4x4 not engaging

[marianovaz]

i'm having big trouble with the 4x4 electric shift of my 1998 F-100. the thing is that it doesn't work at all. it makes some relay clicks but doesn't locks. does anyone know where i could start from ? or where i could find the electric diagram ? it has some wires comming from the clutch, and from the gear box, that i think could be sensors telling the circuit when is the safest time to engage the 4 by 4, but i cannot be sure without the diagrams. please someone gimme a lead. thank you very much. by the way, transfer case is borg Warner.

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[signmaster]

I'm not sure if this applies directly to the late models. My truck is a '95.

The electronic shift on my truck is simply an electric motor that moves the shift linkage for you. It may have a "safety" circuit to prevent doing this at certain speeds etc. The motor on mine is visible on the transfer case.

Check the obvious on the motor. The wires and connections are exposed to road grime and weather. You could check the switch by checking for voltage change at the motor.

I had a friend that had the motor go out. He said it would be hard to convince him that it's not just a winshield wiper motor with different wiring! Anyway, once you locate it someone with average mechanical skills could remove it and check for operation.

Hopefully it's the motor and not the transfer case. Good luck....

[Injun Bill]

You may want to try tapping on the motor with a hammer or similar instrument-just tap and dont hit it very hard-I was having trouble with my 4-low on my 94 and the tap on the motor cured it-this info is also on another thread either in transmisons or drive train forums-good luck

[marianovaz]

thanks guys,
i checked the motor and is fine. it turns one side or another depending on the polarity.
no problem with it. but i'm suspecting the electronic control is the problem.
it's very complex, and complexity is the problem. i'll check if there's any adapting kit available for converting to manual shift.
i think it would be the best solution.
i don't care if i have to stop to shift.
the thing is that it has to work when nedeed.
come on guys at ford, we love our trucks but we need to trust on it.
good by and thanks again.