I just joined this forum and have found it is the best I have seen. I posted a new issue I have with my 2001 Ford 4X4 diesel Excursion with 127,000 miles on it. The front axle or transfercase does not engauge when I switch the 4X4 on either in low or high 4X4. The light comes on the dash but nothing happens. I heard it could be the front axle actuator gone bad. Can anyone confirm this or have a Ford repair standard for this. I do not even know where the actuator is or what it looks like. Thanks in advance....

 

yeah, sounds like something to do with the vaccuum (assuming you have ESOF, not on the floor). i was lucky enough to get the manual shift tcase, so i can't help ya..... but welcome to the site!

 

Welcome to the forums. Try to manually engage the lock out then shift it into either 4hi or lo. If it engages at this time it is most likely the "O" ring seals for the lock outs.

Toyman

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I had the vaccum checked and it is ok. I just had my front hubs replaced at the dealership 5 months ago. Great site and quick responses from the group. Thanks again.

 

The shifter is froze up, or the actuator is gone.
pushbutton 4wd is dumb imo. Gimmie a lever!

If that isn't right, then the shift or mode forks are monkied up in the T-case.

 

Thanks for the reply. I think it is the actuator. I need to get it up on a hoist so I can see if the plunger is working when I switch to 4X4 hi and low. I am still looking for a repair standard or something that will show me where the actuator is and how to check it out. Thanks again.

 

Post it in here
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum30/
or here
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum29/

And you will get all the info you need.

Welcome to FTE!

 

To all, thanks for the answers and suggestions. I just got my Excursion back and the issue was both front hubs were frozen. The Excusion with lock out hubs do not have actuators, all vacuum system. I found out the hard way you should use the system at least once per month including running in the summer with the hubs locked out. My seals had dried out and hubs froze up. Thanks again.

 

so you put aftermarket ones in i hope?

 

Thanks for the note but the shop I took it to used OEM hubs. I issue was I did not cycle the 4X4 at all last year. The shop told me to cycle them once per month and run with the front axle hubs locked. If I have to do this again which hubs do you recommend?

 

Warn! i went with the premiums when my OE hubs puked this past spring, and they've been great this winter and all last summer at the dunes. they don't have the auto feature (which i didn't have to begin with, having the manual t-case), but you can count on them to work when you need them.