I posted this on transmissions as well. Will see which gets the most hits...

My 4x4 light on the dash has started to turn on and off intermittantly. Seems to be no instigating factor. Just goes on...then off. Heard one associated clunk when it turned on once, but nothing else later. Anyone else w/ this problem? Am I in store for a big fix or what?

As always, any help is greatly appreciated...

 

Sounds like a short. The clunk was probably the shift motor engaging. I've seen the 4x4 modules cause some weird problems. What year truck?

 

Definitely advise, getting it checked out, BEFORE, you have to make a huge reapir.

Sounds like an electrical issue, but, if not fixed it will get into a mechanical issue.

Good Luck, and, keep us posted on the turnout.

 

Did a search, looks like it could be the IWE solenoid that may be defective causing it to go in and out of 4wd from time to time. The light goes on and it sounds like it's trying to partially engage...grinds, but no lock up. Need to wait for a bit warmer weather and until I have more time on my hands before I can dig into the problem for the fix. In the meanitime, does anyone know if I can disable the solenoid/4wd system?? Just need to keep the problem at bay for a while until I can find time to fix it.

Thanks...Scott

 

Since you said IWE, I assume it is 04 or newer new body style F150. You can try unplugging the IWE solenoid. It is right behind the battery on the firewall.
The solenoid is an output device, and therefore if it shorts and engages the axles, the light should not come on. Still think your problem is a switch, short, or a module. Unplug it and see what happens. If the light still comes on, that's not it. But with it unplugged, the axles won't lock.

 

My truck is a '97 so I'm assuming that it doesn't have an IWE (not even sure what it stands for)? I made this assumption since I hear a clicking near my glove box each time the light goes on and off and I hear the gears trying to engage. What is the difference between my model year and the newer model years. Today nothing happened with the light or gears. Perhaps it fixed itself (not my luck I'm sure)!

Thanks to all for the help...

 

i had a similar issue...

both 4X4 HI & LO lights would come on intermittantly...typically flashing 3 times then off. my truck is an XLT with the floor shifter.

addtional info: i have an Edge w/ a broken tab on the OBDII connector, had it kinda rigged in there. at the smae time as the 4X4 light the edge would freeze up sometimes.

took it to the dealer (Sans the Edge), they ran a scan and told me the truck has never set any faults. drove it but could not duplicate the problem. they said next time it happens to take it right to them without cycling the ignition so they can get the fault code (if there is one).

i have not yet reinstalled the Edge but also have not since had the 4X4 light issue with the Edge off. not saying it IS the Edge but it sure seems that way....yes i DO need a new data cable for it.

 

The clicking noise is the 4x4 relays. Something is telling them to turn on. Since yours is a 97, the GEM controls the 4x4. 97s had a problem with water getting into the GEM/fuse box from a leak around the windshield. This would cause all sorts of weird electrical problems. Since the GEM is basically a part of the fuse box, it is bolted to the back, I have replaced them both due to water intrusion. Look at the fuse box and see if it is wet, or it has green areas from corrosion.

 

X2. The GEM turns on and off the 4x4 lights in the instrument cluster. It could be a deflective 4x4 switch but I highly doubt it. You could try unplugging the switch to see if the problem persists.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Thanks to all for your assistance. What is the GEM and exactly where is it located? Is the relay switch something that I can pull out easily to see if it stops the 4x4 from trying to engage? I'm not too familiar with this part of the truck...yet. So if it's not the relay or water in the lines, what else might it be? I've got to go to upstate NY in a couple days and would just like to stop the 4x4 from kicking in and grinding. I'll do a full fix on it when I get back.

Again...Thanks as always for the help. Scott