Pinpoint Test G: The Front Axle Does Not Engage Correctly
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup, 2005 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2005 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- G1 RETRIEVE THE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs)
- Refer to the recorded results of the 4WD control module self-test.
- Were any DTCs retrieved?
- G2 CHECK FOR VOLTAGE TO THE PULSE VACUUM HUBLOCK (PVH) SOLENOID
- Disconnect: PVH Solenoid C1247.
- Key in ON position.
- Measure the voltage between PVH solenoid C1247, circuit 295 (LB/PK), harness side and ground.
- Is the voltage greater than 10 volts?
- Yes : GO to G3.
- No : REPAIR circuit 295 (LB/BK). CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
- G3 CHECK CIRCUITS 605 (RD) AND 145 (GY/BK) FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
- Measure the voltage between PVH solenoid C1247, circuit 605 (RD), harness side and ground; and between PVH solenoid C1247, circuit 145 (GY/BK), harness side and ground.
- Is any voltage present?
- Yes : REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
- No : GO to G4.
- G4 CHECK CIRCUITS 605 (RD) AND 145 (GY/BK) FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
- Measure the resistance between PVH solenoid C1247, circuit 605 (RD), harness side and ground; and between PVH solenoid C1247, circuit 145 (GY/BK), harness side and ground.
- Are the resistances greater than 10,000 ohms?
- Yes : GO to G5.
- No : REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
- G5 CHECK CIRCUITS 605 (RD) AND 145 (GY/BK) FOR AN OPEN
- Disconnect: 4WD Control Module C281b.
- Measure the resistance between 4WD control module C281b pin 7, circuit 605 (RD), harness side and PVH solenoid C1247, circuit 605 (RD), harness side.
- Measure the resistance between 4WD control module C281b pin 1, circuit 145 (GY/BK), harness side and PVH solenoid C1247, circuit 145 (GY/BK), harness side.
- Are the resistances less than 5 ohms?
- Yes : GO to G6.
- No : REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
- G6 CHECK THE PVH SOLENOID COILS
- Measure the resistance between the PVH solenoid terminal 1 and terminal 2; and measure the resistance between PVH solenoid terminal 2 and terminal 3.
- Are the resistances between 45 and 55 ohms?
- Yes : GO to G7.
- No : INSTALL a new PVH solenoid. REFER to PULSE VACUUM HUBLOCK (PVH) SOLENOID in this section. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
- G7 CHECK FOR CORRECT MODULE OPERATION
- Check for:
- corrosion
- pushed-out pins
- Connect any disconnected connectors making sure they are seated correctly.
- Make sure all other system connectors are fully seated.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
- Yes : INSTALL a new 4WD control module. REFER to FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) CONTROL MODULE in this section. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
- No : The system is operating correctly at this time. Concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
- Check for:
- G8 CHECK ENGAGE VACUUM SUPPLY TO THE RIGHT KNUCKLE NOTE: The remaining steps require the use of a calibrated vacuum gauge that is accurate to within a minimum of 0.1 in-Hg. It is recommended the Pressure Vacuum Module 105-R0099 or equivalent be used.
- Make sure hublocks are in the AUTO position.
- Lift and support the vehicle off the ground until the front tires can be spun freely. Refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
- Start the engine and allow to idle.
- Turn the MSS to the 2WD position and wait 15 seconds. If switching from 4x4 mode, wait an additional 45 seconds.
- Disconnect the vacuum line at the right front knuckle and install a vacuum gauge on the line.
- Disconnect the vacuum line at the left front knuckle and plug the line.
- Turn the MSS to 4x4.
- Observe the vacuum reading within 45 seconds.
- Is the vacuum reading greater than 10 in-Hg?
NOTE: The engine is required to be at idle during the following steps to supply the vacuum required for the hublocks to engage and disengage.NOTE: Normal operation applies engagement vacuum for 45 seconds and then drops to 0 in-Hg.- Yes : GO to G9.
