Ok, so my 2002 F150 was having some issues over the last few years where sometime it would get stuck in 4wd. Now, every time it gets put into 4WD (H or L) it won't come back out unless I put the selector switch into 2WD, turn the truck off and back on. Stopping and putting it into neutral then switching while it's running doesn't work. But turning the truck off seems to work every time. So I think that the problem is in the switch or maybe there is a solenoid or some other electrical component that could be causing this? Anybody else had this specific issue? Could it be as simple as replacing the switch in the dash? Not sure how simple that is actually ..... Wonder if you can pop the switch out from the front? My sidemirror switch on the door armrest went bad and I was lucky that you could pop off the trim piece to access it for replacement.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

There are several videos about removing selector switches on ford vehicles. Perhaps not specific to your model but they are similar enough you should be able to work through the differences.

If you're uncomfortable doing it, a shop wouldn't charge much to do it. Doesn't seem difficult.

 

You might also check for a vacuum leak. The truck defaults to 4WD if there is a vacuum leak.Possibly, you have a "minor" leak that is preventing it from returning to 2WD.

- Jack

 

Here is a good video that shows how the system works and how to troubleshoot it.
And here is another one.

 

Thanks everyone, I'll take a look at the videos and see what I come up with.