Kiatechinfo com 4wd isn't engaging. its a 1999 kia sportage. if you put it in netural then put in into 4wd and back up 10-15 feet it will but otherwise nothing. I was told there was a cylinder on the side of the transmission for the 4wd but when i called the kia dealership they said it was located in the transfer case and nothing on the side of the transmission. how do i fix this?

dont worry about vac hoses as they are redundant with manual lock. i changed to manual and all fine so definately back differential or transfer case

with 4wd engaged check that the front tailshaft to the diff does not turn more than 45* if this is ok and no 4wd light check bulb switch and wiring. if light ok you will need to track down vacuum leak to drive hubs fault { common fault } you can check 4wd operation by raising one front wheel with handbrake on and car in netural select 4wd with engine running if 4wd ok raised wheel will not turn more than 45* by hand and will spin free when 4wd disconnected

Go to www.kiatechinfo.com it is free and has all your diagrams.

the vacuum hoses or wheel seals are leaking in the front wheels. they are vacuum operated. the dealer has kits you can buy to convert to manuel locking hubs, they had alot of problems with the vacuum hubs

It's at the front of the engine, RH-side.
Look in http://www.kiatechinfo.com after registering. You can find the manual there.

go to www.kiatechinfo.com sigh up it's free hope this helps

www.kiatechinfo.com

Check with auto zone or auto advance they help me help all the time

cv joints maybe ball joints maybe transfer case but i dont think it is

4WD does not engage Possible cause:
Bent or broken rod assembly Burned out 4WD indicator light (4WD may be engaged, but light is out) Broken chain Misaligned or broken transfer lever mechanism
Difficult or impossible to shift
Insufficient or improper lubrication Shift fork worn or damaged Worn, bent or damaged shift rods Worn, bent or damaged shafts