2001 Sport Trac 4 wheel drive issues

[Spartan1377]

Hi,

I am having problems with my 4 wheel disengaging periodically when under pressure. The light comes on when i switch in and the 4 wheel actually works when I’m going slow or not going up a hill where tires may be more likely to spin out with snow.

The weird thing is it still works pretty well at low speeds, i even pulled out a big diesel that was stuck the other day in 4 low. I notice it disengaging more at higher speeds or when under lots of pressure. When it disengages I can hear a thud like sound, i let off the gas and it usually goes back in. The 4x4 light stays on the whole time.


Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks!

 

[05dakotatrac]

Sounds to me like the **** forks in the transfer case are not holding. You can try to Che the fluid but I don't think that's the issue. Sounds mechanical to me

 

[theluke19]

i had a similar problem about a year ago - when going up a loose rocky hill, it would pop and the front wheels wouldn't be powered anymore - Mechanic said that the chain was loose in my transfercase - but I never saw it for myself. had it fixed, and we're all good now

 

[RamTrac1990]

Hey guys I searched and this seemed like the most appropriate thread to post in...I've noticed that my 4wd doesn't want to activate anymore. Any ideas?

 

[05dakotatrac]

Ok turn the key to run and twist the switch do you hear a relay on the passenger side under the glove box?

If yes... Then go under the truck to the transfer case and see and listen to the electric motor on the back side does it spin and or make an electric whirring noise?

If yes... Then I'm not sure where your problem lies

If no to the original relay click question then it sounds like you have a fuse, relay/control module shot, go through both fuse boxes and check for any popped fuses.

If yes to the relay but no to the motor question I would safely assume the motor is shot or the connection is dirty try cleaning and reseating the motor plug and try again if still no go change the motor out

 

[RamTrac1990]

Nope don't even hear the click I normally would hear for the 4wd activating. I was wondering if extreme cold would have anything to do with it seeing as how it's been a warm weather vehicle up until a few months ago

 

[05dakotatrac]

Doubt temp fluctuations are an issue. Check for popped fuses. If all the fuses are good and you still don't hear a relay click then the rotary switch is bad or the control unit is

 

[RamTrac1990]

I'll check the fuses next chance I get...I'd really like to have my 4wd available especially since winter is coming and I'd really like to explore the Colorado wilderness.