2009f1504/4 wont go in 4wheel drive intil ing switched on@off

check for power at switch power in power out if switch is good you have a bad actuator check for voltage first at actuator before youreplace

hi.it can be your transfer box thats faulty I will say get it towed in to workshop do not drive it like that

Could be the switch/valve in the front differential.

Try having the truck where you can reverse for 75 to 100 feet shift truck into 2whieel then into reverse and back up 100 feet this should unlock the differential. if not get under truck there will be a a small switch mounted to the transfer case near shifter remove switch push rod in with a screw driver then re-install switch on transfer case.this will work.

Try to Manually move the Shifter with your hand on the Transfer Case.. Does this work?

had this happen on a 96 blazer replaced ing. switch and prob solved

There are a few things that would cause this problem.
The first and most common would be the switch itself is bad. the next would be a bad 4wheel drive encoder motor, this is the motor on the transfer case that is used to operate the 4wheel drive. The last would be the 4 wheel drive module.
You will need to do some testing, if the four wheel drive is working and goes in and out of 4 wheel drive then i would say it the switch. if it does not work correctly it may still be the switch or one of the components i listed above.I have enclosed a wiring diagram, you will need to do some testing to check system, first make sure all fuses are good. the fuses that operate the 4wd are listed on diagram, it will also tell you the location of each part. you will need to test front axle actuator and selector motor and switch, you will need a test light and a meter. hope this is helpful, good day.

- sent by jglaubitz via email -

The solution to the problem of the 1998 ford explorer was shutting the vehicle off in neutral tapping on swith a couple of times to get the 4wheel drive to disingage. eventually a new swith will have to be purchased.

There is a swith on the xfer case. Do this...Key on engine off select 4wd. With a 12 volt test light go to the front axle and disconnect 4 way connector and check for power to front axle actuator (About 2 inch in diameter screws into axle on pass side) I believe wire color is brown. If you have power you have a bad acuator (unscrew from axle). If you do not have power you have a bad xfer case sw or blown fuse.

If there is no switch present then it is full time 4X4, it does not disengage, good for travel bad for fuel mileage.