Cars & Trucks Logo
Randy Darling Posted on Feb 13, 2012
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

2002 Chevy 4wd

2002 Chevy Suburban 5.3 4wd, Transfer case and actuator working, front drive shaft is free in 2wd and "locked" in 4wd. Axle actuator is working, took it off and checked. Still only have "rear wheel peel" on gravel. Any ideas?

1 Answer

jeremiah horgan

Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Sergeant:

An expert that has over 500 points.

  • Expert 202 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 13, 2012
jeremiah horgan
Expert
Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Sergeant:

An expert that has over 500 points.

Joined: Feb 10, 2012
Answers
202
Questions
1
Helped
61585
Points
587

Maby im wrong but if you rev up and only rear wheels spin that means that it might be 4 wheel drive but not constant 4 wheel drive or diff lock system ,,,, ,, in 4 wheel drive all wheells will turn together but if pressure of slip is bad enough or torque high enough only 2 wheels will drive ,,, thats why diff lock locks wheels together in each axle to over come this ,,, all wheel drive like in landrover locks all 4 wheels together to ensure all wheels rotate to give best grip

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 205 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 26, 2009

SOURCE: 02 Suburban Service 4WD light on periodically. Humming

Sounds like CV joint, or wheel bearing

Ad

Anonymous

  • 4 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 07, 2009

SOURCE: my 2000 blazer won,t select 4wd hi/low or auto

there is a vacuum solonoid on the firewall in the middle with 2 vac lines and a 2 wire plug
thats ur problem
push the button and smack it with the handle of a screwdriver should work

chopbug

  • 45 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 12, 2009

SOURCE: I tried to put a 2001 chevy suburban 2500 in four

check the actuator in the front diff to see if it is working

Anonymous

  • 400 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 12, 2009

SOURCE: S-10 Blazer 4wd problem

www.amazon.com/Chiltons-Repair-Manual.../0801981425


Hope this helps you

Anonymous

  • 2 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 16, 2009

SOURCE: 01 Chevy Silverado 4 X 4 not working. 4WD light

Having the same exact problem but with my 1999 escalade. Thought it was the actuator bought a new one installed it transfer case would engage but front end wouldnt lock. Took it out of housing left it plugged in got a friend to go through all the 4wd for me and the plunger never moved out the actuator. Checked my wiring harness which is a four prong ann it had one hot prong like it is suppose to. Traced wires even replaced dash switch same problem. Taking it to local dealership tom to have it checked for codes. I was told it could be the transfercase actuator even though its workin that actuator is what sends power to the front to engage the actuator to lock the differential.

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

2003 gmc envoy 4x4 problems. 4200 vortec engine. my front diff doesnt seem to be

The Selectable Four Wheel Drive (S4WD) Front Axle consist of the following components:
• Differential Carrier Housing
• Differential Case Assembly
• Inner Axle Shaft
• Intermediate Shaft Bearing Assembly (located on the right side of the oil pan)
• Electric Motor Actuator
The front axle on Selectable Four Wheel Drive (S4WD) model vehicles uses a disconnect feature mounted on the right side of the oil pan in order to engage and disengage the front axle. When the driver engages the 4WD system, the Transfer Case Control Module sends a signal to the electric motor actuator to energize and extend the plunger inside. The extended plunger moves the clutch fork and clutch fork sleeve across from the clutch fork outer gear that is splined to the right side wheel drive shaft to the clutch fork inner gear that is splined to the inner axle shaft. The locking of the two gears allows the axle to operate in the same manner as a semi-floating rear axle. A propeller shaft connects the transfer case to the front axle. The differential carrier assembly uses a conventional ring and pinion gear set to transmit the driving force of the engine to the wheels. The open differential allows the wheels to turn at different rates of speed while the axle continues to transmit the driving force. This prevents tire scuffing when going around corners and premature wear on internal axle parts. The ring and pinion set and the differential are contained within the carrier. The axle identification number is located on top of the differential carrier assembly or on a label on the bottom of the right half of differential carrier assembly. The wheel drive shafts are completely flexible assemblies consisting of inner and outer constant velocity CV joints protected by thermoplastic boots and connected by a wheel drive shaft.

