Greetings from Park City, Utah! Your videos are a great help to me! I have a 2000 F150 XLT with 175K miles. I got my 4wd back working. My problem was two fold. Vacuum lines snapped behind battery. Fixed broken tube by ordering part XL3Z-3A788-AA from Ford Parts Giant. After fixing that tubing, the whole vacuum system was working except the arm of the 4wd actuator. Went under the truck and discovered a Dorman actuator in place without a boot so the actuator arm was rusty and not moving. Penetrant on the arm of the actuator wouldn’t free it. Ordered a new one from Rock Auto, the WVE 1S10933 and this one is stamped with the Ford logo. Now everything works.
You are one of the very few people who speed to unscrew the bolts and doesn’t have to add 30 minutes to their video so that we can watch you undo bolts!Thank you for respecting your viewers time.
@@TheOriginalMechanic Hello sir, i had several leaks in my vacumm lines fixed those now have 4x4 light on and it is engaged while the knob is in 2wd any idea on whats going on? Thanks
Thanks for the video man was having issues with my 2002 f150 sometimes it would work and show engaged on dash but still no 4x4 . Air line from silinoid under hood going to actuator was broke. Thanks again got it fixed 5 min after watching this video.
Thank you Sir! I'm back up and running. One vacuum line was broken from rubbing on the battery box and the other had a small circular leak where it might have rubbed. Sealed them with a little glue and tape. I'm sure I'll have to do a more permanent fix later but working for now.
On my 2002 F150 the "4x4" light would illuminate even though I had cracked vacuum lines and the actuator was not engaging the 4WD. This video helped me track down the leaks.
I like old shit. Press a lever and it works or metal breaks. All this plastic shit. Vacuum lines on a 4x4 system. My buddybgot me into ford's, now idk. Shameful.
While changing fluids, differentials, transfer case and atf, noticed that front differential fluid was very bad looking compared to other cases. While on jack stands, observed that front hubs did not seemed to be disengaging. Only had 3inches vacuum at my solenoid inputs none measurable at solenoid output but did observe small movement at the actuator. Pulled battery and checked vacuum at vacuum box and found about 19 inches. Sealed box like video. Now have 16-17 inches at solenoid at 4wd works properly. Thanks for the video. Also found that my battery had started leaking underneath.
Totally new to the Electronic/Vacuum operated components. I come from the old mechanical lock in lock out hubs and transfer case. (77 Jeep CJ 7).... I just ventured out and bought a 2003 Ford FX4 off road 4 wheel drive. I've ordered a haynes manual. Right now, I crank the truck and all she will do is reverse. I don't even know where to start. My first impulse is to pull the transmission, but realize that in todays world that may not be neccessary. A gentle "nudge" in the right direction or to a resource would be appreciated.
By using your video I diagnosed a bad vacuum solenoid, the one controlling 4WD. I found I had vacuum to supply sides, plus 12 volts going to the solenoids. I removed the solenoids and tested them each with 12 volts. I could hear the solenoid for 2WD activate when given voltage but the 4WD solenoid did not. Replaced it with a new one ($28.00) along with the improved panel with moisture "roof". The 4WD now works thanks to you and your video. Thank you!
So I am having the same issue. I do not have a way of testing the voltage but I checked the vacuum lines on the supply side and they both have suction. If this is the case then is it most likely a bad solenoid? Hopefully you guys see this. I know your guys comments are from a few years ago. Any and all info is welcome! Thank you.
@@TheOriginalMechanic I did my checks today, figured out I'm not getting any power to the 4x4 solenoid when I switch over to 4 high. In 2 high the right one checks out just fine. The left one- gets ground, but no power......any idea what that might be? Wondering if it's the GEM- but nothing else attached to the GEM seems to be having issues.
@@StormLaker I was thinking the light switch may be involved. I assume you took a look at that since you mentioned the series of videos. My 4WD only started working again when I changed out the light switch.
