4WH not always activating and/or going into 4WL

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SealClubber

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Stock 2011 Raptor. Sometimes when I turn the knob to 4WH it won't go into 4WD. I get a wrench symbol and check 4WD warning. Sometimes it will go into 4WH. Sometimes when I take it out of 4WH into 2WD, the truck shifts into 4WL, at any speed. This is bad. I took it into the shop and they state the mechanism tests fine, even though they can get it to do what I describe. They don't want to replace the shift unit it that isn't the problem and have me out $500+.

Has anyone else had this issue? Is it simply the selector knob? Is there a controller circuit board somewhere?
 

MTF

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@SealClubber

I've learn to never switch a 4x4 in and out of engagement while moving.
Especially at speed and I've been driving 4x4's for over 35 years.
Another thing, sitting at a light with your foot on the brakes and still in drive sometimes won't allow engagement,
you may have to let your foot off the brakes a little and let her roll forward an inch or so.

Now while the manual says you can shift at speed up to 50 mph. I believe.
You need to make sure the drivetrain is not under any load either accelerating or decelerating.
Ask me how I know, because I had to try it once 9 1/2 years ago and it wasn't good,
while it said engaged, when I went back on the throttle there was loud banging and clunking.
I let off the throttle and then it said engaged again, this time it was ok.
But I will never do it again.

The transfer case and the components won't last for ever if not properly maintained.
Meaning changing the transfer case fluid every 25,000 or less depending how hard you drive in 4x4
Even if you don't use the 4x4 often it's still spinning.
I changed mine transfer case fluid at 15,000 and it was burnt to all hell and my truck has never been of road.

And abused by not letting the 4x4 system engage fully.

Another thing to ask you how's the clunk in your drivetrain when slowing to a stop.
You feel a kind of hard shift just before stopping while driving slow.
If have this, you may what to throw a light film of grease in the slip yoke splines.
 
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SealClubber

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I changed the 4WD engagement/disengagement motor. I can't remember exactly what is called. That did the trick.
I do sometimes have a clunk when stopping fast. Are the slip yoke splines easy to get to? I will have them look at it next time it is in the shop. Thank you.
 

The Car Stereo Company

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theres 2 4wd actuators. once could be bad. i didnt have 4wd for the first 98k miles on my truck. always broke an axle going into 4 or not engaging at all. first 5 dealers always replaced the axle and said it was fixed. took a 6th time to dealer to find it was an actuator. i told them the history of my 4wd problems and coming to the end of my warranty so they actually did work on my truck and found the problem. now im at 180k and i still have 4wd
 

Curt Kautsch

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I can provide some input here. Either one, or all of the below fixed my very similar problems discussed above:

1) I replaced the TC motor. I adjusted the torque spec to the required 89 in. lb. on all 4 bolts (i think this is critical)
2) I would suggest this to everyone. REMOVE the IWE system all together (Even you Gen 2ers). I understand that it may cause minor premature where, but Ford is the only manufacturer with this system to gain as little MPG to appease the EPA (to my knowledge). The system is garbage and needs to be gutted. (I suggest RCV rings for this $150/pair). 1 hour job if you are mechanically savvy at all.
3) User Operation and sequence of engaging 4L is critical as well. First come to a COMPLETE stop, even letting the motor and gears to spool down completely while in neutral. Second, shift in to neutral (if the cluster indicates "shift delayed, pull forward" DO NOT shift to drive as this confuses the system. Give it a few seconds to engage, and lastly and most important DO NOT depress the brake at any time as this will also disrupt the sequence and it engaging properly. Yes you will hear a slight "clunk" when engaged, this is normal. Follow the same procedure to disengage.

Hope this helps someone....
 
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