How do I get my 1998 f250 out of 4Low?
When i first bought the truck 2 years ago, we had some trouble engaging the
4x4 so I almost passed up on the deal. The next day the guy calls and says
he replaced the switch and it's good to go, so I went for it. Long story short it
worked for a week and broke again up until 2 weeks ago when I was sitting in
a parking lot. I thought what the hell, so I shifted into nuetral and switched it
into 4Hi and it worked! 4Lo too -
So last week I wanted to see if it would work again. I switched into 4Hi, then
4Lo. And thats where it stayed! Is this a result of playing with the switch too
much? Whats funny is now none of my gauges work on my dash and the 4x4
indicator light is not lighting up even thouh the truck is stuck in 4Lo.
I have tried all the simple tips and tricks like:
- driving in reverse then shifting into nuetral
- unplugging battery for different minutes/hours
- taking off the motor and manually trying to engage back into 2wd
I haven't tried buying a new switch yet because it seems like replacing the
switch is just too easy of a solution. I feel it's something bigger than this.
PLEASE HELP!!!!
test the switch...when it's found to be defective...replace the switch~
check the transmission mounts for being cracked and able to move out of position!~
I have fixed the problem - bob_nueske you're the man! So here's what fixed my truck step by step: - Bought New 4x4 Actuator Switch & Installed - Cleaned Copper Coil in Transfer Case Motor (Had to take it apart and sandpaper down the black area so it would connect; sand all areas that need to connect electrically - Be careful and make sure you keep track of what you take apart. Also, the motor is magnetic - may seem like there is a screw keeping the shell of the motor on...just gotta pull. - After the transfer case motor was taken off I turned the truck on and had my father in law hold the brake and put it in nuetral while I climbed under the truck and manually turned the exposed gear lever back to 2 Wheel Drive. I DO NOT KNOW IF ANY OF THIS WAS THE "CORRECT" WAY TO GO ABOUT GETTING A 1998 F-250 (5.4L GAS) OUT OF 4X4LOW. ALL I KNOW IS THAT EVERYTHING I DID AND THE ADVICE I FOLLOWED FROM bob_nueske ABOUT TESTING THE SWITCH WORKED. Thanks again for the advice bob! And for all you amateurs like myself getting under the hood or vehicle remember to WORK SAFE!!! Never a good idea to shortcut safety!!!
My goodness, you're very kind...was a Mechanic for 2 years...and still have all my fingers...but now since diagnosed with MS...am not allowed to work...tho am working on an exercise vehicle that rows and kicks storing the energy....still trying to teach myself ACAD 3D...and no one seems to know anything about Mechanical Engineering except myself, anyways, I paint and answer questions...get you and I in trouble sometimes...but this is FREE advise...and to be taken with a grain of sand~ Really so happy...you've made my day~ debating on my mock up of the Recaptor or a nice pleasant painting...ummm~
everyone can use flexing of the arms and stomping of the legs to store up energy in a fireman's tank~ Free Gas ...just forces created by the human body...not gasoline~
Electric shift transfer cases commonly do this...no matter what manufacturer made it. You did exactly what you should have done...though i would have replaced the motor with a new one as it will likely give you problems again.
