4 wheel high wont work, 2 wheel and 4 wheel low will. 1997 GMC Sierra Electronic shift (of course). Replaced the front axel actuator, the transfer case motor. Also replaced the switch in the dash. Unless mistaken, there are only two things left…. The transfer case itself and the transfer case control module.
My car has an automatic transmission.
You are correct to think that the transfer case itself or the control module for it could be causing this issue. The only other possibility would be a wiring issue directly behind the switch preventing the four wheel drive high setting from working properly. I would enlist in the assistance of a qualified professional to check your four wheel drive circuit with a wiring diagram and digital multimeter to determine if the issue is electrical or mechanical. Once this has been done, the correct repair procedure can be identified.
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The primary difference between 4h and 4L comes down to speed. In both cases, all four wheels are receiving power from the engine via the transfer case, but the gearing selected within the transfer case (high or low, just like with our mountain bike) determines your top speed and capabilities.
Faulty Switch – If the switch itself is bad, it won`t let current flow from the battery to the solenoid, and won`t allow the transfer case to engage four-wheel-drive. Even if the switch feels fine, it could be corroded, dirty, or broken internally.
To reset the Change Oil light turn the ignition on but do not start and then push the gas pedal 3 times. The Service 4WD light is most likely the 4WD switch on the dashboard. If the lights are acting funny then the switch needs to be replaced.
The 4-1-1 on Four-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive vehicles generally have three settings: 2H, 4L, and 4H. 2H is ideal for normal, everyday driving. Use 2H for dry, flat, paved roads. 4L is best suited for a time when you need maximum traction and power.
4L is best when you`re on icy roads, climbing rocks, crossing water, or powering through deep mud. 4H is more commonly used than 4L, and this setting is beneficial because it allows you to drive up to 55 mph while transferring torque to all four wheels. This setting comes in handy when you need additional traction.
Move the vehicle straight forward about 10 feet to allow the front hubs to engage and lock. Turn your wheels all the way to one side and drive forward. You should feel the vehicle bind or resist rolling forward smoothly. If you can not feel the vehicle resisting during the turn then your 4WD is probably not working.
The most common symptom of the A/C Actuator going bad or when the Blend Door is stuck is when you feel inconsistent air flow coming in. The desired air you want whether it be hot or cold, is being diverted incorrectly, so you are not getting a consistent temperature out of the A/C system.
Which is stronger, 4H or 4L? 4L is stronger than 4H, as it provides more torque and power to the vehicle`s wheels.
You can move the control from 2H to 4A or 4H at a stop or while driving.
The terms 2H, 4H, and 4L denote driving modes for 4x4s. 2H is 2WD High Range for normal everyday driving; 4H is 4WD High Range for driving at normal speed but where traction is needed; and 4L is 4WD Low for driving when you need more torque but at a reduced speed.
Have someone stand outside of the car and watch the tires. As you drive into the tree, your tires will try to get traction. If all four wheels of your car are moving, your four-wheel drive is doing its job!
Unfortunately, driving in 4WD uses more gas than 2WD, simply because more components are used within a 4WD system. More components mean more fuel to power the drivetrain, which leads to increased gas consumption.
The P0836 code is a standard OBD-II trouble code that detects a problem with the four-wheel drive (4WD) switch circuit. The 4WD switch circuit actuates the four-wheel drive system, and is responsible for altering the transfer case gear ratios between four wheel high, four wheel low, two wheel high, and two wheel low.
A four-wheel drive actuator is a component of your 4WD system that automatically locks hubs. When you engage your 4WD, transfer case shifts to also drive the front wheels. Once installed, this device allows you to engage or disengage 4wd feature of your vehicle.
With the parking brake enabled, raise the front of the car. From here, you can check the axles at the point of their inner and outer joints. An immediate sign of concern is whether or not the CV boots are damaged or cracked. You might also see or feel a lot of grease.
Symptoms of a failing or failed PTU include hearing a grinding, growling, or humming noise that changes with your vehicle`s speed, which can be the result of low fluid from a leak and/or bad bearings, loose chains and damaged gears. If the PTU has gone bad then you will unlikely be able to drive the vehicle.
Mode Door Actuators: The mode door actuator controls what vents have air flow, i.e. floor, panel or front, defrost, or any combination of those. Recirculation Door Actuators: The recirculation door actuator controls the intake of air into the system, either bringing outside air in or using inside air in recirculation.
To test a linear actuator`s current draw, simply connect a multimeter in series with one of the leads of a powered linear actuator, and watch the amperage reading as you extend/retract the rod. Based on the reading, you can determine a power supply that will be able to handle that current draw.
Four-wheel drive offers drivers maximum traction, making it easier to navigate uneven terrain or rough conditions. Vehicles with four-wheel drive can drive over hills, rocks, and boulders a lot easier, and modern four-wheel-drive systems either operate manually or on an automatic basis.
4WD Low. Edmunds says 4WD low range is for off-roading conditions, like deep sand, where you need serious traction. Unlike 4WD high, adds Motor Authority, the low setting turns the wheels slowly but gives you more torque on less forgiving terrain.
When this happens, the actuator will stop working properly, and can allow the exhaust gases to escape prematurely, reducing the efficiency and output of the turbo. In other cases, the diaphragm of the actuator can become damaged. This can cause serious engine damage, as the turbo will no longer have any boost control.
Symptoms of lock actuator failure include weird noises coming from the door locks when operated or automatic locking and unlocking even when the buttons are not pressed. Likewise, intermittently blown fuses can signal an actuator motor that is drawing too much current and will eventually fail.
Turn off your vehicle`s ignition and wait patiently for 5 to 10 seconds. Start the engine and allow it to idle for several seconds. Switch off the ignition and wait patiently for another 30 to 40 seconds. Repeat these steps 2 to 3 times in order to reset your vehicle`s transmission control module.
The TCM fuse is in the main fuse block and is probably 10 amps. If the fuse is blown, that is confirmation but the faulty fuse means there is a short circuit in the TCM and/or wiring that would have to be traced and repaired.