Put in new Actuator and still no 4x4

[dtimms]

I just purchased a 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71 with 93k miles. I have never owned a GM truck before so I am trying to figure out the whole 4x4 system. I bought the truck in Missouri and drove it home to Colorado. I had tested the switches on the dash to make sure it shifted into 4 and 4low before I came home but I didn't test it on dirt to see if the front axle engaged. Everything works fine with the switches. I can hear it shift into 4 low and 4 high but the front axle doesn't engage. I tried searching on these forums and found a lot of information on the actuator so I replaced that. Still no engagement in the front end. Do you all have any other suggestions for me to try? I hear the actuator working when I hit the buttons. I am sort of lost on trouble shooting since I am new to this 4x4 system. Thanks for any help

[00Silverado4x4]

Possibly a bad actuator? You here it working but is it actually doing it's job? Also have you verified that the transfer case is shifting into 4wd?

[sahls01gmc]

Take a look at the transfer case shift motor. Those are a weak point as well, and so is the dash switch.

[dtimms]

I jacked up the front end and put it in 4x4, the front driveshaft doesn't turn. I pulled the actuator out and watched it move as I took in and out of 4. I put it back in and can hear it working? It is a brand new actuator so I am stumped. I took it into the mechanic. Had to admit defeat!! I will update on what they say the fix is.

[00Silverado4x4]

If the driveshaft isn't turning then the problem is in your transfer case. The shaft is locked in to the transfer case in 4wd.

[dtimms]

I am curious, if it is 4x4 and only the front wheels are off the ground, wouldn't the transfer case stop the driveshaft from spinning since it is park? When I am trying to back up in the snow and spinning my tires the front driveshaft is spinning just like the rear driveshaft. So that seems to tell me that the transfer case is locked in while in 4x4. The front wheels are not receiving the power, while on blocks they are spinning freely while in 4x4 meaning that if I spin one, the other doesn't move so nothing is being transferred in the front differential. I guess I will wait to hear from the mechanic.

[dtimms]

Update from Mechanic, It wasn't something simple like front axle actuator or transfer case motor. They found metal shavings in the front diff and are going to investigate further tomorrow. Should have an update by end of day. Doesn't sound cheap or easy.

[BlackZ71Silverado]

Sounds like the previous owner didn't keep up on regular maintenance. If he/she was changing differential fluid as suggested, the problem you have may have been prevented or fixed earlier before it got to this point.

 

Just curious, have you checked the fluid level since purchasing the truck? Metal shavings make me believe the truck may have been running with very little fluid.

 

 

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