[miamidiesel]

Just found out on the 2003 Ford Excursion (7.3) 4x4 i bought that the 4X4 is Not working.... When I turn the switch (on the fly) while transmission is in neutral... the 4X4 indicator does not light up in the Dash. Also, when I just turn the ignition to "ON" position when all the lights in the Dash turn on for a couple of seconds.... the 4X4 indicator does not light up either.... seems like it has totally gone out...

I am thinking it may be 4X4 relays? but I am not sure where they are located. Any advice / help I can get from other guys here would be greatly appreciated.

I would like to fix it myself... rather then going to the dealer for known reasons $$$$

 

[Kanman]

You shouldn't be putting the trans in neutral while putting it into 4x4 high. Always leave it in D when shifting to 4 wheel. Or, am I misunderstanding?

First thing to check would be fuse, next is the vacuum lines on the hubs. Make sure they are connected and not split out with dry rot.

 

[GrampyJim]

We need to be careful here because, on some years (do NOT ask for specifics - there is only so much crap a person can remember) the 4X4 lights prove out at key on... and some don't....

However, you could use the scan tool to command the lights on and see if they work.... but that might require a trip to the dealer...

If you have a capable scan tool, you could check the 4X4 module for codes... but not all scan tools can "do" proprietary modules and .... well, what can I say. What makes things even neater is that many 4X4 module codes are "information only". You might get a code that states 4X4 cannot transition....". No sh!t, Sherlock.... And you will be left to discover if the concern is electrical or mechanical "using a logical diagnostic process".

The gearmotor encoder is a known area of concern.... they are a tad spendy...

Look at it this way... I could avoid some costly diagnostic time and just bolt one of these on a customers truck.... If it doesn't cure it, he will insist that I remove the part and not charge him for it.... The next customer that comes along will say "That's a used part... I don't want a used part".

The world is a strange place.... if you want to see "odd" people... work in a repair shop for a while...

"Ever since you fixed my tail-light my truck has been......."

 

[andrewbalser]

I know we don't have the same truck, but on my truck, I don't get the 4x4 light on key on. I can turn the key on though, and flip the 4x4 switch to 4x4 w/o the engine running and hear the case solenoid working. Can you do this?

Also... the 4x4 Shift on the fly means just that.. Shift on the fly. If I remember correctly, ideal shifting into 4x4 should be done at or above 3-5mph. Now that I mentioned that though, I know that even flipping the switch on at a stop, the light still comes on, and then the 4x4 will engage once the truck starts moving again. It definately should be switched on while in gear, not in neutral.

 

[catch&release]

My lights don't come either........but I have a manual shifter so I know when it is actually in 4wd or not.