1997 Suburban-4 wheel drive problem-Won't work-Indicator flashing

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.

Year make and model? Also have the abs/traction control codes checked. People do remove these lights...

This is a mechanical technicality that U can't fix at home, you need an expert to reset the system for you

For fair weather driving 2wheel should be fine. for muddy or snowy conditions turn it to all wheel drive for increase traction.

it may be the sensor if it has one or it may be the unit it self

Go under the vehicle and check the four wheel drive linkage.

Are you check the Owners Manual ? This warning actually spells ICY... and it is an automatic indicator to warn of ICY roads and weather conditions.

The word ICY means that temperatures outside are near or below freezing. Its a warning for possible icy conditions on the road. Its a feature that comes with your trip computer along with the temperature gauge.


Hope this helps.

most of them are all wheel drive meaning that they are 4 wheel all the time ,,,but if you have a shift on it, then you can shift it to 4 wheel drive. if you just want it for wet/icy roads though AWD is safer than true 4wd in those conditions. good-day !

normaly you drive in 2 wheel dive rear whee lls driving jeep
when you select 4 wheel high or 4 wheel low you engage all 4 wheels bring intthe front axle and all 4 wheels drive high box for slippery roads ice snow etc
important low box only for extreme conditions such as heavy mud deep snow etc
LOW MUST BE SELECTED WHEN STOPPED OTHER WISE DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION
hope this helps

Try this before you do any repairs or sp[end any other money. Make sure that vehicle is on a flat surface. Start vehicle and Push down on brakes while holding brake put vehicle in neutral. Still holding brakes in NEUTRAL, Engage 4x4, it should work. If it doesn't get back to me. Good Luck. If I fixed ya leave me a FIX YA comment