Try to keep this short. Went up to Tahoe this week and no 4x4. Lucky I had a good set of mud tires and got back home in one piece. Six months ago I had replaced my transmission and believe my mechanic did or didn't install the transmission and transfer case correctly. Transmission shifts and drives perfect. i did not test the 4x4 system after the transmission install. Before I flat out blame him,what do you think he did wrong. I'm not a mechanic, but am a bit handy and knows how a car or truck works. Just never worked on a 4x4. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

so am i to assume you knew the 4x4 worked before the tranny issue????

did the t-case shifter feel like it was actually shifting? maybe he damaged the linkage during the tranny install or something.

and this isn't to be a dick, but did you lock the hubs?

 

One month before I install the new transmission I used the 4x4 and it worked perfect.

 

Does your 4X4 shift with a lever on the floor or a switch on the dash?

If it is the switch make sure that the wiring hanress did not come loose... this happened to me. Also, remember on the elecrtic/automatic system you must be moving for the system to engage. If you are stopped the hubs will not engage. You can manually lock the hubs and switch into 4X4 high if you are stopped. To go to low range you must put the truck in neutral then change the switch.

If its a manual system then you probably have other issues..... sorry!

 

It's the electronic switch on dash with manual locking hubs. I'll craw under the car after this storm passes in the SF bay area. Don't mind the rain, but hate the wind. Thanks

 

went to check out the snow today, 4x4 didn't work. while turning around in 2WD, I started to spin a rear tire on snow. backed off the throttle and switched to 4HI but it didn't engage. Still could't move, except to spin the tires, so I got out and locked in the hubs maually. Still no 4 wheel drive. Also tried low range wih no luck. Finally got out in 2WD.

After getting unstuck, tried to switch to 4HI again while moving, I heard a metallic "clink" that sounded like something loose or not engaged. drove home very carefully in 2WD. Back in town, tried again and the 4WD seemed to work although I was on pavement so didn't try it very hard. Low range definitely engaged, but not sure about the front axle.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Any ideas? Does the 2005 electronic 4x4 system use vacuum to work also?

My dash lights work as they should, but they lie.

 

America,

You can probably reach under the dash and feel for the connector behind the switch. This is where mine has come disconnected in the past. Also check that your mechanic connected the appropriate wiring underneath the truck. I drive a 2001 F250 and the switch appears to run to a servo near the transfer case that mechanically shifts the transfer case.

If you have a second person to help you, you could watch underneath the truck to see if that servo is working by having the other person operate the switch. I have not tried this but it should work with the truck ignition in the ON position withouth the motor running. This is assuming that your setup is like mine.

I hope this helps!

 

I have experienced this issue as well if I have not used my 4X4 system in a while. My system, and I am sure yours does as well, operates with a vacuum system.... unfortunately. The hubs will not lock in if you are stopped, so you were correct to manually lock them. Its very possible to have vacuum leaks in the hub system, but the 4X4 on my truck runs to a servo near the transfer case. I have never watched it, but it appears to mechanically shift the transfer case. If I remember correctly the servo is under the drivers side floor pan. If your system is like mine, get someone to operate the switch and see if it is moving the lever to the transfer case. If not you may need a new servo. If it works then I would watch it and try it out some and see if the problem repeats its self. I would recommend doing this near your house so you don't have to worry about getting stuck. I have had the reverse of this issue occur before as well, we could not shift OUT of 4X4..... to fix this we backed up about 100 feet then turned the switch again and it finally shifted.

I have thought about modifying my truck and putting the lever back through the floorboard. On mine you can see the cut out in the floorpan for it. The only time I really need it is pulling my boat out of the lake, otherwise I would just have a 2wd truck and getter better milage. The CEO of Shell Oil co was announcing $5 gasoline coming again..... which means $6-7 diesel!!!! UGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!