4x4 indicator lights go out.....sticks in 4x4

[WATERWINGS]

I never have a problem shifting INTO 4x4....but sometimes the 4 high - 4 low dash lights go out.....and it will not shift OUT of 4x4....when/if the lights come back on, I can shift OUT of 4x4....

Usually the lights will come back on in a short time, and I can shift OUT of 4x4....last night, they would not come back on......they were still off this morning......but while driving to the Ford Dealership, (in 4x4), the lights came back on, and I was able to shift OUT of 4x4......

Where should I start looking.....?....the 4x4 switch ?.....the module in the passenger kick panel, (that clicks when all this work like it should), or could it be a connection giving power to this system ?......

Thanks for your help in advance....

John

 

[RonD]

Could be a few things.

Yes, the 4x4 module could be losing power.
The power(12volts) for the 4WD lights comes from the main light switch, but the bulbs need to be GROUNDED by the 4x4 module to light up, so control for lights is grounding not power.

And the 4WD lights are a symptom in any case not the problem.

2001 4WD electrical diagram below.

It won't be a bad fuse but could be a loose fuse, so check each one, pull it out and make sure it is making a good connection.
Could also be loose connector on 4x4 module

Also check connector on the shift motor behind transfer case, normally a problem there would cause flashing 4WD lights not no lights, but it is free to unplug connector, check it for corrosion, and plug it back in

The fact that the 4x4 quits and comes back on, on its own, would point at vibrations causing it to loose connection

 

[WATERWINGS]

Thanks Ron.....

Sounds like I could be losing power to a couple of places....because of a bad ground ?

That makes sense....

If the problem was in the main light switch wouldn't I lose dash lights, head lights etc ?.....just trying to understand....only the 4x4 lights go out..and no click from the Motorolla box in the passenger kick panel.

Where does the 4x4 module get its power from ?....(is that the Motorolla box in the kick panel) ?

I don't see the electrical diagram below ?

Thanks for your help !

 

[WATERWINGS]

OH !....I see the attachment now....thanks !

 

[WATERWINGS]

Has anyone else had this exact problem and tracked it down to a specific cause ?

I've been trying not to use 4wd lately when pulling the boat up the ramp.

 

[WATERWINGS]

Update !......I bought a used Transfer Case Module from a junk yard, ($85 vs $200 new), and so far, I get dash lights every time I crank up !

 

[Doofy]

Great. They actually charge that much for a module? WOWZA! Is the module guaranteed to be good?

 

[WATERWINGS]

YES ! that much.........and unless you turn in a core....you have to pay a $200 deposit !