- No : GO to G16.
- G9 CHECK DISENGAGE VACUUM SUPPLY TO THE RIGHT KNUCKLE
- Turn the MSS to 2WD.
- Observe the vacuum reading for 15 seconds.
- Is the vacuum reading between 5.8 and 7.3 in-Hg?
NOTE: Normal operation applies regulated disengagement vacuum for 15 seconds and then drops to 0 in-Hg.- Yes : GO to G10.
- No : GO to G18.
- G10 CHECK FOR MECHANICAL ENGAGEMENT AT THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE
- Remove the vacuum gauge and connect the vacuum line at the right front knuckle.
- Turn the MSS to 4x4.
- Wait one minute.
- Rotate the right front tire one revolution forward and one revolution backward while observing the right front axle shaft and universal joint.
- Did the right front axle shaft and universal joint turn?
- Yes : GO to G11.
- No : GO to G11.
- G11 CHECK FOR MECHANICAL DISENGAGEMENT AT THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE
- Turn the MSS to 2WD.
- Wait one minute.
- Rotate the right front tire one revolution forward and one revolution backward, while observing the right front axle shaft and universal joint.
- Did the right front axle shaft and universal joint turn?
- Yes : GO to G19.
- No : GO to G12.
- G12 CHECK ENGAGE VACUUM SUPPLY TO THE LEFT KNUCKLE
- Remove the plug from the vacuum line at the left front knuckle and install the vacuum gauge on the line.
- Disconnect the vacuum line at the right front knuckle and plug the line.
- Turn the MSS to 4x4.
- Observe the vacuum reading for 45 seconds.
- Is the vacuum reading greater than 10 in-Hg?
NOTE: Normal operation applies engagement vacuum for 45 seconds and then drops to 0 in-Hg.- Yes : GO to G13.
- No : CHECK the vacuum harness for damage or an obstruction. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- G13 CHECK DISENGAGE VACUUM SUPPLY TO THE LEFT KNUCKLE
- Turn the MSS to 2WD.
- Observe the vacuum reading within 15 seconds.
- Is the vacuum reading between 5.8 and 7.3 in-Hg?
NOTE: Normal operation applies regulated disengagement vacuum for 15 seconds and then drops to 0 in-Hg.- Yes : GO to G14.
- No : CHECK the vacuum harness for damage or an obstruction. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- G14 CHECK FOR MECHANICAL ENGAGEMENT AT THE LEFT FRONT AXLE
- Remove the vacuum gauge and connect the vacuum line at the left front knuckle.
- Turn the MSS to 4x4.
- Wait one minute.
- Rotate the left front tire one revolution forward and one revolution backward while observing the left front axle shaft and universal joint.
- Did the left front axle shaft and universal joint turn?
- Yes : GO G15.
- No : GO to G19.
- G15 CHECK FOR MECHANICAL DISENGAGEMENT AT THE LEFT FRONT AXLE
- Turn the MSS to 2WD.
- Wait one minute.
- Rotate the left front tire one revolution forward and one revolution backward while observing the left front axle shaft and universal joint.
- Did the left front axle shaft and universal joint turn?
- G16 CHECK THE MANIFOLD VACUUM SUPPLY
- Make sure the engine is still at idle.
- Disconnect the vacuum harness from the PVH solenoid.
- Connect a vacuum gauge to the reservoir output line at the PVH solenoid connection.
- Is the vacuum reading greater than 10 in-Hg?
- Yes : GO to G17.
- No
: For gasoline engines, REPAIR the vacuum leak. TEST the system for normal operation.
For diesel engines, GO to G27.
- G17 CHECK THE PVH SOLENOID OUTPUT IN 2WD
- Connect the vacuum harness to the PVH solenoid so only the reservoir output line is connected to the solenoid.
- Connect a vacuum gauge to the PVH solenoid output port.
- Turn the MSS to 4x4 and wait 45 seconds.
