Talk about embarrassing

Trogdors4x4 · #1 08-21-2008, 10:36 AM

Since Faye has been raining down on us here in FL I have been planning to go mudding and have a little fun after the rain settled down but then this happened yesterday....

I saw a little lancer slide into a ditch yesterday where I-4 goes into the turnpike by International drive here in Orlando so I decided that I'm gonna help this guy out. I got him all strapped up ready to pull. Put the Screw in 4x4 and I start to proceed with the save. I was wrong. How convienient that my 4x4 wasn't working that day. I felt the hubs lock but my front 2 tires would not spin. The people resorted to calling a tow truck to pull them out in the end.

So I need a little help on what to do as I'm 20 and I've only ever dealt with RWD Mustangs and Trans Am's. Should I take this to a dealer? I have read that there is a solenoid under the passenger firewall or something that usually goes out but I don't know where to begin.

APT · #2 08-21-2008, 10:59 AM

So the rear tire(s) spun and neither front tire did? Did you try 4WD low?

Probably a transfer case solenoid. Search here if you wnat to check it out yourself, or take it to a shop.

Trogdors4x4 · #3 08-21-2008, 11:09 AM

I tried both actually. 4WD High doesn't even do anything when I switch it to it. 4WD low will give that innitial jolt when you put it in drive but no tired spinning. I did some searching on here and google and could not find anything specific to what I was going through. I REALLY appreciate the help.

greencrew · #4 08-23-2008, 05:14 PM

Mine went out last year. I took it to the dealer and paid them $90 to diagnose. There is a vacuum hose that fell off. It's a simple enough thing to check.

I have heard that the solenoid will rust up and stick through lack of use. That is why you need to engage it once in a while.