Hi, I think my 4x4 solenoid does not work properly. I checked it with the tube that goes to the 4x4 blocked off so I do not loose the air because I have a leak at the right wheel. ( My 4x4 does not work obviously)

The valve flickers when I select the 4x4 button but then after 15 to 30 seconds, it bleeds off by itself. It does not seem to hold. Is this normal?

I checked the price today, they want 124 dollars for it but the ford F150 is only 34 dollars. The 150 valve is a smaller unit and it has only 2 wire prung. The diesel one is bigger and has 3 wires to it. As the dealer told me, the F150 has two solenoid, I would use only one.

I think the valve only gives a go or no go for suction, then when we disengage the 4x4, it bleeds off the air for a short time to let the air come out of the 4x4 to disengage it, then it would relock the air so we still have the heater working and the accumulator to rebuild the vacuum. I wonder if the third wire would be to give a signal to momentarily disengage de 4x4.

 

If you have the part #, you can get it cheaper a number of places on line.

You can also get in touch w/ partsguyed.

 

Ok, I will check the part number, I thought I could only buy it at the stealer.

 

FTE sponsor PARTSGUYED.COM = Ed Olson, parts manager of Horizon Ford in Seattle WA

Ed gives parts discounts to all members off the actual MSRP.

You will not find an actual Ford part number on any part after 1956. The only numbers found on parts after 1956 are either ID engineering, or casting numbers.

In this case, it will be an ID number...if applicable. Online sources usually do not list ID numbers, only actual part numbers.

Ed has an EZ to use online parts catalog where the MSRP and discounted prices will be listed once you find the part you're looking for.

Usually I could look the puppy up and list alla this jazz, but I have no parts catalogs after 2001.

 

You need to ask questions in the F-150 forum first and find out how the solenoids are supposed to work. If it's anything like the F-250, it is a pulse lock/unlock. There is not vacuum applied at all times. Vacuum is only applied during the lock and unlock cycles.

 

Ok, once the 4x4 is engage, it would simply hold there. There is no suction at all time up until it free up the air lock in the wheel when you disengage it?.

 

On an F-250/350/450/etc, yes. A vacuum pulse locks the hubs, another vacuum pulse (less vacuum than the first) unlocks the hub.

Edit: OK, I'm confused. Are you talking about an F-150 or not?

 

Yes I have a F350 and was wondering if a F150 solenoid would fit on my F 350.

The problem with my solenoid is that it does not seem to hold, the solenoid operate but after say 15 to 45 second, it let all the air out. Then the pump is always working.

The F350 solenoid is $124.00, the F150 is $34.00

 

From what you describe, the F-150 solenoid will not work.

If the vacuum pump is always running, then you have a leak somewhere between the pump and the solenoid, or the solenoid itself. Try removing the solenoid hose and plugging it and see if the pump eventually stops. It might take a minute.

 

It seems that there is a leak at the solenoid, if I plug the line after the solenoid, the pump never stop.

 

Then you need to replace the solenoid.

You can try http://www.partsguyed.com. He often has parts cheaper than the dealer.

 

You can get a used one at a salvage yard for 30-40 bucks. They usually guarantee them for 30 days or so.