Exiting 4x4 low issue

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Tx State

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So this weekend after wheeling in 4x4 low i was having trouble getting it to go back into 4x4 high. I put the trans in N shifted it to 4x4 low and it would not engage. If i put it in driver the rpm and speed would climb even though i was standing still. Finally we pushed the truck backwards when it was in N with the 4x4 switch was on 4x4 high. After we did that it finally kicked back into 4x4 high. Any thoughts? I have not tried putting it into 4x4 low again for the fear of it getting stuck in it again so I do not know if it is still doing it.
 

IamCanadian

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I had the similar issue with my 4L engagement and disengagement. The cause was the front thrust bearing broke and damage the planetary gear in the transfer case. Not cheap. The shop foreman said he had a few other trucks with the same issues and suspect the bearing was defected prior to assembly.
 
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Tx State

Tx State

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Good thing its till under warranty. I guess i need to go check and see if it is still doing it.
 

IamCanadian

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Here is what my work sheet from Ford stated following ---"No shift from 4LO to 4HI.test TCCM,KOEC-PASS,KOEO-PASS,KOER-PASS. Refer to symptom Chart-Perform PP test C. Found Transfer case shift actuator binding with motor removed. Internal case fault.Remove transfer case. Found Front thrust bearing Failed-Damage to planetary gear. 7A398/30.
 

J. Wolfe

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My truck has had this issue since new. Took it to dealer and of course they couldn't replicate the issue. Every time when shifting, especially out of low range, I would get the move ahead message, but it was stuck between low and hi, put it in gear and nothing. When it decided to shift there would be horrible grinding and a clunk, sounded and felt bad.
I discovered a work around that works every time and is painless. When shifting every time, I have the truck moving forward just fast enough to maintain motion, less than 5mph, shift transmission to neutral, select either 4 HI or 4lo while slowly moving and it goes right in, every time. Works for me, might for you.
 
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Tx State

Tx State

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Yeah that seems like it might work. In order for me to get it back to 4 high I had to get people to push the truck and while it was moving in neutral it shifted.
 
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