Four wheel drive not working

Tiny
ANNETTE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1990 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
My chevrollette 1990 4x4 1500 truck will not go into 4 wheel drive at all.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MITCH0068
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Always check your actuator, I replace so many of those on trucks just ;ile yours, that is usely the common problem. Just take the actuator out and keep the wires attached and then put the truck in to 4x4 and if it extends then it is working properly.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
IF you have the electric shift 4wd, make sure the actuator on the transfer case is getting power and working. Next, if you have a manual shift 4wd, check to make sure the linkage is attached and working.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RAYFINSEATS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I see there is a 4WD fuse also.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
1990 SILVERADO C-1500
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1990 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 235,000 MILES
I have a 1990 C-1500 Silverado with a 5.7 L V-8. Recently I discovered that my 4WD doesn't engage. I can't pinpoint exactly when it stopped working, but it will shift to 4WD but it won't engage. The light doesn't come on and when I check by spinning my tires on a loose gravel and dirt road, only the back tires spin. I'd like to fix it myself. Any ideas? Thanks!
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Does this have a manual or electric shift 4wd?
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
1990 SILVERADO C-1500
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Manual. Sorry I didn't specify.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
First make sure the linkage isn't loose and not moving the lever under the truck. Next, check for vacuum leaks.

Let me know what you find.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
3SILVERADO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1989 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 203,000 MILES
The 4wd was working until the other day I checked the fuse and it was blowed. So I put another fuse in it and it blew too. So I checked under the truck to see if the wires were touching maybe shorting out but they looked good as far as I could trace them and help would be appreciated thanks
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi:
It sounds like the actuator may have shorted. If you disconnect the actuator, does the fuse still blow?

Joe
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
3SILVERADO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
No the fuse didnt blow after disconnecting the wires
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
If the plug is in good condition (not melted or damaged) and the wiring is good, remove the actuator and have it checked. It sounds like there is an internal short in it.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
NORCALSURFNINJA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1988 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 147,000 MILES
The front axles are not engaging in 4x4. The transfer case is, but nothing up front> the front driveshaft spins, but not engaging the front halfshafts. I have voltage to the actuater, and it is working. Therefore the fuse is fine, the 4x4 switch on the top of the transfer case is working(because of the voltage at the actuater, I know it is a complete circuit). There is no noise coming from the front diff that would indicate a brocken gear or anything. Also, the 4x4 indicator on the floorboard that should light up when the transfer case is engaged does'nt lite up. Im stumped, I have power where I should in order for the 4x4 to work but it doesnt. Please help!
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
YAHOO4
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
If you have power at the acuator and the front driveshaft is spinning that would lead me to beleive that the acuator is faulty, try removing the acuator and visually watching it move, if it doesnt replace it, if it does the slide collar inside the axle may have damaged or be stuck. Happy hunting
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
COMET63
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1985 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
Transmission problem
1985 Chevy Silverado V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic

I have an1985 chevy 1/2 ton 4 wheel drive.
After replacing the u-joints and ball joints the truck will not go into 4 wheel drive. It has the shifter on the floor and when you put it in 4 wheel hi or lo ther indicator light comes on but the front will not engage.
Ant suggestions Dan
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hi Dan, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation and selecting us as your auto repair site Feel free to ask questions at anytime and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2010

Did you get this problem after the joints are replaced?If so could be a wiring connector or a switch or a vacuum line got disconnected retrace your work. Could be very well be the GEM (generic electronic module) that controls the engagement of the shift motor and power to the clutch in the transfer case.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 11:03 AM (Merged)

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