- Turn the MSS to 2WD while observing the vacuum gauge.
- Is the vacuum reading between 5.8 and 7.3 in-Hg?
NOTE: Normal operation applies engagement vacuum for 45 seconds and then drops to 0 in-Hg.NOTE: Normal operation applies regulated disengagement vacuum for 15 seconds and then drops to 0 in-Hg.- Yes : GO to G18.
- No : INSTALL a new PVH solenoid. REFER to PULSE VACUUM HUBLOCK (PVH) SOLENOID in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.
- G18 CHECK THE PVH SOLENOID OUTPUT IN 4x4
- Turn the MSS to 4x4 and observe the vacuum reading for 45 seconds.
- Is the vacuum reading greater than 10 in-Hg in 4x4?
NOTE: Normal operation applies engagement vacuum for 45 seconds and then drops to 0 in-Hg.- Yes : CHECK the vacuum harness for leaks, restrictions, kinks or melted lines. REPAIR the vacuum harness as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : INSTALL a new PVH solenoid. REFER to PULSE VACUUM HUBLOCK (PVH) SOLENOID in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.
- G19 CHECK FOR A STATIC VACUUM LEAK
- Key in OFF position.
- Disconnect the vacuum line at the knuckle.
- Connect a vacuum pump to the knuckle fitting and T in the vacuum gauge between the knuckle and the pump.
- Pump until 20 in-Hg is read.
- Observe the vacuum reading for 30 seconds.
- Is the vacuum drop less than 0.5 in-Hg in 30 seconds?
- Yes : GO to G20.
- No : GO to G21.
- G20 CHECK FOR DYNAMIC VACUUM LEAK
- Make sure the vacuum is still at 20 in-Hg.
- Rotate the front tire for 30 seconds while observing vacuum reading.
- Is the vacuum drop less than 0.5 in-Hg in 30 seconds?
- G21 CHECK FOR A LOOSE KNUCKLE FITTING
- Remove the vacuum pump and gauge line from the knuckle.
- Make sure the knuckle fitting is tightened to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft).
- Install the vacuum pump and gauge line on the knuckle and pump to 20 in-Hg.
- Observe the vacuum reading for 30 seconds.
- Is the vacuum drop less than 0.5 in-Hg in 30 seconds?
- Yes : GO to G22.
- No : INSTALL a new hublock. REFER to HUBLOCK in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.
- G22 CHECK FOR A HUBLOCK LEAK
- Remove the hublock. REFER to HUBLOCK in this section.
- Remove and discard the hublock O-ring.
- Install a new hublock O-ring.
- Rotate the hublock to the AUTO position.
- Install the hublock into the special tool. Be sure that the hublock is completely seated into the special tool.
- Connect the vacuum pump and pump to 20 in-Hg. Release the vacuum pressure, then remove the hublock. The hublock should be in the engaged position. The inner drive gear will not rotate. Reinstall the hublock into the special tool. Pump to 5.8-7.8 in-Hg.
- Release the vacuum pressure, then remove the hublock. The hublock should be in the disengaged position. The inner drive gear will rotate freely.
- Did the hublock engage and disengage correctly?
- Yes : GO to G23.
- No : INSTALL a new hublock. REFER to HUBLOCK in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.
- G23 CHECK THE HUBLOCK SEAL
- Install the special tool and the retainer ring. Make sure the retainer ring is seated in the groove.
- Connect the vacuum pump and pump to 20 in-Hg. Observe the vacuum reading for 30 seconds.
- Is the vacuum drop less than 0.5 in-Hg in 30 seconds?
NOTE: Install a new O-ring on the special tool. The O-ring used is the same as the hublock. Apply a light film of lubricant on the O-ring.NOTE: Using emery cloth, clean the sealing surface of the wheel hub before testing.- Yes : The old hublock seal was worn or damaged. REMOVE the special tool. INSTALL the hublock with a new O-ring. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : GO to G24.
