4wd not functioning, actuator?

[95six.five]

Alright so my 4wd isn't working. i know my transfer case is engaging because the front driveshaft is turning in 4x4 and you can feel it change to low gearing when it's in 4lo. I think the actuator is bad but is there a way to narrow it down first before i pull it out and try to check it? I'm pretty sure the fuse isn't blown but i'm not positive it's the correct fuse...on the fuse panel 4wd is #24 with a 25amp fuse, and it's not blown but on the one that the panel diagram says is the "Transfer case" there isn't a fuse and there isn't anything there to hold one in? idk if that means the fuse panel is broken or if mine just doesn't need one there since it has a manual shift case. Can someone give me kind of a list of things to check first? and if none of that works, a guide or link to one on how to check the actuator. Thanks guys!!

 

[thz71]

Alright so my 4wd isn't working. i know my transfer case is engaging because the front driveshaft is turning in 4x4 and you can feel it change to low gearing when it's in 4lo. I think the actuator is bad but is there a way to narrow it down first before i pull it out and try to check it? I'm pretty sure the fuse isn't blown but i'm not positive it's the correct fuse...on the fuse panel 4wd is #24 with a 25amp fuse, and it's not blown but on the one that the panel diagram says is the "Transfer case" there isn't a fuse and there isn't anything there to hold one in? idk if that means the fuse panel is broken or if mine just doesn't need one there since it has a manual shift case. Can someone give me kind of a list of things to check first? and if none of that works, a guide or link to one on how to check the actuator. Thanks guys!!

Ok its most likely the actuator one way to check it is pull it out and then engage your 4x4 and see if the actuator extends if it doesnt check the voltage at the connector it should be a little less than 12 volts. Im guessing ull just need to replace the actuator as thats a pretty common problem. And as for the transfer case fuse you dont need one because its manual shift, that fuse would be there if it was pushbutton 4x4.

 

[K15 Blazer]

yeah, that actuator sucks... just buy a "posi-lock" cable

last time I was out wheeling it disengaged, then RE-engaged at a higher RPM... POW!! almost grenaded my front diff...

 

[95six.five]

Alright, checked the actuator and it's not working. got power to it just not functioning, did the spacer test and it worked. So looks like i'm saving up for another actuator..as for the posi-lok, for anyone that has one, is it very hard to make it cycle? thats the main thing i'm worried about is how difficult it is to engage/disengage.

 

[great white]

Alright, checked the actuator and it's not working. got power to it just not functioning, did the spacer test and it worked. So looks like i'm saving up for another actuator..as for the posi-lok, for anyone that has one, is it very hard to make it cycle? thats the main thing i'm worried about is how difficult it is to engage/disengage.

Here's another option:

http://www.getdieselpower.com/cars/actuator_upgrade/GM_TRUCK_4X4_ACTUATOR_UPGRADE.html

Came in 98-ish and up trucks. Does away with the sketchy TLA actuator. It's a retrofit kit right from GM.

My 98 is still running the one they installed in 98.

Works great, instant engagement each and every time.

Not cheap though. Somewhere around 150 bucks IIRC....

Some like the posi lock, some don't. Nice option it gives you is 2Lo if you need a bit of extra "grunt" to move something. Not an option most folks need, but it's a feature if you need it. You're also stuck with 2Lo once you engage it as it behaves just like 4Lo. IE: not shift on the fly.

 

[K15 Blazer]

that link doesn't work....

I got the actuator cause I was in a pinch and needed 4WD that day... wanna buy a used one cheap? lol

 

[thz71]

It works fine for me

 

[great white]

Hmm, looks like the owner might have wiped the site.

Too bad, was a how to great link.

I might have a backed up copy of it somewhere.

here's a google cache version: http://webcache.googleusercontent.c...or_upgrade/GM_TRUCK_4X4_ACTUATOR_UPGRADE.html

No pics though

 

[great white]

here's the service bulletin covering the replacement parts and procedures: http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/Bluegorilla/2009-01-24_024528_Front_axle_actuator_update.pdf

And a couple instruction pics:

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[95six.five]

I like the idea of having 2lo also but i just don't know how easy the posi-lock is to engage. I don't want to do it if it takes alot of force to engage/disengage it. I'll probably just save up and get the kit great white mentioned and upgrade to the electric.