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IWE System

IWE System Vacuum Diagram 2.7L GTDI 

GFD246924Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Item Description
1 Intake manifold
2 Brake booster
3 Vacuum pump
4 IWE vacuum reservoir
5 IWE solenoid
6 IWE vacuum actuator LH
7 IWE vacuum actuator RH

IWE System Vacuum Diagram 3.3L / 3.5L GTDI 

GFD246925Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Item Description
1 Air cleaner outlet pipe
2 Brake booster
3 Intake manifold
4 IWE vacuum reservoir
5 IWE solenoid
6 IWE vacuum actuator LH
7 IWE vacuum actuator RH
8 Vacuum solenoid valve
9 Filter
10 Venturi
11 Aspirator assembly

IWE System Vacuum Diagram 5.0L 

GFD246926Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Item Description
1 Air cleaner outlet pipe
2 Brake booster
3 Intake manifold
4 IWE vacuum reservoir
5 IWE solenoid
6 IWE vacuum actuator LH
7 IWE vacuum actuator RH

IWE System Vacuum Diagram 3.0L 

GFD246924Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Item Description
1 Brake booster
2 Vacuum pump
3 IWE vacuum reservoir
4 IWE solenoid
5 IWE vacuum actuator LH
6 IWE vacuum actuator RH
GFD246927Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NOTE: 5.0L engine shown, other engines typical.

The IWE system consists of the following:

1 IWEs (spring-loaded vacuum hubs)
2 Vacuum hoses
3 IWE solenoid
4 Vacuum reservoir

The IWE system uses a vacuum solenoid and vacuum actuated hubs to engage or disengage the front wheel hubs from the front half shafts.

When the 4WD system is in 2WD (2H) mode, the TCCM supplies a ground path to the IWE solenoid to apply engine vacuum to the IWEs thus disengaging the front hubs from the front half shafts. To maintain vacuum during all modes of engine operation, a one way vacuum check valve and a vacuum reservoir are positioned between the vacuum source and the IWE solenoid.

When operating in any 4WD mode, the TCCM does not supply the ground path to the IWE solenoid. Vacuum is not applied to the IWEs. An internal spring keeps the IWE clutch ring engaging the front hub and the front half shaft.

The TCCM has two startup strategies that affect IWE operation after initial key cycle:

Some engines are equipped with a brake booster vacuum pump that supplies vacuum to the IWE vacuum reservoir.