- G24 CHECK THE KNUCKLE SEAL
- Remove the wheel hub assembly. Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X4 .
- Install the special tool.
- Connect the vacuum pump and pump to 20 in-Hg. If checking for a dynamic leak, carefully rotate the U-joint while observing the vacuum reading for 30 seconds.
- Is the vacuum drop less than 0.5 in-Hg in 30 seconds?
NOTE: Install a new O-ring on the special tool. The O-ring used is the same as the wheel hub. Apply a light film of lubricant on the O-ring.NOTE: Using emery cloth, clean the sealing surface of the wheel hub before testing.- Yes : GO to G25.
- No : INSTALL a new knuckle seal. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X4 . RESTORE the system to normal condition. TEST the system for normal operation.
- G25 CHECK THE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY
- Remove and discard the wheel hub O-ring.
- Install the special tool and the retainer ring. Make sure the retainer ring is seated in the groove.
- Install a new O-ring on the wheel hub.
- Install the special tool. Make sure the tool is seated over the wheel hub seal.
- Install the special tool. Make sure the tool is seated over the wheel hub seal.
- Connect the vacuum pump and pump to 20 in-Hg. If checking for a dynamic leak, carefully rotate the hubflange relative to the wheel bearing flange while observing the vacuum reading for 30 seconds.
- Is the vacuum drop less than 0.5 in-Hg in 30 seconds?
NOTE: Apply a light film of lubricant on the tool O-ring.NOTE: Do not remove the ABS sensor.- Yes : The old wheel hub O-ring was worn or damaged. REMOVE the special tools. RESTORE the system to normal condition. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : GO to G26.
- G26 CHECK THE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY
- Remove the ABS sensor.
- Install the special tool.
- Connect the vacuum pump and pump to 20 in-Hg. Observe the vacuum reading for 30 seconds.
- Is the vacuum drop less than 0.5 in-Hg in 30 seconds?
- Yes : INSTALL a new ABS sensor. REMOVE the special tools. RESTORE the system to normal condition. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : INSTALL a new wheel hub assembly. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X4 . TEST the system for normal operation.
- G27 CHECK THE VOLTAGE AT THE VACUUM PUMP
- Key in OFF position.
- Disconnect: Vacuum Pump C1119.
- Key in ON position.
- Measure the voltage between vacuum pump C1119-4, circuit 295 (LB/PK) and ground.
- Is the voltage greater than 10 volts?
- Yes : GO to G28.
- No : VERIFY the central junction box (CJB) fuse 27 (15A) is OK. If OK, REPAIR circuit 295 (LB/PK). TEST the system for normal operation.
- G28 CHECK THE VACUUM PUMP GROUND
- Key in OFF position.
- Measure the resistance between vacuum pump C1119-2, circuit 57 (BK) and ground.
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
- Yes : GO to G29.
- No : REPAIR circuit 57 (BK). TEST the system for normal operation.
- G29 CHECK THE VACUUM RESERVOIR INLET HOSE FOR BLOCKAGE
- Disconnect: Vacuum Reservoir Inlet Hose.
- Connect a vacuum pump to the vacuum reservoir inlet hose and try to pull a vacuum. If the vacuum pump pulls and holds a vacuum, the hose is plugged. If the vacuum pump pulls a vacuum that slowly decays, the hose is restricted.
- Is the vacuum reservoir inlet hose plugged or restricted?
- Yes : INSTALL a new vacuum reservoir inlet hose. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : GO to G30.
- G30 CHECK THE VACUUM RESERVOIR INLET HOSE FOR A LEAK
- Plug the vacuum reservoir inlet hose.
- Leak test the vacuum reservoir inlet hose using the vacuum pump.
- Does the vacuum reservoir inlet hose leak?
- Yes : INSTALL a new vacuum reservoir inlet hose. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : INSTALL a new vacuum pump. TEST the system for normal operation.