Skip to Content

What is the Iwe on a Ford F150?

If you have a 2004-2006 Ford F-150, you may wonder what is the IWE. These integrated wheel ends have three pieces. One fits over the axle, the other over the hub. The first two fit over the hub, and the third one locks over the axle. If you have problems with these, contact your dealer. If you don’t have a 2004-2006 Ford F-150, you can still purchase one online.

The IWE (Integrated Wheel End) system may need to be replaced. It is important to have this replaced if you notice grinding or squealing sounds when turning. In addition, the Ford F150 may also require a new pinion gear. Getting it replaced is the best option in these situations. Ford has an updated version of this part and a new design for your truck. In this way, you can continue to drive with your truck for years to come.

The IWE system locks or unlocks the front wheel hubs when switching between 2WD and 4WD modes. The hubs lock or unlock when the system detects a change in driving style, and the hubs lock when the driver selects 2WD or 4WD. It is important to know that the vacuum-operated system is prone to problems, as water can get into the solenoid.

How Do I Know If My F150 is IWE?

If you have a vehicle that exhibits IWE, there are a few ways to know whether it’s in need of a replacement. A thorough checkup is the best way to determine whether your vehicle needs an IWE replacement. A checkup can also reveal error codes. If your vehicle displays the C1979 code, this means your solenoid is failing. If this occurs, the harness may be shorted or open. An electrical connection may be poor, too. Finally, a physical inspection is required to rule out any other repair options.

To test for IWE, simply rotate the front wheels while your vehicle is in 2WD. If the front wheels are not rotating with the driveshaft, your vehicle has an IWE problem. The vacuum line keeps the hubs open in 2WD. The vacuum line is located near the ABS line. If the wheel rotation continues even after you’ve disconnected the vacuum line, then the IWE system has not been replaced.

READ ALSO:  What is the Towing Capacity of a Ford F150 V6?

What is an IWE Hub?

Is there a grinding sound coming from the front end of my truck? If so, the IWE hubs are likely the culprit. The sound usually starts during the initial start-up of the vehicle and gets worse over time. A few causes could be to blame for the grinding sound. In 2WD, the problem may stem from the actuators not getting enough vacuum to disengage from the hub.

To test an IWE hub, simply rotate the front wheels. Make sure that the driveshaft is not rotating with the front wheels. If so, a vacuum hose might be needed. In the early days of the F150’s life, this system was prone to failure, but the new style has improved its reliability. It’s still best to check the IWE hose periodically. You can also get a gauge at a parts store.

After performing the necessary diagnostics, the next step is to replace the IWE solenoid. If you have an older Ford F150, you might need to replace it. Ford Technical Service Bulletin 06-8-15 addresses the problem with leaking water into the IWE solenoid. If this happens, it will set up the C1879 and C1980 trouble codes. To solve this problem, Ford has upgraded the IWE solenoid and replaced it with a new design.

What Does IWE Check Valve Do?

To identify the problem, you can check the vacuum gauge that’s teed into the IWE control system. This gauge shows how much vacuum is being applied to the wheels. If you’re seeing a large vacuum reading, then you should check the valve and hose. You should also note any noises it’s making. The noises can be caused by a blockage, or by a damaged actuator.

When you notice any of the above symptoms, you should contact a mechanic and get the problem repaired. A full checkup is necessary, so that the problem can be identified quickly and easily. An error code of C1979 indicates that the solenoid is the culprit. Other potential problems include an open or shorted harness or a bad electrical connection. If you can’t determine the root cause, a technician will need to perform a physical inspection. In this way, you’ll know whether other repairs are necessary.

READ ALSO:  What Does a Wrench Light Mean on a Ford F150?

Another simple way to test the IWE check valve is to rotate the front wheels. Be sure to switch to 2WD before attempting this test. Be sure to check the front driveshaft as well. Make sure the hubs don’t turn with the front wheels. You should notice a rattling noise and a loss of vacuum. A faulty IWE check valve will always require replacement.

Is IWE Covered Under Warranty?

The Integrated Wheel End (IWE) system is responsible for locking the front hubs as you change from 2WD to 4WD. The system works with a vacuum, which shuts off when you are in 4WD and then locks the hubs again when you’re back in 2WD. As with many other vacuum-operated systems, the IWE system can have problems. Any F150 with 4WD has at least one of these. The four parts of the IWE system are:

The powertrain warranty for a Ford F150 is 5 years/60,000 miles, but it’s not a complete coverage. The warranty also covers parts and labour for the engine, transmission, and four-wheel drive. The diesel engine is covered for five years or 100,000 miles. Optional extended warranties are transferable between owners and make the truck even more desirable. However, make sure to read the fine print of any extended warranty.

How Do You Test IWE Vacuum Lines?

First, test the IWE solenoid. To do this, connect jumper wires to your vehicle’s battery and a 12-volt power source to the solenoid. Make sure that the pump is holding vacuum. To test the valve, connect a DVOM and ensure that the signal is correct in 2WD and 4WD modes. If it’s not, replace it.

Next, connect the hand vacuum pump to the vacuum line from the IWE solenoid to the front wheels. Rotate the front wheels while holding the vacuum. Make sure it doesn’t drop more than one inch per minute. If it does, replace the valve. Afterwards, reconnect the IWE vacuum lines. If you’ve reconnected the vacuum lines, they should all be working correctly.

READ ALSO:  How to Install Lowering Shackles on Ford F150 1995?

Ensure that the IWE solenoid is properly torqued and installed. Next, drain any water present in the vacuum lines. If no water is found, replace the solenoid with the bracket. If water is present, perform Pin Point Tests B21 and B22. Both tests will measure the leak rates and residual water from the IWE. The test will indicate if a blockage or damaged actuator is the issue.

Where is the 4 Wheel Drive Solenoid Located?

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle, you should first know where the 4WD solenoid is. It is located in the transfer case. If it is not functioning properly, this could be a sign of a problem with the actuator. The actuator controls the flow of vacuum to and from the transfer case when the vehicle changes drive modes. When the transmission is in 2WD mode, the vacuum enters the IWE system, locking the hubs. The IWE solenoid/valve assembly controls the vacuum flow during shifts. This valve is an integral part of the system.

To test the solenoid, connect the bottom vacuum line to the solenoid. Do not connect the top vacuum line. Start the vehicle in 2WD mode, then engage 4WD. If you notice a vacuum on the top pipe, the solenoid isn’t functioning properly. Moisture is the main cause of solenoid failures, so test both lines.

How Do You Replace a IWE Check Valve?

The IWE check valve is a part of the vehicle’s vacuum system. When the valve fails, it stops the front wheel hubs from engaging. This can cause a bad grinding sound in 2WD and make it hard to engage 4WD. To fix this problem, you need to disengage 4WD and disconnect the battery. Follow the steps below to replace the valve. Once the valve is replaced, you can continue driving normally.

Learn More Here:

1.) Latest on Ford F150

2.) Ford F Series – Wikipedia

3.) Official Ford Support

4.) F150 History