4x4 didnt work now does? any Ideas

[Jr_454]

So i live in Minnesota and we just got a bunch of snow so last night on my way home from work when I tried to place it in 4 wheel drive I heard a clicking coming form the passenger side wheel and it would not go in to 4 auto or 4 high it just sat there and clicked. so I placed it in 4 high again and hammered the gas and there was a loud clunk and it engaged. So this mornign I left for work and every thing was fine there might have been a little clicking but the 4 wheel drive worked. and the dealship said that because the fix 4X4 light didnt come on there is not much they could do. Any ideas on what would cause this or anything i should check. Also with the windows down i can hear it engage the wheel drive when i am stopped thanks for any help.:undecided

[Mean_I-Sixer]

Only thing I can think of is that something was "froze up" and would not allow it to engage. I've never had that problem.

[the roadie]

I agree on the "froze up" diagnosis. Hard to tell when the part refuses to stay jammed. Likely the encoder motor on the side of the transfer case that commands 4WD, or less likely the splined shaft on the passenger side of the oil pan that engages the front differential.

Piece of free advice from experience: "hammering the gas" is a troubleshooting tactic that usually costs more than it saves - both in money and time. That's why you never see it in a factory diagnostic flowchart. :nono: :p

[MTPockets]

What were the LED's on the dash switch doing when you had this concern?

Joel

[Roggie]

Yep, like those guys said. Sometimes ice and snow can get packed around the transfer case, and when the little servo tries to engage the front out put shaft, the ice/snow is in the way... crawl underneath and have someone flick the switch. You should hear a mechanical noise for about 5 seconds. Follow that to the servo and see if she's blocked.

good luck.

btw... I'm in MN as well. Still snowing hard! about a foot on the ground w/ another 4 on the way. Yahoo!

[MTPockets]

There's no mechanical movement exterior to the transfer case or front axle disconnect. A really cold encoder motor might not rotate as it should, plus the front axle disconnect is only filled with grease & is non-serviceable.:no: If it's cold enough the grease could almost solidify.

Joel

[synthes02]

Maybe the switch needs to be calibrated at the dealership.
It should be free of charge, there was a recall on them.

[Jophus]

doesnt seem like a problem to worry about. a good habit to get into though is putting it in neutral before you switch in and out of four wheel drive, its much easier on the whole system.

[RayVoy]

a good habit to get into though is putting it in neutral before you switch in and out of four wheel drive, its much easier on the whole system. I have never read this in any manuals. I DO NOT think this is a necessary or a good idea. The case and axles are designed to be switched while the vehicle is moving and all 4 wheel are moving at the same speed. In other words, do not shift into 4 hi while making a tight corner or spinning the rears. those are the conditions that will break something. The GM frt axle will not always engage when first shifted (even though the light has stopped flashing, the front may not be engaged). If u are stuck while in 2 wheel drive and u shift into 4 u may need to rock the vehicle before the fronts engage. Best way to drive is to shift into 4 hi just before u need it, while u r still rolling, my :m2:
Ray

[MTPockets]

The system is designed to be shifted 'on the fly'. If you want to put the least amount of load/stress on the drivetrain, switch modes while coasting, at low speeds on a straight-away. You are right on the money Ray, wheel speed sensors need to match up for proper front axle engagement, etc.

Joel

[Jr_454]

I did check to see if it was frozen or snow packed and it wasnt in facet i put a heater on there that night and then whne i left in the morning it engaged in 4 high and then worked fine but would start to slip like it came out again. Also i have already had the switch replaced on the dash and reprogrammed. It sounds like a really loud fast clicking sound some times it goes into 4 sometimes it just makes that loud noise. I am going into the dealership today its still under warranty but i have a feeling that they will try it 1 time and it will work and then say there is nothing wrong any ideas on what to have them check. Would this there be any signs or wear on the shaft that they could look for to see if it was sleeping or where it wasnt engaging at. thanks for all the answers so far.

[hondas2k02]

I know this is a old thread but I am having the same exact problem! is there a simple fix? i heard turning the wheels all the way one way or the other and going forward and reverse and repeating that till it locks in.