Fuse at the end if the dash on drivers side.
Here is the 4WD 101 class on the Jimmy's and Sonoma's
4WD System Operation on 98 up (2nd Generation) Jimmy's/Sonoma's
The front drive shaft always turns on “shift on the fly” systems so the drive train is at the same speed in the front as the rear or the whole thing would break when engaging 4Hi or Autotrac when moving. InstaTrac (NV243 case or NP1) has 3 buttons. AutoTrac (NV246 case or NP8) has 4 buttons and clutch packs in the transfer case and is the only system for on pavement driving! Prior were the NV231 (87-93) lever and NP233 (94-97) electric motor. Your VIN # is the only sure way the dealer can get correct parts/listings!
1. Select mode on dash switch
2. Signal goes to the Transfer case control module (TCCM) or computer located in the cab on the passenger side behind the kick panel.
3. If you want 4 Lo the TCCM commands the encoder motor on the transfer case to switch a lower gear in (requires putting the shifter in Neutral and be stopped or only going 2-3mph). Note that if 4 Hi selected no action done in the transfer case. The transfer case is chain coupled and has the low and high gear. You can put all systems into Neutral by pushing the 2Hi and 4Lo button at the same time when the key is in the run position (or running but not off or acc).
4. The left front (drivers side) CV axle is always engaged to the front differential, but the right side is not coupled in 2wd. There is an actuator located under the battery tray that when commanded is vacuum actuated and pulls a cable from it to the right side CV axle coupler engaging that axle. A sensor is on that axle that tells the TCCM the axle position.
5. On 99up there is an additional vacuum switch on the firewall that switches the vacuum on and signals the TCCM also.
6. The dash light on the selector switch flashes while all this is occurring and will not switch out of 2wd unless all parts report correctly – same on the switch to any mode or back to 2wd.
So, there are a lot of possible failure areas with actuators/computer/motor/sensors/vac hoses and a special scanner is required to read the codes when the Service 4WD light comes on. But, a few things can easily be done before going to the dealer.
1. Check all vacuum hoses from the intake to the drivers side reservoir can, then to the extra switch (99up) and down to the under battery actuator. Small hose is 5/32 and larger is 7/32”.
2. See if the actuator pulls the front axle cable to engage it. If not and all hoses are good the diaphragm may be leaking on the actuator. If it engages but the light is still flashing remove the indicator switch on the front axle (only electrical plug in there) and manually push it in with the connector plugged in and see if the light stops, if so replace.
3. Listen to the encoder motor clunk when 4 Lo selected. If not working look at the wiring going to it for any cuts/breaks and repair if any found. Another indicator switch on top of this case. The fluid in the AutoTrac case should be the newer light blue Autotrak –II synthetic P/N 12378508 ($7 qt) not the red Dexron III.
4. If the light keeps flashing after this then disconnect the battery for 30 minutes for a TCCM reset, just make sure you turn off your radio first.
5. Still not working – take it to the dealer and stop at the bank on the way for $$$$!
12577412 is the part number for the Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM), or you can do the Salvage Yard for $15.00 if that's the part that has gone bad.
