1996 Chevy 4X4 Won't Engage

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   My buddy has a 1996 Chevy 1500 305 auto 4x4 stock tires and wheels. He recently noticed that when he pushed the 4x4 button on his dash, the front wheels do not engage. Any ideas what might cause this? The truck is primarily driven on the street with only occasional lite off-road use or lite towing.

Any help is appreciated.

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
98TJ Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List RCRC Club Member RCRC Club Treasurer Joined: 10 May 2005 Location: Maysville, Madison County Status: Offline Points: 8926	Post Options Post Reply Quote 98TJ Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: 1996 Chevy 4X4 Won't Engage Posted: 01 March 2011 at 11:33am
	My buddy has a 1996 Chevy 1500 305 auto 4x4 stock tires and wheels. He recently noticed that when he pushed the 4x4 button on his dash, the front wheels do not engage. Any ideas what might cause this? The truck is primarily driven on the street with only occasional lite off-road use or lite towing. Any help is appreciated.
	1998 TJ 4.0 5spd Atlas 36" Swampers RE4.5 ARB's 44/44 2015 JK Rubicon, mostly stock

Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guests Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 March 2011 at 11:46am
	If i remember correctly my buddies Chevy had this problem and it was the actuator on the diff that was the problem. He replaced this and it completely fixed the problem. I found this website that talks about the problem and has a tsb that lists the fix. http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=72108

grcthird Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Poster Joined: 07 September 2007 Location: Trussville Status: Offline Points: 578	Post Options Post Reply Quote grcthird Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 March 2011 at 5:22pm
	Check for power at the plug on the front axle actuator. Common problem on those trucks. The best fix is to get the GM update kit from GM that replaces the thermolinear actuator with an electric motor actuator, easy to install and only one extra wire to hook up. And it keeps the front axle engaged untill it is put in 2wd, The TLA will disengage after it cools down. Advance sells replacement TLA that Dorman makes, probably cheapest and easiest route. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_4WD-Actuator-Dorman---OE-Solutions_17191004-P_2108_R%7CGRPSESWAMS_571506765___
	85 Toyota pickup with 85lbs of bondo, 33" TSLs, Spool, Warn winch, 63" chevy's, Ruf, cage and other preowned parts.

98TJ Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List RCRC Club Member RCRC Club Treasurer Joined: 10 May 2005 Location: Maysville, Madison County Status: Offline Points: 8926	Post Options Post Reply Quote 98TJ Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02 March 2011 at 12:27am
	Thanks all for the help. I will past that info on to him.
	1998 TJ 4.0 5spd Atlas 36" Swampers RE4.5 ARB's 44/44 2015 JK Rubicon, mostly stock

Toydawg Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List RCRC Club Visitor Joined: 20 June 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 953	Post Options Post Reply Quote Toydawg Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02 March 2011 at 2:36am
	That was indeed a common problem with those trucks. I had to replace the 4x4 actuator switch twice in my 96 GMC pickup and I only had it three years. Think they called it a "wax style" (???) switch at the dealership. Sad part was I opted for the manly lever on the floor board (thinking it was a mechanical tcase shift lever) vs the sissy button on the dash. The manly lever was just a switch...
	1984 Toyota pickup, locked 5.29s, dual cases, Longfields, 22R with low range cam and header.

98TJ Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List RCRC Club Member RCRC Club Treasurer Joined: 10 May 2005 Location: Maysville, Madison County Status: Offline Points: 8926	Post Options Post Reply Quote 98TJ Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 March 2011 at 2:39am
	He replaced the actuator and that didn't fix it. Then his heater core stated leaking. He paid a mechanic who leaves across the street from him to replace the heater core. While he had the dash apart, the mechanic found a loose wire on the back of the 4x4 switch. That was what was the problem; a loose wire. So for about $190, he got his heater core replaced and his 4x4 fixed; not a bad deal.
	1998 TJ 4.0 5spd Atlas 36" Swampers RE4.5 ARB's 44/44 2015 JK Rubicon, mostly stock

Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guests Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 March 2011 at 4:44am
	Wow. It's nice when things work out that way.