Both transfer case lights on at the same time

thecowkid · #1 01-23-2009, 09:47 PM

Ok so I have a strange problem. I just had a new engine and the entire clutch system put into my 98 f-150. 4.6. After getting the truck back it was insainly hard to shift and get into gear after you left it running out of gear. The mechanic finally put a new master cylinder, and all the clutch goodies. When I picked up the truck the 4 x 4 low light was on but the truck was in 2wd high. Though it was strange, but didnt think much about it. After I drove it less than one mile the check engine light came on. I instantly turned around and went back to the shop. Once I got there I pulled the truck into 4 high and that light came on. I then pulled it into 4 low and the engine died. I tried to restart the truck with no luck. It would crank but not fire. Now both lights are displayed and the CEL light is off. It also keeps blowing one of the 15A fuses in the dash fuse block. Oh when we tried to scan the computer it said it couldnt link with the computer.

Sorry for the long post, but any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Joshua

JMC · #2 01-23-2009, 11:49 PM

Please post which fuse it it burning. does your truck have a manual shift transfer case?

thecowkid · #3 01-24-2009, 09:13 AM

I am sorry but I do not know exactaly what fuse it was. My mechanic pulled it out and replaced it. I wasnt able to get down there and see which one it was.

Yes the truck has the manual shift lever.

JMC · #4 01-24-2009, 12:32 PM

Just so you know your t-case, being a manual shift, doesn't need the Hi or Low indicator to be on in order to function. The GEM needs the signal to engage the front axle. So if the 4x4 indicator is on then the system will work. It would seem that a wire might have been pinched when they reinstalled the transmission. The switch on the t-case may also have been damaged. Most shops remove the t-case to install a clutch. Sloppy handling of the t-case may damage the switch. For the link to PCM problem check the fuse to the Lighter.
I will post more when I get access to my office computer with the shop manuals.

thecowkid · #5 01-24-2009, 10:02 PM

Thanks. I got a call from my mechanic today. The wiring harnes that is above the trany and the engine was pinched. The plastic wire hanger was broken and allowed it to fall down unnoticed. I dont know how many wires are in that section, but he told me that they all got stick in the flywheel and cut. Needless to say he is spending today and tomorrow silver soldering it all back together.

Before it stoped running the transfer wouldnt go into any 4 wheel selection. I guess when all your wires are cut that can cause that problem.

Different question. I use this truck to push a snow plow and pull a trailer daily. What oil do your recomend in the trany, transfer, and diff? I have been told to switch to synthetic but have been a bit scared to do so. Kinda crazy how much can go wrong when you hit the 200k mile mark. I cannot complain much I got this truck with 5 miles on it. This is the first time it has been in the shop.

Thanks again

Joshua Pickett

blueovelboy · #6 01-24-2009, 11:02 PM

royal purple is my suggestion thay have every thing you need

f150fella08 · #7 01-24-2009, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueovelboy

royal purple is my suggestion thay have every thing you need

yep and so does amsoil, more expensive and more better

JMC · #8 01-25-2009, 12:23 PM

Glad to see they found the problem.
Bring a friend with a scanner and scan for codes when you pick up the truck. If they cannot install a tranny without pinching wires I would certainly not trust them to solder a harness. If you don't have a reader go to a parts store that scans for free and have them scan for codes. I run a synthetic ATF in both the tranny and T-case. I use Royal Purple, Amsoil or Redline in the differentials. Your t-case should shift in and out of 4Hi anytime you pull on the lever. Clean and lube the linkage. Make sure the linkage is not binding on anything.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

thecowkid · #9 02-19-2009, 11:12 PM

sorry its been a while. Well it turned out to not all be in the wiring. The harnes was repaired and a new problem came about. The high range 4 x 4 would kick in and out. WTH. Low and behold the friggin mechanic had roled the transfer case over and cracked the switch on the side of it. I am so tired of having this truck worked on. Now I have a bad wheel shake problem. Its a never ending story.