I am getting totally put out with this truck. See my profile details up in the corner for details on the truck. It has 45,000 miles, is VERY well maintained, and never off-roaded.

Last year, under warranty, the dealership put TWO different 4wd solenoids on, a few weeks apart, trying to fix a grind while engaging 4wd. No dice. They ended up putting on new IWEs on both sides. Grinding while engaging problem solved, and 4wd worked as it should.

Fast forward to today. We have some snow on the ground, and I tried to use 4wd today. Nothing. No sounds, clicks, or lights on the dash. Didn't matter what position I put the 4wd selector in, park or neutral, nothing....still 2wd.

I just can't believe how unreliable and problematic this truck has been for me. There is just no reason for a truck with under 50K miles, to have as many problems as I have had. I am a die hard Ford fan, and all that I have ever owned are Fords (probably over 10 so far). This truck has just ruined my trust in Ford dependability and quality.

Anyone with any suggestions where I start to look to fix this problem myself, since I am out of warranty now? I am fairly mechanically inclined, and can fix about anyting myself, its just that I am pissed at this truck, tired because I work nights and haven't slept, and am afraid if I go about checking things blindly in the 20 degree garage, I may hurt the truck. Hopefully someone can give me some ideas to start with, to minimize my anger and frustration.

Winter is just starting, and I spent the big bux on a 4wd because I really need it in the winter. It would be nice if it worked. Help!

 

Get a partner and listen under the truck. If you look at the top of the transfer case, there's a little electric motor that shifts the case into 4WD. Use a wooden rod or long screwdriver to see if the motor is turning when you shift the 4WD switch. If it isn't, it's probably just hung up, so tap it with a mallet and see if that frees it up. Cheap way to start.

 

In case anyone in interested, I figured it out. It was the electric 4wd selector motor, on the T-case. I whacked it with a hammer a few times, and 4wd hi and low are working as they should, for now. I guess for reliability sake, I will need to replace or rebuild the selector motor (unless I want to climb under there with a hammer every week). It looks like a rebuild is $130 from Rockauto....wonder what a new unit costs????? Anyone know a good source?

 

To be fair - I think yourdealer screwed up the first time in improperly diagnosing problem. Yes the IWE issue is a known issue... as is the motor. But thats really it.

I gingerly engage my 4wd once a month in hopes that it keeps things lubed and operable. Usually failure to use can cause mechanical issues.

 

That was exactly what I was going to put my money on. After replacing the ESOF motor, you will now pretty much have a new 4x4 actuator system. As long as you engage the 4x4 mode about once a month, you should be in pretty good shape.

As for parts, try Tasca Ford. They're really good online.

 

^^ what he said. The electric motors tend to stick/seize if not used with some amount of frequency. With your low mileage, that's probably all the problem is/was.

 

i feel your pain i have replaced my IWE solenoid already once but having more issues and while at the stealership they looked at it more and told me that the locking portion in the hub needs to be replaced..($760) to replace form them. FML and to add with it i need a new rear drive shaft pinion seal plus atf change out and brake fulid change out and steering fluid plus a new fuel filter. so it was like a boulder was dropped on me today. so i am definetly feeling your pain.

 

Here's what will get you even sicker. You can buy IWE's for under a hundred bucks a pop. I did both sides on my 2005 without ever having done them before in under an hour. Yes, I did have a lift and pneumatic tools, but the job is actually quite simple. Dealers make screaming profits on this job.

 

06lariat4x4... If you let the dealer put your truck in their bay, it automatically needs tranny&brake&power steering fluid changes and a fuel filter. Something in the dealership bay contaminates whatever fluids are in the truck each time it enters the bay. I'm surprised your brake calipers don't need turning (and pads replacing). All those items need correcting every time my truck gets near the maintenance bay. If you don't let them charge you for all the work they recommend, your truck will burst into flames and the wheels will fall off within ten feet of leaving their lot!!!! At least that's the way it was implied to me a year ago when I had a second PATS key made. I'm still waiting.

The PARTS counter guy at the same place is great though. He will match any online price I find for Ford parts. He even cut a couple keys for me for free, after I bought them online.

 

well my truck is at 51000 miles and i am figuring i atleast need to replace the filter due to it running a little ruff not bad but i figure it would help and the iwe solnoid is bad so i will try to replace that on my own, does anyone else have any expirience with changing out the locking portion on the hubs for the 4x4 if so are you near virginia beach hehe and ill supply the beer and pizza for some help at it. let me know dont mean to thread jack either.