No 4WD

tleed · September 15, 2004

On my '96 Suburban, when I hit the 4WD High switch, the amber light just blinks. It never glows steady. I don't think the front axle is kicking in, no matter how far I drive. Same with 4WD Low. When I hit 2WD again, it goes direct to solid glowing.

What to look at?

Thomas

millerwd · September 15, 2004

Sounds like the acuator for the front diff isn't engaging. Check the fuse. Check the wiring/connector to the acuator. Replace the acuator.

BillM

rascal · September 16, 2004

when did the switch from the thermal one to the magnetic one? mine went out on my 95 z71 the replacement was magnetic, i like it alot better, instant in and insant out no disengament while playing the deep snow.

Jeremy WI · September 17, 2004

The change was made in the late 1997 model year. The earlier version was failure prone. The front axle actuator is on the 4WD fuse in the interior fuse panel, check the transfer case fuse there too. You could also check the connector at the actuator for power on the light blue wire, there should be 12v when you have selected 4HI or 4LO. You could also unscrew the actuator from the axle and see if it extends when it is removed from the axle

I believe the part numbers are on this post:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/t173603.html

millerwd · September 17, 2004

'96 Z71 was magnetic, i had one.

tleed · September 21, 2004

I replaced the 4WD xfer case fuse. It was blown. Then, when I hit the "4WD" button, it immediately blew the fuse again and took out 4th gear. That is, the tranny now no longer shifts to 4th gear, AND the transfer case doesn't bring in the front axle.

AAAUUGH!

Thomas