How To Install Repair Replace 4x4 Front Axle Actuator Chevy Trailblazer...
0helpful
1answer

1999 Chevy Suburban stuck in 4wd

Hi Dale, Sometimes the front diff becomes wound up. I am not saying this is the problem with your vehicle but what I'm about to suggest may work as it often does with other four by fours. Make sure you have a clear space to drive the vehicle backwards and forwards at a slow speed. As you do so select the two high position on the selector. You may need to reverse and go forward several times. Hope it works for you. Regards John
2helpful
2answers

Got. A 2003 f150 4x4 got problems with 4 wheel drive locking in and stay in drive shaft turning front wheels not

Operationally vacuum shifts the front axle between 2WD and 4WD mode. The GEM ( Generic Electronics Module ) applies ground to the solenoid needed for the mode selected on the switch ( for ESOF ) or when the transfer case shift lever is moved ( MSOF ).The contact plates in the transfer case signal the GEM that the transfer case is engaged, and the Vacuum solenoids need to be activated ( either 2WD to 4WD or 4WD to 2WD ).

Lift and support the front of the truck so the front wheels are off the ground ( take safety precautions, chock wheels, jack stands, etc )
Key on, engage 4x4 and try to turn the front drive shaft.
- If it turns it is a problem with the transfer case.
- If it doesn't it is a front axle engagement problem ( this is what you seem to have, the transfer case is engaged and will drive the front shaft mine was a key on engine off test ).

- If the front drive shaft does not turn :
•With the truck running ( with front wheel back on the ground ), switch from 2WD to 4WD and back again, the vacuum shift motor should move the lever on the front axle.
sscullys_185.jpg
-- If the vacuum shift motor does not move:
1.Check for vacuum on the lines while shifting between modes. Pink vacuum line is 2WD mode, Light Blue vacuum line is 4WD.
2.Check the fuses for the 4WD system and the solenoids.
3.Check the vacuum lines from the vacuum shift motor to the solenoids on the firewall.
sscullys_187.jpg
4.Check the vacuum lines from the solenoids to the vacuum reservoir box behind the battery.
5.Check the vacuum reservoir box for cracks.
6.Typical solution is the vacuum lines ( to the solenoids or to the vacuum shift motor ) are cracked or the vacuum shift motor has a cracked diaphragm and has water in it.
7.Could be the shift plate contacts in the transfer case are corroded / not making good contact, and not activating the solenoids.
sscullys_186.jpg

Usually the case is cracked vacuum lines from the solenoids, the next common is a cracked vacuum reservoir box, and 1 time I have seen the mount for the vacuum disconnect motor broken ( motor floating free so it could not push against the axle )
sscullys_188.jpg
0helpful
1answer

I can not get power to the motor to engage my front axle on my 4x4.

Power as in 12 V DC ? if yes, you are not in the correct area, the front axle is locked in and out of 4x4 mode with vacuum.

Operationally vacuum shifts the front axle between 2WD and 4WD mode. The GEM ( Generic Electronics Module ) applies ground to the solenoid needed for the mode selected on the switch ( for ESOF ) or when the transfer case shift lever is moved ( MSOF ).The contact plates in the transfer case signal the GEM that the transfer case is engaged, and the Vacuum solenoids need to be activated ( either 2WD to 4WD or 4WD to 2WD ).


Lift and support the front of the truck so the front wheels are off the ground ( take safety precautions, chock wheels, jack stands, etc )
Key on, engage 4x4 and try to turn the front drive shaft.
- If it turns it is a problem with the transfer case.
- If it doesn't it is a front axle engagement problem.

- If the front drive shaft does not turn :
•With the truck running ( with front wheel back on the ground ), switch from 2WD to 4WD and back again, the vacuum shift motor should move the lever on the front axle.
sscullys_200.jpg
Item #10 in this diagram
sscullys_10.gif
-- If the vacuum shift motor does not move:
1.Check for vacuum on the lines while shifting between modes. Pink vacuum line is 2WD mode, Light Blue vacuum line is 4WD.
2.Check the fuses for the 4WD system and the solenoids.
3.Check the vacuum lines from the vacuum shift motor to the solenoids on the firewall.
4.Check the vacuum lines from the solenoids to the vacuum reservoir box behind the battery.
5.Check the vacuum reservoir box for cracks.
6.Typical solution is the vacuum lines ( to the solenoids or to the vacuum shift motor ) are cracked or the vacuum shift motor has a cracked diaphragm and has water in it.
7.Could be the shift plate contacts in the transfer case are corroded / not making good contact, and not activating the solenoids.
sscullys_199.jpg

