Service 4WD message

[03z71]

I’ve searched the forum for this and read every thread I could find, but I still have some questions. The DIC in my 2003 Silverado 1500 (w/ AutoTrac) occasionally displays the message “SERVICE 4WD” (it first came up just before Christmas). It is never consistent and normally when I turn the truck off and back on again, the message is gone. It has been showing up more often over the past two months, but still only shows up maybe 10% of the time. Friday night, the message came up and the red light was on in the 4WD button panel rather than the amber 2WD light. Saturday I turned the truck on and the 4WD LOW amber light was on along with the message in the DIC. I put the truck in neutral, pushed the 2WD button, heard the familiar clunk as the t-case shifted and the 2WD amber light came on. I haven’t seen the message or any erratic behavior since (still very inconsistent).

 

My questions:

 

Since the problem seems to be so inconsistent, will the error codes still be in the computer if I take it to a dealer? I don’t want to take it in and have them tell me they can’t do anything because the message won’t come up and the codes didn’t get stored…

 

Based on my description of the problem, does this sound like it could be an issue with the switch in the dash, or the switch motor on the t-case, or something else? If it is likely the switch in the dash, that seems like a potentially easy and cheap enough fix (I’ve heard the part is $40) to try myself to see if that takes care of it before I take it to a dealer.

 

Sorry for the length of this post, but thanks in advance for any help!

[Bish]

I’ve searched the forum for this and read every thread I could find, but I still have some questions.  The DIC in my 2003 Silverado 1500 (w/ AutoTrac) occasionally displays the message “SERVICE 4WD” (it first came up just before Christmas).  It is never consistent and normally when I turn the truck off and back on again, the message is gone.  It has been showing up more often over the past two months, but still only shows up maybe 10% of the time.  Friday night, the message came up and the red light was on in the 4WD button panel rather than the amber 2WD light.  Saturday I turned the truck on and the 4WD LOW amber light was on along with the message in the DIC.  I put the truck in neutral, pushed the 2WD button, heard the familiar clunk as the t-case shifted and the 2WD amber light came on.  I haven’t seen the message or any erratic behavior since (still very inconsistent). 

 

My questions: 

 

Since the problem seems to be so inconsistent, will the error codes still be in the computer if I take it to a dealer?  I don’t want to take it in and have them tell me they can’t do anything because the message won’t come up and the codes didn’t get stored…

 

Based on my description of the problem, does this sound like it could be an issue with the switch in the dash, or the switch motor on the t-case, or something else?  If it is likely the switch in the dash, that seems like a potentially easy and cheap enough fix (I’ve heard the part is $40) to try myself to see if that takes care of it before I take it to a dealer. 

 

Sorry for the length of this post, but thanks in advance for any help!

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

99% likely it is the switch. You can either buy a replacement or fix yours. Many have had success pulling the switch and re-soldering the connections. Cold Solder joints work intermittently. If you have soldered anything before, I would suggest giving it a try. If not, go the new switch route.

[03z71]

99% likely it is the switch.  You can either buy a replacement or fix yours.  Many have had success pulling the switch and re-soldering the connections.  Cold Solder joints work intermittently.  If you have soldered anything before, I would suggest giving it a try.  If not, go the new switch route.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

What exactly would I be soldering? How many wires? Is access easy, or are they clumped so tightly that soldering is difficult? I have soldered many things, but find soldering things like circuit boards and little connections to be a huge pain...

[Bish]

99% likely it is the switch.  You can either buy a replacement or fix yours.  Many have had success pulling the switch and re-soldering the connections.  Cold Solder joints work intermittently.  If you have soldered anything before, I would suggest giving it a try.  If not, go the new switch route.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

What exactly would I be soldering? How many wires? Is access easy, or are they clumped so tightly that soldering is difficult? I have soldered many things, but find soldering things like circuit boards and little connections to be a huge pain...

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

If you pull the cover off the switch (after removing the switch from the dash), you will see the back of a circuit board. Just run a hot iron over each joint until the solder re-pools. It should take about 1-2 second per solder joint. You may even be able to spot the cold solder joints by the dull appearance instead of somewhat shiny. For some, this has solved the problem and is about a 30 minute fix.

[03z71]

Bish,

 

Thanks for the info. I guess I'll try soldering it. If that doesn't work, do you happen to have the part number for the switch.

