4wd did not engage

[larry61]

I have an 1996 gmc jimmy, I was at the beach and I got stuck in the sand.
I switch it into 4LO and i felt the truck hopping while moving in drive. It felt like the rear wheels were the only wheels turning. I put it in reverse and I took a little bit for it to get off the loose sand. Could the transfer case only engage the rear wheels? If so, what would have cause that? I haven't tried it again fearing I might break something. I have the electronic switch on the dash.

 

[Molson02536]

I have an 1996 gmc jimmy, I was at the beach and I got stuck in the sand.
I switch it into 4LO and i felt the truck hopping while moving in drive. It felt like the rear wheels were the only wheels turning. I put it in reverse and I took a little bit for it to get off the loose sand. Could the transfer case only engage the rear wheels? If so, what would have cause that? I haven't tried it again fearing I might break something. I have the electronic switch on the dash.

There is a good chance that your front axle vacuum actuator has gone bad. Its located under the battery tray. Best way to see if its working is to remove your right front head light and it will give you access to see the actuator.

Start your jimmy and place your 4wd in hi and you should see that the actuator has pulled in the cable that will lock your front axle. If the cable has not been pulled in, feel around the actuator and find the vacuum line to disconnect and check to make sure there is vacuum to the line.

If there is no vacuum to the line, then your going to have to inspect all your vacuum lines for cracks and soft spots that may be collapsing along the line. If there is vacuum on the line, insect the cable to make sure its not seized up and can not be pulled in the actuator. (there common to get corroded and will need to be replaced, simple job)

If there is vacuum to the line and the cable is not seized, then you actuator needs to be replaced. your going to have to remove the battery and battery tray to access the actuator and take notes the bolts are on the wheel well to best to turn your wheels to the right to make the job easier.

Good luck and keep us posted

Molson02536

 

[larry61]

front differential

We picked up the jimmy and put it in 4hi and the front wheels turned but we were able to stop the front wheel from turning with our foot. Does this mean the front end is shot? Are the gears stripped? I did hear a popping noise when I engaged it a few days earlier.