Front drive shaft is turning but front axle not engaging

1992 CHEVROLET 1500
142,000 MILES • 4.3L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
TSR69TSR69
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Truck listed above is a K1500. Front drive shaft is turning but front axle not engaging. Front axle solenoid tested okay off vehicle. Power okay at 4wd fuse, in and out. No power to solenoid or to transfer case. No transfer case relay on firewall next to fuel pump relay. Where else would it be located?
Aug 14, 2021 at 5:39 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

I just looked through two manuals. One indicated this vehicle doesn't have a 4wd relay. A transfer case relay is used on one-ton vehicles equipped with dual wheels and four-wheel drive, and the other says it's under the hood, right side, near the fuse box.

As far as the fuse, if it is good, power should be present at the switch. If there isn't power, the problem is within the wire supplying power to the components.

I was able to find a wiring schematic showing the circuits. I had to cut it into 4 parts, but I did overlap them so you can follow from one to the next. The first pic explains where the relay should be. The remaining are the schematic.

According to the schematic, the 4wd fuse should supply power through a pink wire with a white tracer. That runs to the convenience center under the dash and it changes to brown. See if you can locate the wire (both colors) and check if there is power in the vehicle.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

Note: Pic 1 below was taken from the same manual as the statement above indicating no relay. Hang in there. We'll get it figured out.
Aug 15, 2021 at 2:07 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.