[Larry]

Got to love that Autocrap 4wd system. You would almost think the “Service Transfercase” message and the lack of 4wd working when you want it to was a normal characteristic of all late model GM trucks with all of the threads on the subject but in reality it is the result of a poor 4wd system that GM and JD Power and ASSociates feels every GM 4x4 should have on SUV’s and cream of the crap trucks.

 

If you do a search by my name you will see a good portion of my posts are related to this subject. Why? Because I spent enough time working on the GM TAC hotline supporting dealers diagnosing these systems and quickly realized there is a huge deficiency in the reliability in all electric shift 4x4 systems….especially the Autocrap system.

 

Usually, when I crawl up on my high horse a few people will chime in to say they have not had any problems. Count them lucky so far because they will… Guaranteed.

 

Manual shift people….tell dealers you want a lever on the floor for 4wd even if you want bucket seats and the top of the line stereo. If you do not know when to use 4wd and need an automatic system to make decisions for you then buy a AWD Subaru for peet sake. Same if a lever is too much of an inconvenience for you pull on.

 

As mentioned above, the most common failure is the control head in the dash…but you also have a Transfer Case Control Module, encoder motor (mounted externally of the tcase subject to salt water damage) and about 20 lbs of wiring harness to go wrong not to mention the clutch packs inside the tcase that are not earning themselves a good reputation for reliablity. With a lever on the floor you have one thing to go wrong….the electronic front axle disconnect, which is easy to make reliable with aftermarket parts by posi-lok.

 

The reality is they do not manufacturer a quality product for the long-term owner. They build vehicles for lease customers and enough quality to carry a truck out of the 3/36 warranty parameter and maybe even as far as the Federal 5/50 arbitration limit. They would rather sell you a bunch of service parts at 300% mark up for replacement parts for the reduculas “convenient” options that the GM brand team idiots and JD Power and ASSociates though you should have when you bought you truck new such as Autocrap.

 

BTW, DCX made the NV246 Autocrap tcase standard on all 1500 series Ram 4x4’s in 2006. Boy, will the Dodge fans be sorry. Mopar service parts will make a killing selling service parts though.

[pm26]

the more i read about these switch failures, the more I am convinced that I should buy a new switch and carry it in the glove compartment as a spare. How long does it take to replace it and are any tools required?

[Bish]

Bish,

 

Thanks for the info.  I guess I'll try soldering it.  If that doesn't work, do you happen to have the part number for the switch.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Sorry, no part number. I use P&G Chevrolet for my online parts. Partzoneonline. I usually drop them an email and they give me the part numbers I'm looking for and I order off their web page.

 

If I recall correctly, the dash trim pulls off with no tools. I believe there are 2 - 1/4" hex screws. Should take less than 2 minutes to replace start to finish.

 

Have to agree on the manual comment. I would rather have no electronics as it quickly becomes the weak link. All to make the soccer moms more comfy. I had the switch fail under warranty but no problems in 140K since. Give me a manual t-case and manual hubs any day.

[go-dwr]

Bish,

 

Thanks for the info.  I guess I'll try soldering it.  If that doesn't work, do you happen to have the part number for the switch.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Sorry, no part number. I use P&G Chevrolet for my online parts. Partzoneonline. I usually drop them an email and they give me the part numbers I'm looking for and I order off their web page.

 

If I recall correctly, the dash trim pulls off with no tools. I believe there are 2 - 1/4" hex screws. Should take less than 2 minutes to replace start to finish.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

I got my new switch in the middle of December 2005 in the mail from http://gmpartsdirect.com/ for $35.30 + 9.95 sh total $45.25 and my local chevy dealer wanted $61.93+tax.The part #15709327 and is an actual ac/delco part. I will say gmpartsdirect.com is a little slow in shipping and no phone # only email which is also slow but I did get it in less than 2 weeks and a great price so I am happy. It is easy to put on and I've not had any problems with the service code coming back on yet... good luck

[pm26]

Got to love that Autocrap 4wd system.  You would almost think the “Service Transfercase” message and the lack of 4wd working when you want it to was a normal characteristic of all late model GM trucks with all of the threads on the subject but in reality it is the result of a poor 4wd system that GM and JD Power and ASSociates feels every GM 4x4 should have on SUV’s and cream of the crap trucks.   