@@TheOriginalMechanic I bought the switch after I watched one of the videos- going to swap that out next weekend, may put in new t-case motor while I'm under there (truck has over 200K on it), and I have the solenoids inbound. Hoping it's not the GEM, haha.
Having trouble with 03 f150. When in 4 WD hard to turn like it’s binding. Have completely new front end components. Wheel bearing, tie rods cv axel shafts,
I changed my actuator, thinking that was the problem and it is working. I changed the transfer case motor and the only difference is now the four-wheel-drive light turned off on the dash but still does not work. When I turn the key on, it clicks five times and then stops if I try to move the vehicle before the clicking stops on the last click if I’m moving, it will sound like it’s trying to engage.
If vacuum turns out same, not really fixed items a few 2017 visits to Ford dealer I made until absolutely broke up laughing told guy quit breaking my truck and making me pay to fix repairs didn't need when turned truck in? Oh boy. Makes sense now but my sequences of events I had not connected guy blowing my heat nor engine light initial warning fuel issues to this last 6 or do months of progressively worse problems I can now predict. I ruled out the simple fuel or fuel air mixture issues. But yes all along the guy having replaced my 4w motor, I knew it felt like vacuum. I did have overdrive light blink for few times but not again. It all points to getting under truck and looking if line cracked or if switch not always working it's back to checking the actuator.
My auctuator does not move but both hoses have vacuum. My auctuator is missing that rubber boot. Does that rubber boot have to be there to work? I am also noticing that replacement auctuators dont come with that boot.
These kind of cheaply made / built components really amazes me. I guess just as long as someone buys the new trucks and gets them off the dealer lot is all Ford Manufactures wants. Then FORD can have lots of people returning to fix these things. I wonder if these components can survive some mud/dirt! Thanks for creating the video for the DIY'ers. My 4WD has been messing up for a while now...
i noticed a black line that runs from transfer case all the way up behind the cylonoid on the passenger wall not plug into anything any idea's where it goes
Little more info on below question. I installed new vacuum switches. I have vacuum to switches and also to the small vacuum box behind the battery. I get a 4X4 indication on the dash but no 4x4 high as I said, only 4x4 low.
Mine (97-03) has the same issue, but I let it sit in 4x4 a while when running it eventually goes in. I believe mine is the actuator failed on the axle.
@@TheOriginalMechanic I have a 97 explorer bud and can't find were the 4wd locking h8b vaccum acuater siloid goes.everuth8ng 8s 2 prong .I've been upset with the part .but 9 can't figure out were it goes
Is there a way to check those solenoids? I've got vacuum to them, but they dont click when I turn from 2 hi to 4 and vice versa. I havent checked the actuator yet.
My 4x4 seems to try and engage when making sharp turns. I have followed your video and found nothing except, coming from the four plastic lines from the it goes to 3 and one is a black plastic line that I cannot find the place to engage it, no t lines or open plugs. If you can help I would appreciate it. Thanks Terry
Did you have any scraping noise happening when you drove below 40 mph? Heck, mine even tries to "scrape" at 55 mph. I noticed it only occurs when low on RPMs. My actuator isn't engaging almost like yours. It moves about 1/16 and that's it. 4x4 lights come on, but nothing's happening. I got way better vacuum by the little vacuum box than by solenoids(still get vacuum at 2WD and 4WD, but weak). Leaving it all apart and getting some sealant tomorrow. See what happens. Whish me luck!
Jerry keep looking its there some where. You can glue it ,,and use a thin stir straw to hold it together.,,or a can of spry that comes with the red straw .
I had a problem with mine too. I had to fix a loose wire on the solenoid and then had some cracks in vacuum line got that fix and actuator wasn't holding strong so I got a new actuator... Long story short. I'm good to go for now but I just called the dealership and they got both vacuum harnesses for about $140 in going to look around for a better price but I'm changing out everything.... Nothing worse then not having 4x4 when you need it. Nice video thanks.
