I read thru the posts and didn't see anything that applied, so here's my problem.

*First Problem*
1997 F-150 automatic, I hit the switch on the dash to go into 4 wheel drive and the lights come on ( both low and high ) but no 4x4. It sounds like something under the truck engages, but nothing further~!


*Follow up question*
Anyway when this happened, I couldn't pull a boat out of a lake and got stuck in water halfway up the bed ( the rear sank in the muck ). I left the truck running for about an hour after I got towed out. I hope that took care of water in the exhaust, I'm having the rear brakes checked tomorrow, anything else I should watch out for?

Thanks in advance,

TomRowan(AT)Comcast.Net

 

You'll need to replace the rear differential fluid if the axle was under water.

 

I had a similair problem in my 99 with the 4x4. Check the vaccum motor and the solenoid under the truck. My problem was the solenoid (may not be propername) It is located near the front differential behind a protective cover, and has two vaccum lines running to it. What you hear I am pretty shure is the transfer case locking in and the front drive shaft is probably turning, but the front axels arent being engaged to the differential....so no 4x4. Try this, if it doesnt work check the vaccum motor located under the hood on the passenger side firewall. Alos inspect the vaccum lines closely, if they are dry rotted and leaking it could very well be the problem. Good luck!!

 

I think it's called some kind of actuater.
Just my half a cent... If that.

 

well I had a problem like yours, every thing seem to check out just fine.. vacuum lines syliniods etc.. what my problem on my 97 f150 4x4 was the ground switch on the transmission.. i believe it was 40 dollars at the dealer... an easy fix... there is a steel ball bearing on the inside of the switch that when 4x4 it engauged it gounds out the system activating the 4x4.. commonly goes bad... check it out.. you might be surprised... I was

 

Will do, thanks to all!

 

I think this is what you guys are talking about. This ended up being my problem too.

Oil switch / four wheel drive indicator switch (has two names)

Let us know if works.

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=192971

My first question after joining here...

 

I'm having trouble with my 4x4 too. Sometimes it will go into 4x4 but when I go to turn it off it stays on. I have to d/c the battery cable to reset it. At work today we put the WDS on it and said it was probably the "gen mod". $119. But I'll have someone else look at it

 

Ah yes. At least they're simple fixes.

 

ya, thats the one... and not hard to get to either. 4x4 has worked great ever since I changed it.

 

Perhaps I'm mistaken but doesn't that switch tell the truck that its in 4x4 mode? If that goes bad I don't think the 4x4 light would come on.

 

Correctamundo. My vacuum was all ok, but I didnt have any 4x4 or low range light on. I replaced that switch and everything works again.

 

Where is that switched located ?

 

Its on the front of the transfer case. About where the cab meets the bed maybe, but underneath. There is a plug going to it.