it isn't damaged and clip it into the new one in the second slot (you'll see what I mean in the writeup).

I can't access the link right now. I'll try tomorrow and post it here. Super easy fix DIY.

it's on f150forum.com if you want to search under the user name "ProZach"

edit: forgot I posted it on here too
here ya go
http://www.truckmodcentral.com/forums/f63/how-replace-iwe-solenoid-2004-2006-f-150-4x4s-14150/

Agreed, Same thing happened to mine a while back.

Insert shameless plug here(a link to my writeup)

How To: IWE Solenoid Replacement with Pictures. - F150online Forums

your writeup is actually how I figured out what the IWE solenoid was and learned how to replace it I only did mine because I wanted a few more pictures for clarity. Small world.

 

[dgsapper12]

Check the solenoid on the passenger firewall, if it doesn't have the hood covering it, it likely has water damage. The redesigned it to have a good because water was making it engage when it wasn't supposed to. Otherwise check vacuum lines down to the hub. It could be the switch but I doubt it. Do you hear grinding like the hubs are trying to engage or that they are partially engaged?

it has no covering. i'll hit the dealership on the way home today and let you know. as common as the problem is i'm hoping that is the solution.

thanks!!

 

[dgsapper12]

That was it! 41 bucks later and running like a dream! Thanks all.