Jump to content

4wd randomly engages

jcoast
 Share

Recommended Posts

jcoast New Member

jcoast

Posted
Posted

The issue I'm having is on a 2003 Silverado, 5.3 LS. Not long ago I had my PCM updated/reflashed and since then my 4wd-HI will randomly engage while I am moving at decent speeds. Once 4wd-HI engages, the only way I can get out of it is by going to AUTO then 2wd, but even then it will not work sometimes. When switching back does not work, I can feel 4wd-HI disengage from the front wheels, but the 2wd light will continue to blink and shortly after switch back to 4wdicon1.png. It's been happening more often and I'm afraid it will one day switch to 4wd-LOW at high speeds and grenade my differential transfercase.

I've read that it could be the controlicon1.png panel, but when it happens all the lights continue to work and I am not getting any dash 4x4 service message. The other is the encoder, but before I spend the money and time I'd like to get some more opinions from those more knowledgeable and experienced than me.

Thanks

Jachunter New Member

Jachunter

Posted
Posted

Just paid $500 to replace my second bad actuator today. The problem starts as intermittent 4WD engagement and then it will not move back to 2WD.

 

You need to engage the actuator into 4WD every couple of months to keep it working properly is what Carl Black Mech told me today.

 

I joined this site today to learn how to change actuator myself next time. Good luck.

gmtech4 Senior Enthusiast

gmtech4

Posted
Posted

The issue I'm having is on a 2003 Silverado, 5.3 LS. Not long ago I had my PCM updated/reflashed and since then my 4wd-HI will randomly engage while I am moving at decent speeds. Once 4wd-HI engages, the only way I can get out of it is by going to AUTO then 2wd, but even then it will not work sometimes. When switching back does not work, I can feel 4wd-HI disengage from the front wheels, but the 2wd light will continue to blink and shortly after switch back to 4wdicon1.png. It's been happening more often and I'm afraid it will one day switch to 4wd-LOW at high speeds and grenade my differential transfercase.

 

I've read that it could be the controlicon1.png panel, but when it happens all the lights continue to work and I am not getting any dash 4x4 service message. The other is the encoder, but before I spend the money and time I'd like to get some more opinions from those more knowledgeable and experienced than me.

 

Thanks

ya dont go and throw parts at the computor controled t case ,,,,t case will not shift into 4 lo at speed ,,,,

 

you scan scan it for giggles and go from there ,no guessing

 

 

programming PCM has nothing to do with the TCCM

 

do not guess

CapitalTruck Senior Enthusiast

CapitalTruck

Posted
Posted

Another instance in which I'm glad I got the lever actuated transfer case. Admittedly this isn't a very helpful comment.

gmtech4 Senior Enthusiast

gmtech4

Posted
Posted

Another instance in which I'm glad I got the lever actuated transfer case. Admittedly this isn't a very helpful comment.

agreed !!!

 

unfortunately people have stated that they like hitting little buttons,,,,car makers have provided this ,,,,at a cost when it chards the bed ,,

gmtech4 Senior Enthusiast

gmtech4

Posted
Posted

Just paid $500 to replace my second bad actuator today. The problem starts as intermittent 4WD engagement and then it will not move back to 2WD.

 

You need to engage the actuator into 4WD every couple of months to keep it working properly is what Carl Black Mech told me today.

 

I joined this site today to learn how to change actuator myself next time. Good luck.

second paragraph is out to lunch ,,never heard such nonsense in awhile lol

Coy9901 Enthusiast

Coy9901

Posted
Posted

 

What did you do to fix it?

I wish that I had better info on it. I sold the truck a few months back and now I drive a 14'. I had the receipts from the dealership also. I remember the first time that it happened I was driving on a lonely Hwy in the middle of Arizona. I drove it to a Chevy dealer and they replaced some sort of electronics ($600 worth). The next time it happened I was in my driveway. I thought that I was going to have to get a tow truck to get me to the dealer, because I was unable to get it out of four wheel drive. After I went into reverse, drive, reverse drive a few times it finally worked. I took it to the dealership the next day and they replaced the same electronics (another $600). At the time, I just paid it and went on about my life, so I couldn't tell you the exact details. I do know that that was my only problem with that truck for the 141,000 that I put on it before selling it. Sorry I couldn't be of any better help.

gmtech4 Senior Enthusiast

gmtech4

Posted
Posted

The actuator is easy to remove and diagnos. Seach on here for procedure.

he should really scan it first instead of doing ^^^^^^^^^^^^ maybe get pointed in the right direction ,,,

 

please dont tell people what to do before any codes are posted ,,,they WILL get side tracked and may spend money on misinformation ,,,,we cannot do that unless 100% confident

jcoast New Member

jcoast

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

he should really scan it first instead of doing ^^^^^^^^^^^^ maybe get pointed in the right direction ,,,

 

please dont tell people what to do before any codes are posted ,,,they WILL get side tracked and may spend money on misinformation ,,,,we cannot do that unless 100% confident

To be honest, it costs me less than half to replace the encoder ring than it is to have it scanned by a dealer. If I am wrong, then I still saved $55, since it can only be one other thing.

