read: Next month LOL!!



-Joe

 

You know it!

 

JTDEERE,

I suspect the (4x4 Low and High Indicator)T-case switch. It grounds the GEM and the PCM to signal that 4x4 mode has been selected by the shift lever. It may have closed to complete the ground in 4Hi but returns to open when pushed past 4Hi to 4Lo. That would turn out the 4x4 light and disengage the front axle. Simple test is to shift into 4Lo, unplug connector and short both wires to ground. If it was the switch you will have 4x4 Lo. The switch is on the t-case next to the shift linkage. And don't worry about smoking the clutch. It is normal for it to slip in 4Hi when pulling hard.

Joe,

Look up section 34-4 in the 1997 EVTM.

JMC

 

I'm staring at 34-004 from the 98 manual as I write this, and I just realized I never asked if it's a manual SOTF or the electronic SOTF. IIRC, you could get the manual trans on the 4.6, and still get the ESOF as an option in 98. Soooo, with that in mind,

JTDeere, is it a manual or electronic transfer case? (Lever on the floor or **** on the dash?)

Now, for the MSOF, the indicator switch *could* be bad, but if that was the case, then the 4x4 low range indicator light would not come on when you engage low range. Then, if it didn't know it was in low range, then yes, it could do as JMC says, but you would still be locked in low range at the transfer case, but only the rear wheels would be pulling, and the 4x4 and low range lights would go out.

Now, if you ARE getting the low range light, just not the hub engagement, then it's got to be a CAD issue (I think??)....

Now, for the ESOF (**** on the dash), I guess it *could* still be the contact plate in the transfer case (on the motor), but if the GEM doesn't know where the transfer case motor is positioned, the 4x4 lights will start blinking.

I guess we need to know for sure which t-case you have....

Sorry for not seeing the forest through the trees....

-Joe

edit: Just re-read the first post.... Manual t-case.... D'OH!!!

{dons dunce cap and moves to corner}

I'm now on-board with JMC... the 4x4 indicator switch is likely not grounding the GEM (I assume you're not getting the low range light when you make the shift, correct?)

-Joe

 

Correct, I have no four wheel drive nor any lights.
Thanks for all the replies! I appreciate 'em!

 

Yuppers.... That's likely what it is then. You might be able to pull the plate off where the shifter connects and see if the contacts are clean. There's usually brushes in those types of units (although I confess to never having had one off an F-150) and they may have gotten sticky/gummy...

-Joe