No 4WD

[tleed]

On my '96 Suburban, when I hit the 4WD High switch, the amber light just blinks. It never glows steady. I don't think the front axle is kicking in, no matter how far I drive. Same with 4WD Low. When I hit 2WD again, it goes direct to solid glowing.

 

What to look at?

 

Thomas

[millerwd]

Sounds like the acuator for the front diff isn't engaging. Check the fuse. Check the wiring/connector to the acuator. Replace the acuator.

BillM

[rascal]

when did the switch from the thermal one to the magnetic one? mine went out on my 95 z71 the replacement was magnetic, i like it alot better, instant in and insant out no disengament while playing the deep snow.

[Jeremy WI]

The change was made in the late 1997 model year. The earlier version was failure prone. The front axle actuator is on the 4WD fuse in the interior fuse panel, check the transfer case fuse there too. You could also check the connector at the actuator for power on the light blue wire, there should be 12v when you have selected 4HI or 4LO. You could also unscrew the actuator from the axle and see if it extends when it is removed from the axle

 

I believe the part numbers are on this post:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/t173603.html

[millerwd]

'96 Z71 was magnetic, i had one.

[tleed]

I replaced the 4WD xfer case fuse. It was blown. Then, when I hit the "4WD" button, it immediately blew the fuse again and took out 4th gear. That is, the tranny now no longer shifts to 4th gear, AND the transfer case doesn't bring in the front axle.

 

AAAUUGH!

 

Thomas

[jake_33]

well i have a 98 z71 mine did the exact same thing and it was just a 2.00 after market washer that works as a spacer its simpla and easy