will a problem with the front axle accuator cause the transfercase to not engage on my 97 k2500?...the lights on the dash work, but thats all that works currently...

anyone have a picture of the motor that engages the t-case?...how do i check to see if i have current going to it (which postion should i push the dash switch while checking for voltage?, ignition switch position?)

are there trouble codes i could find in a scan?...

thanks

i searched, but didnt find that answer i needed...i pic of the t-case would be great!

You can pull the actuator out.....shift into 4x4 and see if the actuator moves...

you talking about on the axle or t-case?...

Actuator is part of the front diff....

ok....would that stop the t-case from shifting too?....seems unlikely, but i dont know how the components relate

thanks

I am assuming that since the lights work on your dash that the transfer case is shifting properly....test the actuator in the diff to make sure that axles are being engaged....

the lights blink, like its trying to engage, but then go back to 2wd...no low range 2wd or anything like that...i think the main issue is the t-case accuator (or whatever its called)...trying to figure out the best way to test this component...like i said, i dont even know exactly what it looks like....theres like 3 or 4 harnesses in/aound the t-case....theres a black selenoid looking thing on the bottom with a 2 wire connector, is that it???

what transfer case is in it?...just rebuilt mine it's an BW 44-01..here is a diagram of mine might help you find the right switch

So did you test the actuator yet?...

Electric Tcase????

Are you sure the t case actuator is working? Had a 97 Blazer that wouldn't shift out of low. Found the gears in actuator broke. If you are showing 2wd, check front drive shaft for rotation /w front axle off ground. If axle turns, wheels don't, then axle is good, look at Tcase.

Try to change to 4x4 with engine off. Listen for actuator motor when changing. If you hear it run, listen for change in direction. It is trying to detect movement of the shifter. If it's not shifting, get out the wallet.

Actuator can be rebuilt, I was able to rebuild my own, found a place in Vegas that sold me the gear set.

Good Luck

electric t-case...i dont see any t-case actuator on that diagram

i dont think the t-case actuator is working...havent tested the axle yet since my main concern right now is the t-case...still no one has answered my question: are the axle and t-case connected electrically?...will axle actuator failure result in the t-case not shifting?...

im going to the outer banks to get married in two weeks, and i MUST HAVE 4WD...i dont have any spare change:( ...and to make things better, the truck stalled (kinda) on the highway today...acted like it wanted to shut off, then picked back up...im super stressed

The actuator in the front diff will not cause the transfercase not to shift. Check your fuses. There should be 2. These things do have flash codes only. PITA. Odds are the encoder/shift motor on the transfercase is hooped. $$$

The front diff has a thermal controlled actuator. This is somewhat of a common part to good bad. There is a new replacement for it that uses a newer style electric controlled actuator with a small spacer.

The t-case has an encoder motor to switch modes. These are a far less common part to go bad. If you think your not getting 4x4, then my bet would be the front actuator.

As said before, unscrew it from the diff, plug the connector back into it and let it hang. Then hit the 4x4 button and see if it moves.

http://www.partsamerica.com/product_images/img/a1c/48106.jpg (javascript:popImage('/product_images/img/a1c/48106.jpg', 'Cardone 48106');)
this is the part thats not working on my truck....i have no voltage to it and it is not making any sound when my fiance pushes the button with me under the truck...i only saw one fuse....are they both in the dash-located fuse panel

as i said, the transfer case is not shifting, if it were the axle, then i would have 2 wheel low

edit: i now see both fuses, both are good

ok...i put 12v on the motor and it works...somehow its not getting from the fuse box to the motor...

i just realized the problem may have occured when i wired in my brake controller...perhaps i unplugged a harness or something...visually everything looks fine under the dash...whet color might the wires im looking for be????

thanks for everyones help and patience!...how do i bypass/test the switch?

Look for the transfer case control module....check the wiring to it....

try to follow the wires from the switch in the dash, see if you can follow them to whatever they lead to, then start at the motor and go the other way. While checking lots for rubbed/broken wires

I just got my manuals from GM, I'll take a look for some tips.

so i had 12v @ the harness under the hood when the switch was pressed...couldnt find the break in the line, so i re-wired the harness under the hood to the harness on the case...still didnt work, even though i had 12v...then i realized the only way to get it to shift was by leading off the battery to the motor (after a scare of shifting into neutral and having no forward or reverse!)...i guess the switch is bad and not suppling enough voltage or at the right intervals...so i rigged up a toggle switch until i get my hands on the proper replacement:grd:

i hate redneck boooty-fab, but i'm in a tight spot

Just watch the switch, the actuator is like $400 if the motor get burnt from overload. Might want to get a 3 to 5 amp circuit breaker to protect motor. Good Luck!!!! Have a good / safe trip.

just read page 2...disregard below

ok so, if you're front whatever thing doesnt engage your front diff then you should be able to put into 4 low. ONce in 4 low, you will really be in 2wd low, but you'll know it because you will be going 2.72 times slower.

If you cant even get 2wd low, then your TC linkage might be loose. In which case, have someone in the cab move the lever back and forth, find the linkage, fix it. Adjusting the linkage is also very simple.

James, I'd check the actuator on the front diff. first. Remove the actuator from the axle, and see if the little plunger moves when the 4x4 is engaged. If not, then check for voltage at that actuator while 4x4 is engaged. If there's voltage, but no movent, I'd suspect you have found your problem. Yes, it would cause the T-Case not to shift...they're all related, and the actuator on the diff. is a common problem on all of these trucks.

My '94 isn't push button, so I'm not familiar with the way the push button models are wired...I don't believe it'd even allow you to shift into low if this is your problem, as they're not designed to be able to run in 2-Low.

On the push button systems the button sends information to the transfer case control module....this module relays the voltage to the encoder motor....the encoder motor shifts the transfer case into 4x4...(encoder motor takes the place of your arm moving a floor mounted shifter)...this sends a signal to the switch on the top of the case that sends the signal down to the actuator.....

This is how I understand the system to work....could be wrong....its worked when I have had to troubleshoot my 4x4 systems (push button and floor shifted types)....

On the push button systems the button sends information to the transfer case control module....this module relays the voltage to the encoder motor....the encoder motor shifts the transfer case into 4x4...(encoder motor takes the place of your arm moving a floor mounted shifter)...this sends a signal to the switch on the top of the case that sends the signal down to the actuator.....

This is how I understand the system to work....could be wrong....its worked when I have had to troubleshoot my 4x4 systems (push button and floor shifted types)....

FINALLY...THAT was helpful!!!!.....transfer case control module...thats the shiny little box under the dash making all the clicking sounds!!! thats must be the culprit...calling the dealer tomorrow...didnt even know that part existed!!!

i'll let you know if thats it;)

I do what I can ;) ....