I have watched your video published May 9, 2017. Very good showing how to resolve vacuum leaks. I've got a 1998 f150 4x4 with vacuum tubing problems. Mice got under hood and did some damage to some of the tubing. I can replace most but have a couple of lines that go into the right fender. I can't find where it come out.
I have vacuum ath both inputs at the two solenoids. But I do not get vacuum on the line at the actuator when in 2wd, only on 4wd line. Do you think it is the solenoid?
possibly, but I would try to confirm that the solenoid is getting the electrical signal to turn on. I covered how to use a meter or test light to check that in part 2.
This was inconclusive. I took it all apart. I put it all together. The vacuum was restored. I was suspicious of the box because it appears to be a big potential source of leaks. I took steps to seal the box. The 4WD has worked well ever since.
This is a pretty open ended vehicle. The issues are either the vacuum box, the vacuum lines, faulty solenoids, a faulty 4x4 actuator (attached underneath a plastic shield near the front differential,) bad hub seals, or damaged vacuum hub caps. I may have a mix of a few of these issues as my truck will shift into 4x4, but won't always shift out. To compound on my issue, I once had some gnarly grinding while crossing a sandy river bank during a storm and had ZERO clue where the grinding was coming from since I have a relatively new transmission.
On my truck that turned out to be the 4WD light switch. This switch seems to not only operate the light but also electrically activates the 4WD system. I made a video: ua-cam.com/video/Oj3Nuwbjrm0/v-deo.html
Greetings from Park City, Utah! Your videos are a great help to me! I have a 2000 F150 XLT with 175K miles. I got my 4wd back working. My problem was two fold. Vacuum lines snapped behind battery. Fixed broken tube by ordering part XL3Z-3A788-AA from Ford Parts Giant. After fixing that tubing, the whole vacuum system was working except the arm of the 4wd actuator. Went under the truck and discovered a Dorman actuator in place without a boot so the actuator arm was rusty and not moving. Penetrant on the arm of the actuator wouldn’t free it. Ordered a new one from Rock Auto, the WVE 1S10933 and this one is stamped with the Ford logo. Now everything works.
Thanks for sharing the details of your challenging repairs. Well done!
You are one of the very few people who speed to unscrew the bolts and doesn’t have to add 30 minutes to their video so that we can watch you undo bolts!Thank you for respecting your viewers time.
Thanks for noticing...and commenting about it1
@@TheOriginalMechanic Hello sir, i had several leaks in my vacumm lines fixed those now have 4x4 light on and it is engaged while the knob is in 2wd any idea on whats going on? Thanks
@@jenny7836 I also had a problem with the 4wd light switch. I made of video of it:
ua-cam.com/video/Oj3Nuwbjrm0/v-deo.html
Lol... i heard that. I can't stand having to watch boring bolt removal videos. Like we really need to see all that?... wth?
Thanks for the video man was having issues with my 2002 f150 sometimes it would work and show engaged on dash but still no 4x4 . Air line from silinoid under hood going to actuator was broke. Thanks again got it fixed 5 min after watching this video.
Thank god for this video! No other good videos for 97-03 IWE problems
Great shame on 01 f150 for truck engineers. 🔔 shame! 🔔
Thank you Sir! I'm back up and running. One vacuum line was broken from rubbing on the battery box and the other had a small circular leak where it might have rubbed. Sealed them with a little glue and tape. I'm sure I'll have to do a more permanent fix later but working for now.
My 4x4 light comes on but it's not engaging
I think I got it now. Great video thanks for explaining things. Gonna go fix my truck now.
battery acid melted my vacuum lines 01 f150 4weel drive
On my 2002 F150 the "4x4" light would illuminate even though I had cracked vacuum lines and the actuator was not engaging the 4WD. This video helped me track down the leaks.
Op
Excellent video , very professional.
Thanks
This fixed mine 4x4. Thank you so much!!!
