[emdistributing]

Long story short. I went on a beach with my truck and thought the 4x4 was engaged. Well it wasn't and I got stuck in the sand. End result I got out but I have no 4 wheel drive. I don't think it has ever worked in the 2+ yrs I've had it. So has anyone had this problem??

 

[D_R_C]

Does the very little light on the knob show it is in 4X4 when you select it or is it just flashing???
If you are looking for a light in the dash cluster there is none, only with the manual trans.
I added a light that I can see right off so I would know mine is in 4X4.
I forgot to many times when I got back on the highway not having something easy to see.

 

[emdistributing]

I change the dial to 4 high and it flashes then the light says it in 4 high. When I was stuck is when we relized the front wheels weren't spinning. that night on solid ground I tried it again and nothing. It says its engaged. The last time I tried it over a year ago something didn't seem right. Its not something I ever need and forgot all about checking it until I got stuck.

 

[jrmsoccer32]

take it to the dealer there are a couple bulletins on why it might not work some about some reprogramming of the computer and some about broken snap rings etc...

 

[ausdurmax]

Hey emdistributing, My Truck did the same thing the first time I tried to use 4WD. I read on the Forum here that if you unplug and than plug back in the motor that locks the front axles, while the truck is running and set to 4WD, it will engage the front axles. I went out to my Truck and did that and have not had a problem since. Make sure you are in Park and set the Parking Brake. Hope it Works for you too!!

 

[emdistributing]

Hey emdistributing, My Truck did the same thing the first time I tried to use 4WD. I read on the Forum here that if you unplug and than plug back in the motor that locks the front axles, while the truck is running and set to 4WD, it will engage the front axles. I went out to my Truck and did that and have not had a problem since. Make sure you are in Park and set the Parking Brake. Hope it Works for you too!!

Thanks I will try that. I was just driving it and got it to go in 4low but it giving problems still. Its definitely going to see the dealer tomorrow if I don't get an instant result.

 

[emdistributing]

take it to the dealer there are a couple bulletins on why it might not work some about some reprogramming of the computer and some about broken snap rings etc...

It makes some noises it probably shoudn't when it finally went in 4 high. So most likely this will be making a visit to the dealer. Thank goodness I know a dealer that could care less about modifications. Thanks for the info.

 

[emdistributing]

Fixed!!!! The actuator was sticking. Tech said its been turning into a common problem. They ordered me a new one just in case, so I just need to stop by their tommorow and they are going to throw a new one in.

 

[WV-DMAX]

Good tip fellows. Went and checked mine out yesterday, 4 low will only flash then go back to 4 high. No indication that 4x4 is engaged in either 4 high or 4 low. Probably will make a trip to the dealer.

 

[ausdurmax]

Hey WV-DMAX. I would try unplugging and plugging the motor on the axle first, I got my truck in March of 07 and did that in April of 07 and it has worked ever since with no problems, I found this in a thread on this forum. Did several searches to find it. Still have not quite got the hang of how to search and find what I am looking for.

 

[WV-DMAX]

Will try it tonight and see what happens. Is the plug on the axle or the transfer case. let you know tomorrow..

 

[ausdurmax]

It is on the axle. you need to have the truck running and in PARK and the PARKING BRAKE SET, climb under the truck from the passenger side, behind the front wheel and look up, you will see the harness at the motor on the axle. I had my truck in 2WD at the time and switched it to 4WD after the unplug, has worked ever since. Good Luck, Be Careful.

 

[emdistributing]

I got the new actuator installed today. When I went back to pick up the truck the idiot at the desk says " your lucky we're not being as*holes and voiding your warrenty because of your lift" I asked him to explain how an actuator is effected by my lift. He had nothing else to say. The tech who has touched my truck a few time responded with " I'll put a leash on him, but becareful with what you ask to be warranted" end result is the tech is an awsome guy but realistic.

 

[WV-DMAX]

Well, tried mine out tonight, did this with the truck off and the ignition key on. I could hear the actuator engage while in 4 high but nothing in 4 low, only the light would flash then go back to 4 high. Looked in the owners mannual and it basically said that there was a problem, so off to the dealership.

 

[WV-DMAX]

Went to the dealership, tech said that the truck had to be in neutral for the 4x4 low to engage. Kind of odd since the book did not mention anything like this..

 

[Coolbreeze]

On the older trucks you have to be in neutral for 4-Lo to be enganged . I suspect it is the same with the GMT-900's as well since they only changed the switch in the dash and not everything else.

 

[emdistributing]

Went to the dealership, tech said that the truck had to be in neutral for the 4x4 low to engage. Kind of odd since the book did not mention anything like this..

Well that's a false statement. The manual states you need to be going at a speed of like 3-5mph to engage 4lo. And know that I have the actuator fixed I can confirm that as true.

 

[street3285]

I was having the same problem of the 4wd not engaging even though the light was solid. After 3 trips to the dealer, they finally opened up the front diff and found metal shavings. Why they didn't diagnose and tear down the truck the first 2 times, I have no idea.

Anyways, they ended up rebuilding the front diff. Seems like a lot of these newer trucks have problems with the 4wd. Makes me wonder how long this will last and if it will always work when I need it.

 

[WV-DMAX]

I too read the book and did not see anything about drive train having to be in neutral for the 4x4 low to engage, I even explained that to the service rep. Sounds kind of odd if you ask me..

 

[emdistributing]

I too read the book and did not see anything about drive train having to be in neutral for the 4x4 low to engage, I even explained that to the service rep. Sounds kind of odd if you ask me..

Have they even taken your truck in the service bays to try and diagnos it??? I would go to another dealer or find out that service reps schedule and go when he is off.