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2004 Tahoe Encoder Motor Issue

WMMC

By WMMC
in Ask A GM Technician

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WMMC New Member

WMMC

Posted
Posted

Like a lot of other Chevy 4x4 owners, I receive a message on my dash that reads 'service 4 wheel drive soon'. I know this usually points to a possible encoder motor problem which I really don't want to spend the money on at this time and I have already replaced the 4 wheel drive switch on the dash. My 4 wheel drive engages while driving and at start up with no input from me and at times will not disengage.

I have already removed the fuse labeled '4WD', but this did not stop the 4 wheel drive from engaging on its own.

My question is... Can I simply place the transfer case in neutral and then disconnect the wire harness to the encoder motor assembly to stop the 4 wheel drive from engaging or would this cause other issues?

Jsdirt Senior Enthusiast

Jsdirt

Posted
Posted

Well, if you put the T-case in neutral, you won't be going anywhere ...

 

Neutral on the T-case is used when the vehicle is being towed to avoid driveline issues.

 

Usually that message is due to a faulty switch .... USUALLY ..... YMMV.

WMMC New Member

WMMC

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Well, if you put the T-case in neutral, you won't be going anywhere ...

 

Neutral on the T-case is used when the vehicle is being towed to avoid driveline issues.

 

Usually that message is due to a faulty switch .... USUALLY ..... YMMV.

"Well, if you put the T-case in neutral, you won't be going anywhere ..."

 

You're correct. I incorrectly assumed that the main transmission would still drive the rear wheels because the red neutral light on the 4 wheel drive switch on the dash would sometimes come on while driving. What I did do is make sure the transfer case was in 2-hi and then disconnected the wire harness at the encoder motor. Right now the vehicle is driving properly and no indicator lights are lit on the 4 wheel drive switch. Will this be okay? It will keep it from jumping into 4 wheel drive won't it?

 

 

"Usually that message is due to a faulty switch .... USUALLY ..... YMMV."

 

I have already replaced the switch. In my case it did not solve the issue.

 

Thanks for your reply to my initial question.

WMMC New Member

WMMC

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I would get it scanned, you probably have at least 2 codes in the TCCM.

I just spent 2 grand on a vacation and just looking for a way to keep the vehicle from engaging the 4 wheel drive without any input from me.

 

Thanks for your reply though.

gmtech4 Senior Enthusiast

gmtech4

Posted
Posted

It's fine disconnected , it still needs to be scanned , don't guess as to the problem , you'll be spending money for no reason when you guess and are wrong

 

Why do people assume it's the encoder every time the message is on ?

 

Don't you guys know that message means there is a code ?????

WMMC New Member

WMMC

Posted
  • Author
Posted

It's fine disconnected , it still needs to be scanned , don't guess as to the problem , you'll be spending money for no reason when you guess and are wrong

 

Why do people assume it's the encoder every time the message is on ?

 

Don't you guys know that message means there is a code ?????

"it still needs to be scanned , don't guess as to the problem , you'll be spending money for no reason when you guess and are wrong"

 

Yes, I realize it needs to be scanned before I spend money on repairs. That's the whole point. I don't want to spend the money right now for scans or repairs.

 

"Don't you guys know that message means there is a code ?????"

 

Yes I know.

 

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