2004 Nissan frontier shifts into 4 wheel drive but the front wheel doesn't engage

There are a few potential issues that could be causing your 2004 GMC Envoy SLT to go into 4-low but not 4-high or 2-wheel drive. Some possible causes include:

1. Transfer case issues: The transfer case is responsible for controlling the engagement of the different drive modes. If the transfer case is damaged or malfunctioning, it may not be able to engage 4-high or 2-wheel drive.
2. Shift motor issues: The shift motor is responsible for controlling the engagement of the transfer case. If the shift motor is damaged or malfunctioning, it may not be able to engage 4-high or 2-wheel drive.
3. Vacuum issues: The vacuum system is responsible for controlling the engagement of the transfer case. If there is a problem with the vacuum system, it may not be able to engage 4-high or 2-wheel drive.
4. Wiring issues: The wiring that controls the transfer case and shift motor can become damaged or corroded over time. This can cause the transfer case to not engage 4-high or 2-wheel drive.
5. Control module issues: The control module that controls the transfer case and shift motor can fail. This can cause the transfer case to not engage 4-high or 2-wheel drive.

It's best to diagnose the issue by a professional mechanic, who can perform a proper diagnosis and repair the issue. They will be able to determine the specific cause of the problem and recommend the appropriate repairs.

Hi Henry. I'm Tim Dorton. Did you pull a code out of the ABS? If not here is the manual.https://manuals.co/workshop/nissan/frontier-d40/nissan-frontier-d40-2006-frontier-model-d40-series-service-repair-manual/5874563

Assuming yours is the 2 gear stick layout this is roughly how it works.
ONLY CHANGE BETWEEN 2 AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE WHEN STOPPED, IN NEUTRAL AND WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ON!!
The smaller gear shift should be to the left of the normal gearstick.
It should be in the fully forward position. This means it is in 2 wheel drive, high ratio, for normal road driving. (Rear wheels).
Pulling the stick back ONE notch engages 4 wheel drive, high ratio. Used for snowy, icy, slippery conditions as well as light off roading. (Keep the speed under 50mph).
Pushing down and back another notch engages neutral in the transfer box. This means ALL drive is DISCONNECTED even if you use the normal gearbox.
**Try to avoid this one**!!
Pulling the stick back the last notch engages 4 wheel drive, LOW ratio. This is for the more extreme off roading conditions such as VERY steep hills. Not usually used in normal day to day driving.
The two fully forward positions, (2High and 4High), will be the ones used the most.

Possibly the vacuum line off the engine or transfer switch on shifter that ingages 4x4 front. Most are vacuum actuated and unless getting vacuum will not work. Check the vacuum lines.

For 4 Wheel drive related problem,click the link below and go through the troubleshooting procedure:---

Car will not go into 4WD high or 4WD low?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-will-not-go-into-4wd-high-or-4wd.html

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4X4 Truck makes roaring noise in the front end?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/4x4-truck-makes-roaring-noise-in-front.html

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No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html
----------4 wheel drive system will not disengage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/4-wheel-drive-system-will-not-disengage.html
------4WD light is flashing and beeping? NO 4WD high?
http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/4wd-light-is-flashing-and-beeping-no.html
--------This details will help.Thanks.

Hi Brent,

Wow! That is a dilema! The only thing I can think of is that there is possibly a wiring harness that is rubbed through and when the engine rocks when the clutch is engaged, the wiring harness is shorting to ground. If you can tell me exactly WHICH fuse is blowing I can possibly help you to locate the source of the problem. Please also include WHICH ENGINE your Nissan is equipped with and let me know if it is 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive.

you can shift on the fly from 2 hi to 4 hi at any time as long as you are not under power or in other words on the gas. Hold at a steady speed or let up on gas pedal a little bit then shift, DO NOT shift truck when vehicle is speeding up or taking off. Also do not shift when wheels are spinning or when you are turning a corner. The same goes for shifting from 4 hi to 2 hi. ** Now to shift into 4 lo the truck should be stopped and put trans shift into nuetral then shift transfercase into 4 lo, and never exceed 25 mph in 4 lo position !!!!!!! To shift out of 4 lo and go to 4 hi or 2 hi stop vehicle and shift trans into nuetral then make your 4x4 shift then put trans into forward or reverse gear and VROOOOOM your on your way. Remember to NEVER and i mean NEVER shift into 4 lo while vehicle is moving forward or reverse as you will do serious damage to any and all parts of drive train. You should not run 4x4 at all unless you need to pull something where you need extra traction like a boat out of water,a stuck vehicle,or if roads are slippery, or muddy. also don't be alarmed as sometimes when in 4 wheel drive and you turn corners you will notice a binding or jerking motion, this is normal and if this is occurring i would recommend going back to 2 hi position. HAPPY TRAILS to you with the new toy. I only buy vehicles with 4x4 and have never owned a 2 wheel drive in my 31 yrs of driving. I love the idea that i have extra power and traction options when i need it,the only bad thing is your boss says " what do you mean you can't make it in,you have a 4 wheel drive!

the vacume hub on the drivers side is not engaging

the most likely cause is the front axle shift motor if bad your your front axle shaft will not lock in.if there is no shifting of transfer case there is also a electric motor that engages that in .

No unless the auto locking hubs disengage the 4 wheel drive system stays in, our patrol sometimes disengages in forward motion but more often than not we have to reverse. hope this helps