 

If you do a search by my name you will see a good portion of my posts are related to this subject.  Why?  Because I spent enough time working on the GM TAC hotline supporting dealers diagnosing these systems and quickly realized there is a huge deficiency in the reliability in all electric shift 4x4 systems….especially the Autocrap system.

 

Usually, when I crawl up on my high horse a few people will chime in to say they have not had any problems.  Count them lucky so far because they will… Guaranteed.   

 

Manual shift people….tell dealers you want a lever on the floor for 4wd even if you want bucket seats and the top of the line stereo.  If you do not know when to use 4wd and need an automatic system to make decisions for you then buy a AWD Subaru for peet sake. Same if a lever is too much of an inconvenience for you pull on.  

 

As mentioned above, the most common failure is the control head in the dash…but you also have a Transfer Case Control Module, encoder motor (mounted externally of the tcase subject to salt water damage) and about 20 lbs of wiring harness to go wrong not to mention the clutch packs inside the tcase that are not earning themselves a good reputation for reliablity.   With a lever on the floor you have one thing to go wrong….the electronic front axle disconnect, which is easy to make reliable with aftermarket parts by posi-lok. 

 

The reality is they do not manufacturer a quality product for the long-term owner.  They build vehicles for lease customers and enough quality to carry a truck out of the 3/36 warranty parameter and maybe even as far as the Federal 5/50 arbitration limit.  They would rather sell you a bunch of service parts at 300% mark up for replacement parts for the reduculas “convenient” options that the GM brand team idiots and JD Power and ASSociates though you should have when you bought you truck new such as Autocrap.

 

BTW, DCX made the NV246 Autocrap tcase standard on all 1500 series Ram 4x4’s in 2006.  Boy, will the Dodge fans be sorry.  Mopar service parts will make a killing selling service parts though.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Well, you are not making me feel any better. Especially after I traded in my super reliable '95 Nissan V6 4X4 with a floor mounted lever on this Silverado truck. I would have preferred a floor mounted transfer case lever, but they do not even offer one on the LT series crew cab Z71 Silverados. I would have had to go with an extended cab Z71 or LS crew cab Z71.

[Larry]

pm26,

 

I feel the same way….I have a 2001 Silverado HD that bought new and spec’d with a manual trans and transfercase for that reason. We are also on our second Tahoe Z71. Autpcrap, unfortunately, comes standard on SUV’s as of 2000. The 2002 Pewter Hoe had one problem after another. Mostly with a transmission upshift 1-2 shift shutter but also with the transfercase lights blinking and the stupid thing not wanting to shift. We offed it at 36,200 miles for a 2004 Hoe Z71 in Silver Birch. We bought the 2002 Hoe terd once be moved back to CO from MI in an effort to rid ourselved of a salt ridden Poncho Grandspam GT.

 

Our 2004 Hoe Z71 has worked like a Swiss watch so far but only has 40K on it. This is not a lease vehicle but a purchase (I do not live in the salt belt anymore so we tend to keep our vehicles for a while around here). We may actually keep this one for many years even after it is paid off. Believe me, the first time we have 4wd issues once out of GMPP it will get a NV261 manual shift transplant with resistors put in place to make the rest of the system still believe it is stock.

[txchevy4ever]

Strange... I had a 2000 Tahoe 4x4 (NBS), used my 4WD several times a month and put more than 100K miles on it without any problems with the AutoTrac... just traded her in for a 2006 Tahoe Z71 4x4... hope I'm as lucky with it as I was with my 2000.

[PharmZ71]

Mine went on just one time, then went off never to come on again. Under warranty, so when I brought it to the dealership for something else, they told me a computer re-program was needed. I think they did something with the computer cuz my presets were all gone on the radio.

 

Hasn't happened since. But I have read over and over again the switches are bad.

 

My $0.02

[cokedrvrbjw]

Mine went on just one time, then went off never to come on again. 

Hasn't happened since.  But I have read over and over again the switches are bad.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Same here...came on once, never seen it again.

[03z71]

Mine hasn’t acted up since Saturday (knock on wood). It’s disturbing to see how many people have faced problems because of what seems to be poor design. It’s too bad you can’t find the manual 4x4 system easily on anything but a work truck…