- If the front drive shaft turns:
For ESOF system
-- Check the fuses for the transfer case, engine compartment fuse panel, 17 & Cab fuse panel fuses 13 and 23 ( verify with owners manual, 97-97 & 99-03 MY can be slightly different on some items ).
-- Try hitting the transfer case with a dead blow hammer ( do not use a metal hammer, it can damage the transfer case ) to see if the transfer case shift motor is hung up .
-- Check the transfer case connector, to make sure the connector pins are clean and making good contact.
For MSOF systems
-- Check that the shift linkage on the transfer case is moving when the lever is moved from 2W to 4H and 4L.
0helpful
1answer

I have a 2002 ford f150 xlt fx4 4.6l engine. 2 door reg cab. i have a 4 wheel drive shift lever. the 4 wheel will only engage on rare occasion and only after pulling into 4 low then to 2 high then back...

For the 2002 MY ( this is in the 2006 Section, just want to call it out to others that might find the solution, this does not apply to the 2006 MY )

Operationally vacuum shifts the front axle between 2WD and 4WD mode. The GEM ( Generic Electronics Module ) applies ground to the solenoid needed for the mode selected on the switch ( for ESOF ) or when the transfer case shift lever is moved ( MSOF ).The contact plates in the transfer case signal the GEM that the transfer case is engaged, and the Vacuum solenoids need to be activated ( either 2WD to 4WD or 4WD to 2WD ).


Lift and support the front of the truck so the front wheels are off the ground ( take safety precautions, chock wheels, jack stands, etc )
Key on, engage 4x4 and try to turn the front drive shaft.
- If it turns it is a problem with the transfer case.
- If it doesn't it is a front axle engagement problem.

- If the front drive shaft does not turn :
•With the truck running ( with front wheel back on the ground ), switch from 2WD to 4WD and back again, the vacuum shift motor should move the lever on the front axle.
{ picture of shift motor }
-- If the vacuum shift motor does not move:
1.Check for vacuum on the lines while shifting between modes. Pink vacuum line is 2WD mode, Light Blue vacuum line is 4WD.
2.Check the fuses for the 4WD system and the solenoids.
3.Check the vacuum lines from the vacuum shift motor to the solenoids on the firewall.
4.Check the vacuum lines from the solenoids to the vacuum reservoir box behind the battery.
5.Check the vacuum reservoir box for cracks.
6.Typical solution is the vacuum lines ( to the solenoids or to the vacuum shift motor ) are cracked or the vacuum shift motor has a cracked diaphragm and has water in it.
7.Could be the shift plate contacts in the transfer case are corroded / not making good contact, and not activating the solenoids.
sscullys_148.jpg

- If the front drive shaft turns:
For MSOF systems
-- Check that the shift linkage on the transfer case is moving when the lever is moved from 2W to 4H and 4L.

I am going to take a SWAG that it is 1 of 2 places, both cases the front drive shaft is locking into place.

1. The front vacuum shift motor is not moving ( vacuum or vacuum line issue ).
2. The contact plates for the shift motor are not making contact and are not signalling the GEM that the transfer case state has been changed.

I'd start with the front axle off the ground test, and see which way to go, before you start repalcing items.
0helpful
1answer

Hello, I have a 1992 Chevy K1500 pickup, 5 speed, 4WD. I just replaced thermal 4WD actuator for the front axle with the new motor type and with a new wiring harness. Always goes into 4WD right away now....

Sounds like you have the actuator switch set to tight. You might want to try to adjust the switch so it has a little room between the switch and the shifter. Hope this helps.
0helpful
2answers

Front axle does not engage. Push 4hi or 4lo button, transfer case motor engages front drive shaft, front diferential actuator extends, but no 4 wheel drive. What do I check next?

There may be vacuum lines running down to the hubs. If so check them for vacuum when engaging and dis-engaging 4 wheel. If you can't feel any vacuum, trace lines, and check for leaks.
1helpful
1answer

I tried to put a 2001 chevy suburban 2500 in four

check the actuator in the front diff to see if it is working
Not finding what you are looking for?

780 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Chevrolet Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Ronny Bennett Sr.
Ronny Bennett Sr.

Level 3 Expert

6988 Answers

john h

Level 3 Expert

29494 Answers

Are you a Chevrolet Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...