I like old shit. Press a lever and it works or metal breaks. All this plastic shit. Vacuum lines on a 4x4 system. My buddybgot me into ford's, now idk. Shameful.
question 4x4 doesn't engage but 4low will provided power off cycling...'98 f150 xlt 5.8 ... power down suggests electrical to me but which soleniod?
While changing fluids, differentials, transfer case and atf, noticed that front differential fluid was very bad looking compared to other cases. While on jack stands, observed that front hubs did not seemed to be disengaging. Only had 3inches vacuum at my solenoid inputs none measurable at solenoid output but did observe small movement at the actuator. Pulled battery and checked vacuum at vacuum box and found about 19 inches. Sealed box like video. Now have 16-17 inches at solenoid at 4wd works properly.
Thanks for the video.
Also found that my battery had started leaking underneath.
You're welcome. So glad this helped you.
Totally new to the Electronic/Vacuum operated components. I come from the old mechanical lock in lock out hubs and transfer case. (77 Jeep CJ 7).... I just ventured out and bought a 2003 Ford FX4 off road 4 wheel drive. I've ordered a haynes manual. Right now, I crank the truck and all she will do is reverse. I don't even know where to start. My first impulse is to pull the transmission, but realize that in todays world that may not be neccessary. A gentle "nudge" in the right direction or to a resource would be appreciated.
I have a 98 f250 what won’t shifted into anything for 4wd, I don’t know what to do. Like it’s a manual stick and it won’t move into anything.
Carl Tremble I’m in the same boat, my manual 4x4 stick is stuck
Great troubleshooting video! Helped me!
By using your video I diagnosed a bad vacuum solenoid, the one controlling 4WD. I found I had vacuum to supply sides, plus 12 volts going to the solenoids. I removed the solenoids and tested them each with 12 volts. I could hear the solenoid for 2WD activate when given voltage but the 4WD solenoid did not. Replaced it with a new one ($28.00) along with the improved panel with moisture "roof". The 4WD now works thanks to you and your video. Thank you!
You're welcome and congratulations on finding and fixing the problem.
So I am having the same issue. I do not have a way of testing the voltage but I checked the vacuum lines on the supply side and they both have suction. If this is the case then is it most likely a bad solenoid?
Hopefully you guys see this. I know your guys comments are from a few years ago. Any and all info is welcome! Thank you.
Shame on ford for using vacuum lines on a drive component
Thanks for putting up this series of videos.
You're welcome
@@TheOriginalMechanic I did my checks today, figured out I'm not getting any power to the 4x4 solenoid when I switch over to 4 high. In 2 high the right one checks out just fine. The left one- gets ground, but no power......any idea what that might be? Wondering if it's the GEM- but nothing else attached to the GEM seems to be having issues.
@@StormLaker I was thinking the light switch may be involved. I assume you took a look at that since you mentioned the series of videos. My 4WD only started working again when I changed out the light switch.
@@TheOriginalMechanic I bought the switch after I watched one of the videos- going to swap that out next weekend, may put in new t-case motor while I'm under there (truck has over 200K on it), and I have the solenoids inbound. Hoping it's not the GEM, haha.
Awesome vid!! Just got mine back in order!! thanks!!!
Having trouble with 03 f150. When in 4 WD hard to turn like it’s binding. Have completely new front end components. Wheel bearing, tie rods cv axel shafts,
I changed my actuator, thinking that was the problem and it is working. I changed the transfer case motor and the only difference is now the four-wheel-drive light turned off on the dash but still does not work. When I turn the key on, it clicks five times and then stops if I try to move the vehicle before the clicking stops on the last click if I’m moving, it will sound like it’s trying to engage.
Ever find out what your issue is I’m currently in the same boat
Is that the the 4wd engage. I thought the one closer to drivers side was the 2wd
If vacuum turns out same, not really fixed items a few 2017 visits to Ford dealer I made until absolutely broke up laughing told guy quit breaking my truck and making me pay to fix repairs didn't need when turned truck in? Oh boy. Makes sense now but my sequences of events I had not connected guy blowing my heat nor engine light initial warning fuel issues to this last 6 or do months of progressively worse problems I can now predict. I ruled out the simple fuel or fuel air mixture issues. But yes all along the guy having replaced my 4w motor, I knew it felt like vacuum. I did have overdrive light blink for few times but not again. It all points to getting under truck and looking if line cracked or if switch not always working it's back to checking the actuator.
