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4X4 front end will not engage

Tiny
THEBRAD
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 CHEVROLET CHEYENNE
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 186,000 MILES
It is a lever shift for the 4x4. When put into 4h or 4L the light comes on but the tires have no power.
I replaced the actuator and tested the brown wire from the t case switch and it was good.
Also when I jack up the front end the indicator light will not come on unless I lower the truck to the ground. It will stay on if I jack back up.
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Thursday, June 9th, 2016 AT 11:39 AM

23 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
See if power is going through t case switch through blue wire to solenoid and front axle switch. See picture.
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Thursday, June 9th, 2016 AT 12:28 PM
Tiny
THEBRAD
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
The Blue wire is going to the front actuator? It has power.
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Thursday, June 9th, 2016 AT 12:37 PM
Tiny
THEBRAD
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
I tested both plugs on the front differential and they have power. Are these what your talking about?
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Thursday, June 9th, 2016 AT 12:40 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
One is to the actuator and other is to solenoid switch, if they both have power then solenoid switch may be bad or actuator is not pulling it into gear. Check that they both work. If not it may be a tcm which will require you to scan for codes.
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Thursday, June 9th, 2016 AT 3:49 PM
Tiny
THEBRAD
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
I took the actuator out and watched it extend. How can I test the solenoid?
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Thursday, June 9th, 2016 AT 3:51 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
You may have to do the same.
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Thursday, June 9th, 2016 AT 4:47 PM
Tiny
THEBRAD
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Solenoid works. I have also replaced the switch on top of the t case.
Is there a way to test the differential to see if that is the issue?
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Friday, June 10th, 2016 AT 12:17 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Maybe if you take the actuator or solenoid out and see if what it is supposed to move if it does. If not then that may be your problem.
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Friday, June 10th, 2016 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
THEBRAD
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
The plunger that is pushed by the actuator does move and as far as I can tell something in the differential touches the solenoid to activate the light next to the shift lever.
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Friday, June 10th, 2016 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Actually it is the solenoid that makes the light work. Have a local professional take a peek at this.
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Friday, June 10th, 2016 AT 3:24 PM
Tiny
THEBRAD
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
That's what I just said. I've read a few different post people have one here and everyone seems to be very helpful.
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Friday, June 10th, 2016 AT 3:40 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Well if everything works electrically then it's either an axle problem like a broken shift shaft springs or a bent fork not engaging it.
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Friday, June 10th, 2016 AT 3:59 PM
Tiny
THEBRAD
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
I do apologize, you're doing what you can to help. This truck is just getting on my nerves.
Thank you for your help
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Friday, June 10th, 2016 AT 4:04 PM
Tiny
THEBRAD
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Is there a way to test the diff without removing it?
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Friday, June 10th, 2016 AT 4:05 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Only like I said in previous reply and to see if shift rod moves and you hear it engage but hard telling what it is. It doesn't seem to be electrical.
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Friday, June 10th, 2016 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Both the actuator and solenoid should remain extended if power is applied if one of them retracts then that may be your problem or something as simple as item 15 broken
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Friday, June 10th, 2016 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
THEBRAD
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
I started taking the diff apart. Now I'm stuck trying to get this gear out.
Any idea how I would do that?
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2016 AT 8:28 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
For further help repost question as I will be on vacation. See pics.
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2016 AT 9:50 AM
Tiny
THEBRAD
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Ok thanks
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2016 AT 9:53 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,513 POSTS
Let us know I will take it from here
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2016 AT 8:14 PM

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