 

On the other hand, I refuse to pay $100 to simply find out what's broken on my vehicle. There is no reason with todays technology that you should need a multi-thousand dollar calculator to recieve system errors/faults. Not only that, but it allows mechanics to falsley state what is wrong with your vehicle. rather than you knowing directly before you visit. It really should be illegal in this day and age.

 

Imagine if Microsoft or Apple charged you $100 to display error codes on your computer or phone. There would be riots.

Edited by jcoast
barry34 Enthusiast

barry34

Posted
Posted

he should really scan it first instead of doing ^^^^^^^^^^^^ maybe get pointed in the right direction ,,,

 

please dont tell people what to do before any codes are posted ,,,they WILL get side tracked and may spend money on misinformation ,,,,we cannot do that unless 100% confident

I didnt tell him to replace it, I was saying the actuator is an easy part to troubleshoot.

barry34 Enthusiast

barry34

Posted
Posted

To be honest, it costs me less than half to replace the encoder ring than it is to have it scanned by a dealer. If I am wrong, then I still saved $55, since it can only be one other thing.

 

On the other hand, I refuse to pay $100 to simply find out what's broken on my vehicle. There is no reason with todays technology that you should need a multi-thousand dollar calculator to recieve system errors/faults. Not only that, but it allows mechanics to falsley state what is wrong with your vehicle. rather than you knowing directly before you visit. It really should be illegal in this day and age.

 

Imagine if Microsoft or Apple charged you $100 to display error codes on your computer or phone. There would be riots.

Youre lucky at $100, my two nearest dealers charge $150

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • asilverblazer
      Another 6.2L engine failure!

      By asilverblazer · Posted

      I included the first gen-cylinder de-activation (active fuel management) in my statement.
    • No1UKnow
      Transmission Woes :-(

      By No1UKnow · Posted

      Hello All!   My 2019 Colorado 3.6 LT, 4WD Crew Cab has approximately 77,500 miles and I recently began experiencing the well-known transmission shudder between about 30 and 65 mph. The problem had worsened to the point that I could no longer attribute it to road conditions - and I had decided to bring the truck to the dealer - when recently, I experienced a sudden loss of power while driving at maybe 40 MPH. Several warning lights flashed, the “Check Stabilitrack” message appeared, and the Check Engine, Stabilitrack, and Traction Control icons remained illuminated. The truck regained driving power, but it stayed in a low gear with unusually high RPMs for the speed. (limp mode?) Because I was only about two miles from home, driving slowly, I was able to make it back and run an OBD-II scan, which showed fault codes U0101, P0700, and U0100. My next trip in the truck was to drive it to the dealer the following day. That trip began normally, but after about a mile I experienced another loss of power, along with the same warning lights and the same “Check Stabilitrack” message. As before the truck remained driveable, but again operated at an abnormally high RPM-to-speed ratio and seemed stuck in a single gear. About a mile later, the dashboard lit up once more, this time displaying “Check 4WD.” Soon after that, I arrived at the dealer. I have verified that the truck still has its original factory transmission fluid, which means it has never received the corrective fluid exchange outlined in GM Technical Service Bulletin #18-NA-355.  That was Thursday of last week and I've heard nothing yet from the dealer.    According to Technical Service Bulletin #18-NA-355 and the build date of my truck, my truck should have the newer LV fluid. I've done a little research and read something about a problem with the wiring harness as well.   Anyone have an insights into this situation?  Thank you!!
    • GMCustomerService
      Damaged Left Rear Bumper & Left Rear Quarter Panel - Repair Questions

      By GMCustomerService · Posted

      Having bumper and other body damages can be very frustrating, especially as a result of a parking lot collision/bump. Our team wants to learn more about the damages to your truck so we can look into ways we might be able to help. When you get the chance, please fill out our support form with more details: https://s.gmc.com/support-request . A member of our team will follow up with you as soon as next available. We want to get you enjoying your truck to the fullest again. 
    • PhilB
      Gas Prices

      By PhilB · Posted

      Did you even read this article?   Even the title of the article says "U.S.-Iran Deal Doesn’t Mean a Swift Return of Oil and Gas Flows"   Remember, crude oil prices are based on FUTURE purchases by the oil companies.  Gas prices are based on FUTURE purchases by the station.  This article stated that many of the oil producing nations have to restart their processes to get the oil produced.  Then the oil has to be shipped to wherever.  And it doesn't get there overnight.  And most of that oil is not coming here. Check out this site:  https://afdc.energy.gov/data/10621   A graph will pop up to show where the US imports their oil from.  Notice that there isn't a lot of import from OPEC and Iraq.  Most of the US import comes from Canada. The US oil produces are selling their oil on the open market, which is why the US fuel costs went up.  So you're correct, the US oil companies are going to slow walk the price downward.
    • GMCustomerService
      Tranmission stays in Low

      By GMCustomerService · Posted

      Having codes and an engine light with no hints on what might be causing it is nothing short of frustrating. How long have these concerns been present? We want to know more so we can look into ways we might be able to help you. When you get the chance, please fill out our support form with additional details on your experience so far. A member of our team will follow up with you as soon as next available: https://s.gmc.com/support-request 

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...