I just found your video my f150 4+4 my 4 wheel drive light is on but no 4 wheel drive hopefully you can help thanks
I just sent you I question and I have the twist electrical lock-in on my four-wheel drive thank you
My auctuator does not move but both hoses have vacuum. My auctuator is missing that rubber boot. Does that rubber boot have to be there to work? I am also noticing that replacement auctuators dont come with that boot.
So i have vacuum at both lines at the front axle when in 4wd, therefore the actuator won't move either way. I guess i have a bad solenoid
Thank u for the awesome detail. I’m bout to reseal my plastic box as well snd see if it solves my problem
Great Video. Thanks for the information! God Bless
Explorers had this system until 1996. After that there was no 2wd drive mode. Things are much more accessible though.
Great...!!!👍
i have electronic 4x4 in a expedition is it the same
IDK. I'm thinking probably not. You could look on the firewall for the solenoids.
Great Job Phil! Tell the wife hi!
Just watched your video going to look at two trucks this weekend
👍👍👍 thank you so much God bless you
Could you or anyone, please tell me where I can get a replacement boot for the vacuum cylinder shaft?
Seems likely to be a Ford dealership parts department type part.
Great video! I'm literally going to checkout my truck right now, knowing what to look for. Thanks!
You're welcome. Good luck with it!
These kind of cheaply made / built components really amazes me. I guess just as long as someone buys the new trucks and gets them off the dealer lot is all Ford Manufactures wants. Then FORD can have lots of people returning to fix these things. I wonder if these components can survive some mud/dirt! Thanks for creating the video for the DIY'ers. My 4WD has been messing up for a while now...
You're welcome. I hope the video helps you troubleshoot and resolve your problem.
i noticed a black line that runs from transfer case all the way up behind the cylonoid on the passenger wall not plug into anything any idea's where it goes
Roger Castilleja I have the same questions and that is also on my truck.
Little more info on below question. I installed new vacuum switches. I have vacuum to switches and also to the small vacuum box behind the battery. I get a 4X4 indication on the dash but no 4x4 high as I said, only 4x4 low.
Mine (97-03) has the same issue, but I let it sit in 4x4 a while when running it eventually goes in. I believe mine is the actuator failed on the axle.
great video i just fixed my truck in les than 30min.thank you!
You're welcome. Thanks for watching and nice work!
@@TheOriginalMechanic I have a 97 explorer bud and can't find were the 4wd locking h8b vaccum acuater siloid goes.everuth8ng 8s 2 prong .I've been upset with the part .but 9 can't figure out were it goes
Is there a way to check those solenoids? I've got vacuum to them, but they dont click when I turn from 2 hi to 4 and vice versa. I havent checked the actuator yet.
At 1:32 in the video I show how to use a meter to verify the electrical signals. If both are there in 4wd you may need need to replace it.
@@TheOriginalMechanic ok. Thanks for the info. I guess I should've been more aware. Lol
My 4x4 seems to try and engage when making sharp turns. I have followed your video and found nothing except, coming from the four plastic lines from the it goes to 3 and one is a black plastic line that I cannot find the place to engage it, no t lines or open plugs. If you can help I would appreciate it. Thanks Terry
Yeah, that is a line to nowhere on my truck too; another viewer down below also noticed this hanging black line.
Seems so complicated just to engage hubs
Your right,,all that nonsense just to move a 3 inch lever,a pull line would have been cheaper and easier.
