since its been snowing here i discovered a problem....my 4x4 works but sometimes when i put it back into 2wd the light goes off but its still in 2wd...i no this because the rear isnt spinning when i punch it in the snow.

i have to put it back into 4x4 and go back to 2wd then sometimes it goes back into 2wd

and there is NO grinding sounds

any ideas of what it could be?

truck in question
04 f150 lariat 5.4 4x4 78k

 

When I go from 4WD to 2WD, I usually move the switch, slip trans in neutral, and let the truck roll back or use reverse and back it up a foot or two ... and then go on.

That way if there is any "windup" stress in the drive train front - rear, I relieve it.

Windup or "binding" from two different ends trying to run just a hair different speeds or distances can load splines in IWEs or on shafts to make it hard to shift back into 2WD.

 

gotcha....but i thought when the 4x4 light goes off the 4x4 is disengaged.


either way i just want to make sure nothing is on its way out.

 

Well .... I'm not there driving your truck, so I don't know if it is or isn't Ok. I can see how the windup can load parts to make it harder to disengage though.

You could try my method?

 

My truck wouldn't fully disengage 4wd if it was -30* or colder out... Otherwise make sure that you have you're foot off the gas when you're switching back and forth