4x4 nightmare

[cb96]

i have a 96 jimmy with push button 4x4. when i push the button, in wont engage. how do i test it to see whats wrong? where do i even begin. i found this out trying to drive home from work in a snow storm. can someone please help me

 

[ferretx9]

1st - check the fuse , if good then type - actuator in the search box .

About 3/4 down the page is a thread on 4 wheel engagement problem .

Also -Youtube has some videos to help you find it and what to look for.

 

[cb96]

fuse is good, ill check the post and write back. thanks for the advice

 

[Molson02536]

fuse is good, ill check the post and write back. thanks for the advice

Start with the simple, with your window rolled down. Switch from 2 wd to 4 wd and and back to 2wd and listen for your Encoder motor working on your transfer case. If thats good move on to the next thing, the actuator.

The actuator is located under the battery tray, simple way to inspect this is to remove the headlight on the passenger side to revel the actuator under the battery tray. With the jimmy in 2wd inspect it's condition and the way it is, then place the jimmy in 4wd and inspect the actuator again.

Take note if the actuator has moved or not, and listen for any vacuum leaks. Common for the diaphragm to rip and the actuator fails to pull on the cable to engage the front axle. If the actuator has gone bad, then your going to have to remove the battery and the battery try to get to the actuator.

Simple fix, just takes time to replace and can be done within 2 hours with common tools. If there is no damage to the actuator, then its going to be your vacuum line or the vacuum switch in top of the transfer case but when that goes bad. Most of the time your front axle would be locked in the engaged position.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Molson02536