@@SonofGodly yeah your right. A simple cable like a parking brake should work
Did you have any scraping noise happening when you drove below 40 mph? Heck, mine even tries to "scrape" at 55 mph. I noticed it only occurs when low on RPMs. My actuator isn't engaging almost like yours. It moves about 1/16 and that's it. 4x4 lights come on, but nothing's happening. I got way better vacuum by the little vacuum box than by solenoids(still get vacuum at 2WD and 4WD, but weak). Leaving it all apart and getting some sealant tomorrow. See what happens. Whish me luck!
No, I never had any scraping noise at any speed. Good luck and thanks for watching!
What if I can't afford it and just pull the 4x4 fuses I understand it's risky but any other info would be great
Mine rips like a chainsaw and have to pull over
Found a vacuum line from the right front wheel melted off, cannot find the other end to repair and reconnect, any idea where it should be?
Jerry keep looking its there some where. You can glue it ,,and use a thin stir straw to hold it together.,,or a can of spry that comes with the red straw .
I had a problem with mine too.
I had to fix a loose wire on the solenoid and then had some cracks in vacuum line got that fix and actuator wasn't holding strong so I got a new actuator...
Long story short. I'm good to go for now but I just called the dealership and they got both vacuum harnesses for about $140 in going to look around for a better price but I'm changing out everything....
Nothing worse then not having 4x4 when you need it.
Nice video thanks.
You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting and good luck with fixing your problem.
1AAUTO.COM
I have vacuum but the solenoids dont seem to function for some reason
Could be fuse, I'd check with volt meter before buying new vacuum solenoid
@@Cjohn31 ok checked everything out and it engages now. But it failed to engage when it was snowy out. I couldn't even leave my drigeway
I have watched your video published May 9, 2017. Very good showing how to resolve vacuum leaks. I've got a 1998 f150 4x4 with vacuum tubing problems. Mice got under hood and did some damage to some of the tubing. I can replace most but have a couple of lines that go into the right fender. I can't find where it come out.
Note the comment below on the tube to nowhere.
What comment. Don't see one.
Great video
I have vacuum ath both inputs at the two solenoids. But I do not get vacuum on the line at the actuator when in 2wd, only on 4wd line. Do you think it is the solenoid?
possibly, but I would try to confirm that the solenoid is getting the electrical signal to turn on. I covered how to use a meter or test light to check that in part 2.
No they are working and making vacume,,,,Its your actuator not moveing in and out at the proper distance ,,,ebay has em for 124$
had 2 codes p155 and p1151 also my 4wd wasn,t working i checked and found leaking vacuum line thanks jim
You're welcome.
My Ford expedition when I put in 4x4 and then back out I loose vacuum at solenoid anybody have any ideas?
OK.SO THE PROBLEM WAS THE VACUUM BOX? I DIDNT HEAR YOU SAY THAT?
This was inconclusive. I took it all apart. I put it all together. The vacuum was restored. I was suspicious of the box because it appears to be a big potential source of leaks. I took steps to seal the box. The 4WD has worked well ever since.
This is a pretty open ended vehicle. The issues are either the vacuum box, the vacuum lines, faulty solenoids, a faulty 4x4 actuator (attached underneath a plastic shield near the front differential,) bad hub seals, or damaged vacuum hub caps.
I may have a mix of a few of these issues as my truck will shift into 4x4, but won't always shift out. To compound on my issue, I once had some gnarly grinding while crossing a sandy river bank during a storm and had ZERO clue where the grinding was coming from since I have a relatively new transmission.
Lincoln 4wd not working
This may have some application to your Navigator
My 2003 F150 only shifts to 4x4 low. Will not shift to 4x4 high. Any suggestions?
My truck is very slow when i put it on D you think that can be te transfer case?
When the four-wheel drive light does not come on in the dash 4 wheel drive not working do you know why that would be like that
On my truck that turned out to be the 4WD light switch. This switch seems to not only operate the light but also electrically activates the 4WD system. I made a video: ua-cam.com/video/Oj3Nuwbjrm0/v-deo.html
Great video, very informative.
Once again Ford crap design idea surprise anyone still buys their junk cars and truck