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Weird 4 Wheel Drive Problem

SS1LE02

By SS1LE02
in Ask A GM Technician

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SS1LE02 New Member

SS1LE02

Posted
Posted

I have a 2000 half ton 4.8 truck with the push button transfer case selector. I noticed recently that it wasn't working in 4 hi/lo, however it does work in 4 auto. I have no SES light or "service 4 wheel drive" message either. I had an extra push button switch that I swapped in for the old one. No difference. I just replaced the 4 wheel drive actuator on the transfer case. Is there anything special to installing that. It was just a black plastic long round thingamajig with an electrical connector that just screwed in. No change after installing it. I switched out the push button selector with no change yet again. With the truck off I can hear the actuator working when I press the buttons. With the truck running, switching it into 4 lo I can hear the clunk, but it doesn't work.

 

Anybody have any ideas.

  • 2 weeks later...
space New Member

space

Posted
Posted

Bump this for my first post.

 

My truck started doing this yesterday. 2HI is now neutral and Neutral is now 2HI. 4HI and 4Auto is a ok, 4LO is a no go. There is no MIL's and nothing displayed on the DIC.

 

The encoder motor and sensor were replaced about 20,000 miles ago. Time for another?

Chanks7 Enthusiast

Chanks7

Posted
Posted

I dont know the answer but I would like to know also. My 03 started doing the same thing as yours SS1. I can hear transfer case motor shifting and I can even get into low range but still only rears spin. 4 hi is completely inop and when I use auto it seems like sometimes it will help a little bit like the left front is engaging but i will still fishtail all over. Now hear is the weird part, i put vehicle on a hoist and 4 hi mode all 4 wheels spin, but i put vehicle on snow pack in 4 hi and can spin the rear wheels easily while i hold the brake pedal. I checked codes no codes and no warning messages. One little clue i have is that I was driving along in 4hi and i heard a pop followed by a noise like when you put a playing card in your bike spokes. I pulled over and checked for a flat tire and since then it hasnt worked. Also it seems like sometimes when making sharp right turns I can hear a clicking sound from the right front. Any ideas???

space New Member

space

Posted
Posted

I spent the $60 to have the dealer check it out, its too damn cold to crawl under it here :D . As expected the encoder is bad again. I can understand 1 failing (at 17,000 miles) but 2!? My 01 Suburban (180,000 miles) has never failed and I think its the same part.

 

Dealer want over $600 for the motor and encoder assembly. I did not ask how much just the encoder is. Advance sells a reman for $275. Anyone have any other reliable sources?

Chanks7 Enthusiast

Chanks7

Posted
Posted

Found my problem, the clutch pack in the transfer case is worn out. Fluid level was low and fluid entirely black and stinks bad. Looks like I will be replacing the clutch or a reman t-case....

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