Service 4WD message

Gary Lee · July 12, 2004

My truck - 2000, 3/4 ton ext. cab, long bed. My Story - About a year ago, I was riding down the road, when I was squeezed onto the shoulder. I had to run over a pile (more like a berm) of stones from someones driveway, that had worked their way into the road. Right after the chaos had settled down, I noticed my Service 4WD light came on. Well all the while wondering what I had done, 20 mins later the light went off, with nothing abnormal happening. To make a long story short, it's been going on and off now for about a year, with no problems to the drivetrain, until heading to the beach one day. My truck was hesitant shifting into 4wd, "almost" to the point of gettin stuck. After that I had someone run the diagnostic on the truck for two days, because he said he couldn't diagnose the problem if it isn't in effect. Wouldn't you know it, the truck worked like a clock! As soon as I leave, the light comes back on. I'm thinkin a loose wire somewhere, or something. He said he had no idea what was going on, as he had never seen this before. Can anyone here give me some insight as to what to do to get this resolved? Thanks in advance.

silverado man · July 12, 2004

Probably a bad switch. I had something similar where the light would come on and of for no appearant reason. Are that switch lights all on and if they aren't if you tap the dash to they come on? I've got the part number for you if you want it.

Blue-2001-Z71 · July 12, 2004

Yup, I'd try a switch. GM Parts Direct.com has them cheap P/N 15709327 runs about $32 for the switch with a 5 minute install.

desmoface · July 12, 2004

Wow, what a conicidence..I just posted almost the exact same question on the motor/transm forum...I pulled into my driveway today and my check 4wd light comes on. 2000 1500 silverado with the electrically switched 4wd, with a pampered 30k miles on it. Light came on and then right off, on for about a second. Then she was reluctant to switch into 4wd hi, while it went into 4wd lo and auto awd with no problem..

Kind of sucks, just dropped almost $800 for front hubs which were rusted (causing the abs sensors to fall out/abs was going off all the time). This was just repaired 2 weeks ago. I wonder if the dealer could have screwed something up causing the 4wd problem?

Anyway, I called my chevy svc dept, they say sometimes the computer just needs to be reprogrammed...Also there were some kind of switches that can go bad, expensive (according to my dealer's svc dept).

I sure hope this isn't going to be expensive.

Steve

AB7TW · July 13, 2004

I have a 04 GMC 4X4 extcab. I had a remote start installed .now when i start the truck with the remote start there is a message in the dic window that says service the 4X4 heck the truck has only 437 miles on it. it will go away if i push the trip meter button and will not come back till i remote start again , ps does not do it with the key. AB7TW Bob

RyanZ71 · July 13, 2004

just ordered a new switch from GM parts direct and am waiting for it to arrive, will see if that cures my 4Wd service message problems

desmoface · July 13, 2004

Good deal Ryan. Please let us know if this does the trick..I just started experiencing the same problem.

Steve

Chris97K1500 · July 13, 2004

Yeah, a common problem, my Brother in law's 99 did the same thing. It would come on and go off every so often. We replaced the switch, no problems since. Chris

99GoldSilverado · July 13, 2004

I had the same problem. Replaced the switch at 38k miles. Problem solved.

RyanZ71 · July 13, 2004

hopefully get the switch today! we'll see! for those of you who have already done it, how do I get the switch out? I've never attempted to take apart the dash on my Silverado before. Don't want to break anything.

THanks

Ryan

Brew52 · July 13, 2004

GaryLee,

Check my truck discription, I have the same problem.

asilverblazer · July 13, 2004

To take the main dash surround off just pull gently on it I started in the corner by the big vent and worked all the way around. it helps to block the tires and move the shifter and the column all the way down. Hope that helps.

silverado man · July 14, 2004

Just be careful to not loos any of the rubber stop that are on the back of the bezel. If you pretty much pull it straight out you won't have a problem. Good luck.