5 Most Shocking Problems of Ford F-150 4x4 Actuator (Explained)

In this article, we will cover all you want to know about the most shocking problems of the Ford F-150 4×4 Actuator. You must be familiar with these problems before purchasing them.
Additionally, the cost for its fixing, replacement, the right time to replace it, and how to replace and repair it. All have been covered, so Stay Tuned!
However, before moving into the details, let’s first briefly introduce the Ford F-150.

Ford F-150, an amazing and luxurious pick-up truck that captivates hearts, was marketed and introduced by Ford; in 1975. This truck is safe and will not cost you much during repairs. Ford F-150 has an attractive interior, safety rating, and features it offers to its driver.

With the updates to the materials and designs, Ford has developed many actuators for its F-150 with time. However, with better materials and designs comes more complexity.

Table of Contents

A Quick Overview!

Before we begin with the explanation; a brief overview of this article is here for you;

Problems with Ford F-150 4×4 Actuator include; its 4WD (4 Wheel Drive) not engaging properly due to a failed 4 Wheel Drive actuator, an impaired vacuum hose and solenoid, and a faulty transfer case-shift motor. Other shocking problem includes; the grinding noise from the vehicle’s front side; Ford F-150 stuck in a 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) mode; passages for the oil when clogged; and gears wearing out excessively, leading to issues in the 4×4 actuator.

5 Most Shocking Problems of A Ford F-150 4×4 Actuator

Below are detailed answers to your queries regarding the most shocking and frequent problems of the Ford F-150 4×4 Actuator.

Moreover; data has been collected; by using authentic resources, such as; forums and experienced mechanics; regarding the problems associated with the Ford F-150 4×4 Actuator so that you can get maximum out of your vehicle and it can function well.

The following are the most shocking problems of a Ford F-150 4×4 Actuator;

1. 4 WD (Wheel Drive) Not Engaging Properly

A troublesome 4 Wheel Drive system in a Ford F-150 is a frequently occurring problem regarding its 4×4 actuator. Parts such as a dysfunctional solenoid and actuator cause an unengaged 4WD system.

Symptoms include; a jerking front axle, grinding-like noises, and noises such as scraping metal from the axle at the front.

Reasons for a Faulty 4WD system leading to 4×4 Actuator problems in a Ford F-150;

Failure of Actuator of 4 wheel drive; an integrated wheel end (IWE) is the system that locks and unlocks the hubs at the front of the Ford F-15 when the vehicle switches between 4WD and 2WD. This may also be due to the reason that IWE is a vacuum-based system, which is usually a victim of many issues. Grinding-like noises are tended to occur and are heard more in 2WD mode. If no attention is given to this problem then this can lead to some serious damage to your Ford F-150.
An impaired vacuum hose; a vacuum hose with a crack or the one being worn out could lead to a faulty 4×4 actuator in your Ford F-150.
An impaired vacuum solenoid; moisture could be a reason for the solenoid’s failure, leading to a faulty 4×4 actuator in your Ford F-150.
Faulty transfer case-shift motor; This one has to be a frequent issue in the Ford F-150 manufacture before 2004. A faulty transfer case-shift motor is a rare issue. However; it should be resolved since it can damage the actuator.

2. Grinding noise from the vehicle’s front side

When you hear a grinding noise on turning your vehicle to the left or taking an off, this could be as a result of a dysfunctional integrated wheel end (IWE), post 150000 Miles.

This is the system that locks and unlocks the hubs at the front of the Ford F-15 when the vehicle switches between 4WD and 2WD. This may also be due to the reason that IWE is a vacuum-based system, which is usually a victim of many issues. An actuator is known to be one of the integral parts of the system of integrated wheel ends.

Grinding-like noises are tended to occur and are heard more in 2WD mode. However, If no attention is given to this problem, then this can lead to some serious damage to your Ford F-150.

Replacement of the faulty actuator is the only solution to this problem. Details regarding its replacement are given in the next section for you.

Ford F-150 4×4 Actuator Problems

3. Ford F-150 being stuck in a 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) Mode

One of the issues seen in a Ford F-150 due to the actuator includes; the truck stuck in 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) Mode. The engagement is because of an actuator, which is like a solenoid.

