Four wheel drive not engaging

JUMPINGENERAL

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET TRACKER
2.0L
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
153,000 MILES

4wd not engaging. 4wd light stays on while shifted into 4wd high or low. Front driveshaft turns while in 4wd. Actuator pump works properly and shuts off after 2 to 4 seconds. Will the Actuator pump system act properly if the Actuator is stuck in the 2wd position? Fluid level is okay.
Why won't 4wd engage?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

If the actuator is stuck, it won't engage the axle. When the transfer case is placed in 4WH or 4WL, the electric motor actuator turns on and builds pressure. When the pressure reaches the specific amount (within seconds) the actuator engages and locks the differential into the drive mode.

You indicated the motor is running for a couple of seconds, so either it is stuck, something is preventing the air to build pressure, or the actuator itself is bad.

I attached a pic below of the air inlet union and hose. Inspect those to make sure nothing is damaged or rusted shut.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Friday, January 21st, 2022 AT 8:01 PM

JUMPINGENERAL

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thank you for the information. I was just hoping there would be an easy fix but apparently, I am going to have to pull the differential and open it to find the problem. As I see it, I will have to take the power Steering down, remove the front drive shaft, disconnect the axles on both sides, then remove the differential. Looks like I have a lot of work going forward. Thanks for your help.

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Friday, January 21st, 2022 AT 8:33 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

You are very welcome. And yes, it's a lot of work to remove. If you need help or guidance in any way, let me know and I'll do my best to help.

Take care,

Joe

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Saturday, January 22nd, 2022 AT 2:44 PM