4 Wheel Drive doesn't work.

VicS · Dec 13, 2011

I posted this down below at the tractor pull site also. Problem is our 2005 Ford Expedition won't go into 4 wheel drive. It has the auto 4 wheel drive also. When you turn the switch to 4 wheel drive it makes clunking sounds. but wheels aren't engaged. When you turn it to Low range it goes to low, I drove it, it is slow. But the front wheels don't pull. I have looked under it and don't see any disconnect to the front wheels. help. thanks Vic

VicS · Dec 13, 2011

Update, I jacked the rear wheels off the ground, The front wheels will pull in the auto mode! but not in 4X4 or Low range. Thanks again Vic

Tony in Mass. · Dec 13, 2011

Waste of time and money. Back in the 70's my family had a '71 Gremlin, and a '73 wagoneer. The jeep with 4 snows would get stuck at the drop of a hat, no traction to speak of. The halfacar had 13" with studs.... it could slam thru drifts over the headlights. I know technicians on here will explain and analize both, but old money wasted and time shoveling in a killer wind will never come back. If the roads are so bad I need 4wd, I stay in bed.

mite-help · Dec 13, 2011

Not sure about your expedition, but have worked on '05 F series that used vacumn controlled front hub lockout system--real pain about sticking, vac. leaks--these still have the manual 'lock-unlock' dial on hub. you can find info about removing caps & dipping in atf-DON'T USE STRONG CLEANERS--there is a real delicate rubber bellows in it--use mity-vac' to test if its vac. type. good luck--

RLA · Dec 13, 2011

There are (IWE) Meaning intergrated wheel ends
As per Ford"s title.. 7L1Z3C247A.
1st you need to know if you have vacuume to
these IWE.. If so then you need to know if they
are working as designed.
If no vacuum of low vacuum at the IWE then
you"ll to find the source, which is a 9e441
& the 9H465 solenoids.
If there is vacuum, then you"d better tear into
replacing the IWE. One maybe or both. Also
check all vacuum hose & connections from the
solenoids to IWE"s.

Make sure all tires are the SAME Size & make!!!

Tom OConnor · Dec 13, 2011

I had the same thing happen to mine this fall. One hundred and fifty dollars later at the Ford dealership they had it fixed and it is now as good as new.

jackinok · Dec 13, 2011

clunking sounds from where? Im not up on ford 4wd anymore,but have all chevys,sounds like it may have a problem in the front end itself to me. Transfer case seems to be shifting if it goes into low. I believe i would jack it up all around with all wheels off the ground and see if i could isolate the noise. If one hub is not locking that could be the problem. Might also be a ring gear. Could have a gear or bearing down in the transfer case though.I spent $3000 on mine last summer,of course i had to have one of the odd balls that they only made a few of. Had a bad case and finally found exactly one for sale in the US. Bought it for the case and had it and transmission rebuilt.

mkirsch · Dec 13, 2011

With pushbutton 4x4, you'll hear a clunk from underneath as the solenoids shift the transfer case and lockout hubs. It's normal.

A coworker has a 1997 F150 that had a similar issue. It's a vacuum leak at the front lockout hubs.

The mechanic fiddled with the hoses and it's working for now, so my coworker isn't going to worry about it.

M Diesel · Dec 13, 2011

(quoted from post at 13:38:34 12/13/11) With pushbutton 4x4, you'll hear a clunk from underneath as the solenoids shift the transfer case and lockout hubs. It's normal.

A coworker has a 1997 F150 that had a similar issue. It's a vacuum leak at the front lockout hubs.

The mechanic fiddled with the hoses and it's working for now, so my coworker isn't going to worry about it.

04 and newer use a vacuum controlled tooth ring right at the wheel hub on each side. Older models used a vacuum control to separate the axle in the center of the vehicle right next to the diff. Those would develop a leak and not engage. The newer ones engage with no vacuum, and then actually disengage on each start up if set for 2 WD. I seem to remember that Expeditions may have some funny rules about when they engage 4WD?

All that being said, they must roll to engage all the gears etc in the drive line.

Anonymous-0 · Dec 14, 2011

From service invoice...

Replaced the IWE actuator, sticking
Replaced the IWE solenoid, leaking vacuum

7L1Z-3C247-A, Actuator Asy
6L3Z-9E441-A, Valve Asy

RodinNS · Dec 14, 2011

If it's like the 98-00 rangers that had the vacuum lock hubs.... there is only one rule. They NEVER work when you need them. I'd be checking around with the mud shops to see if they have an aftermarket manual hub that cab be locked in. At least then you know what you got...
The problem with the Ranger's was that the springs were pretty sensitive... and it was hard to keep the vacuum seals tight enough to make anything work right. It was just POOR.
Hence they did away with it and went to a live shaft for 2001. That works well...

Rod

4 Wheel Drive doesn't work.

VicS

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VicS

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Tony in Mass.

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mite-help

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RLA

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Tom OConnor

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jackinok

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mkirsch

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M Diesel

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Anonymous-0

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RodinNS

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