Usually, F-150 would go in and out of the mode without any problem but would turn into this mode swiftly in certain cases, but it will not get out of the 2 Wheel Drive mode. This is an indication that the 4×4 actuator in your Ford F-150 is not functioning properly. This way, the power control module of the Ford F-150 shows an error, due to a dysfunctional actuator. Read in detail about early signs of a poor transmission.

Replacement of the faulty actuator is the only solution to this problem. Furthermore, details regarding its replacement are given to you.

4. Passages For The Oil Being Clogged

Inside your transfer case, the present is the passage for oil, used for gear lubrication and cooling. Since driving on an unpaved road; these passages are, however; clogged with debris and dirt. As a result, the building up of excessive friction occurs. In addition to excessive friction, the heat inside the transfer case leads to failure and damage to the present parts, such as the 4×4 Actuator.

5. Gears Are Worn Out Excessively

Because of driving off-road, gear is worn out excessively. Moreover, being engaged in the 4×4 mode for extended periods; without being shifted into a neutral one first. This also leads to a faulty Ford F-150 4×4 Actuator. Ford F-150 2.7 and 3.5 Eco boost problems are similar.

Answers To Your “Points to Pounder”

You must be having so many questions in your head; while reading this article. Don’t worry! We have covered all of your concerns, hows, and whens in the next section of this article. Keep On Reading!

Ways to Avoid Problems in Ford F-150 4×4 Actuator

The best way is to get your vehicle first checked by a certified mechanic (local) before making a purchase, offering pre-purchase automobile examination services in your area.

The other way to give call Ford’s Customer Service or visit the dealership, and check if TBS has been addressed with the automobile you want to buy, is by proving your VIN.

However, if the problems have already been addressed, it would be a lesser thing for you to get concerned about. Unlike uncontrolled factors, there are factors that one can control. Checked it properly, kept it safe, and fixed the problems beforehand or on time when they occurred. Keep a check of the tips for engine’s maintenance.

Let this be in the hands of a pro if you are not sure about fixing or replacing an actuator on your Ford F-150 accurately so that you won’t cause further damage to your vehicle by just experimenting with things, especially when it’s about having access to the interior of your vehicle such as its airbags, steering wheel, dashboards, etc.

Moreover, the other low-cost way is to Do It Yourself, but one should be sure about it first and then should be having all the required tools to fix an actuator on a Ford F-150.

When Do You Know About the Right Time; for the Ford F-150 4×4 Actuator’s Replacement?

Even if, the 4×4 actuator of your Ford F-150 not performing well; you can still drive your vehicle but cannot expect the level of comfort it should be bringing along with it.

Following are the hints, through which you should know that NOW is the time for your 4×4 Actuators replacement;

You’re A.C. (air conditioner) not delivering the correct air it should be delivering
The air condition system gives out grinding-like noises
Dysfunction air condition; producing hot air
A heated vehicle all the time, despite of air conditioner running.

Cost for Replacing a 4×4 Actuator in Ford F-150 (For Do It Yourself)

However; the cost of Replacing a 4×4 Actuator in your Ford F-150 when doing it yourself depends upon the followings;

Actuator type you want to purchase
From where do you want to purchase it to replace it with the broken one
Tools needed to repair and replace a 4×4 Actuator in your Ford F-150 such as; a socket and wrench set.
Access to the jacks or car lifting. To lift your truck so high; that you can easily sneak through under it.

Cost for Replacing a 4×4 Actuator in Ford F-150 (Via a Professional Mechanic)

Cost for Replacing a 4×4 Actuator in your Ford F-150; when hiring a professional mechanic depends upon the followings;

Their bill per hour; since mechanics cost you according to their hourly rates
For instance, if a mechanic is charging 100 USD for labor per hour, if he takes 2 hours to fix your Ford F-150’s 4×4 actuator, then it makes it 200 USD.

Want to read more? Read Types of Fuel All Generations of Ford F-150 Takes.

Conclusion

Ford F-150 is an amazing and luxurious pick-up truck; captivates hearts, marketed and introduced by Ford in 1975. However, this truck is safe and will only cost you a little during repairs.

Ford has developed many actuators for its F-150 with time. Each with the updates to the materials and designs comes more complexity.

One of the most frequent issues in a Ford F-150 has to be the problems with its 4×4 Actuator. Problems with Ford F-150 4×4 Actuator include; 4WD (4 Wheel Drive) not engaging correctly. The reason is a failed 4 Wheel Drive actuator, an impaired vacuum hose and solenoid, and a faulty transfer case-shift motor.