Possible IWE solenoid failure?
Possible IWE solenoid failure?
I was out earlier today with a buddy and we were driving in his field to go to his pond, and there was a little muddy section, so I started going through it in 2wd and started spinning some. I slowed to a stop, put it in 4hi, then slowly accelerated and heard a grinding noise. I told him to get out and see if the wheels were spinning, and they weren't spinning, but it was still making the grinding noise.
Most of the stuff I have read about the IWE solenoid failures is that it will grind in 2wd when it looses vaccum, and you have to engage 4wd so that it doesn't eat up the actuators. Does this sound like it is just the solenoid going bad, or is it something else? Also, I read that if it looses vaccum, then the hubs will lock, and the half shafts will spin because of the wheels moving but not because of power being sent to them, and this will cause a decrease in gas mileage. I have been seing an average of about 12.3 mpg lately, with only slightly larger tires than stock with a 5.4 and 3.73s.
Sorry for the lengthy post and thanks for any help.
Most of the stuff I have read about the IWE solenoid failures is that it will grind in 2wd when it looses vaccum, and you have to engage 4wd so that it doesn't eat up the actuators. Does this sound like it is just the solenoid going bad, or is it something else? Also, I read that if it looses vaccum, then the hubs will lock, and the half shafts will spin because of the wheels moving but not because of power being sent to them, and this will cause a decrease in gas mileage. I have been seing an average of about 12.3 mpg lately, with only slightly larger tires than stock with a 5.4 and 3.73s.
Sorry for the lengthy post and thanks for any help.
Sounds like you have a leak. I just replaced everything to do with the 4wd system! Was a pain but once I understood it it was simple
https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...then-some.html
Check This link out. Try checking your check valves first off. Simple to do, there two of them and they do go bad!
https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...then-some.html
Check This link out. Try checking your check valves first off. Simple to do, there two of them and they do go bad!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: florida
i have the same problem as you with my truck i have to put it in 4hi then put it in reverse and then go again and it only works for a little till there is a big load on the 4x4 system. i need to do something about it!
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Hudson, WI
Do you have a vaccum gauge? if you put it in 4wd and it made the grinding noise the gears that lock together are probably worn out from it trying to engage in 2wd. At each front wheel pull the vaccum line off and check the vacumm should be about 20 pounds at idle. if you have 20 at both sides one of the IWE are leaking probably. Can you hear any noise when your driving in 2wd?