4WD Shift Actuator

knightgang · June 2, 2014

Am I to understand that failure of this part is the primary failure in the 4WD system?

My '01 1500 HD almost got stuck on the beach today and when I looked out the window the front wheels were not turning, in 4-Low. The button selector lights up and changes accordingly to what has been selected, but no front wheel engagement.

Any other thoughts...

gmtech4 · June 2, 2014

Did the other side turn ?

knightgang · June 3, 2014

No, neither side of the front axle turned....

gmtech4 · June 3, 2014

there is a way to diagnose it before ya shot gun parts at the truck

knightgang · June 3, 2014

I have auto enginutety, just not with me on vacation. I assume if there is a problem with the Actuator, it will throw a code. I plan on pulling codes when I get home, as soon as I get out from under the hood of my 6.0 Excursion.

Govtech, what are you suggesting on diagnosis...

efritz · June 4, 2014

Autoenginuity works very well for diagnosing 4x4 issues, I have it too (with the GM package is necessary) You can even run the actuators with the software.

knightgang · June 4, 2014

Cool. I have the GM Enhanced package, so that is helpful info.

How difficult is that actuator to get to?

gmtech4 · June 4, 2014

ya need a code and a schematic and experience ,,,if you need to ask where it is ,,,you're in trouble ,imo

SarahsGMC · June 4, 2014

Actuator screws into the diff really easy to get to. Just replaced mine but it wasn't the culprit my motor in my tcase was junk.

sent from my truck in a field

kstruckcountry · June 4, 2014

If you can't scan it pick up all 4 wheels, put it in 4x4. Put it in D, and see what's turning. Front driveshaft only = bad actuator on axle, nothing turning = bad motor on t case.

knightgang · June 6, 2014

ya need a code and a schematic and experience ,,,if you need to ask where it is ,,,you're in trouble ,imo

I can fix anything. I just have not crawled under the truck yet as I did not bring clothes on vacation to mess up with grease. I figure here I can ask questions and be more knowledgeable when I do crawl under.

BTW, I assumed that the 4WD actuator and the Transfer case shift motor was the same thing. Now I know more than i did before and know what to look for. I will pull codes and look around before throwing parts at it....