4WD front wheels don't engage
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 11
4WD front wheels don't engage
I've been having a problem with my 4wd and I think I have finally narrowed it down, but I don't know what the part is called that I need to replace. The front differential has a nose type thing sticking out towards the passenger side in the front. There are two wires coming out of it, looks like it might be some type of sensor or something like that. What is that called? Anyone know.
I'll discribe the problem I am having so maybe someone can steer me in the right dirrection in case that 'sensor' isn't my problem.
My truck is a 1995 Silverado 1500.
I have jacked the truck up several times to see what the problem is. The last time I did this, I looked at everything I could possibley think of. I jacked it up, put it in 4hi(i think) and let the tires spin. The rear wheels turn and the transfer case changes the ratio so that it moves really slow. The front drive shaft turns also, so I know it is not the transfer case. I opened the bolt that is used to poor oil in the front differential and I could see the gears turning in there also, so I know the power is getting to it. But the axle shafts and the wheels are not turning. I did observe that the passenger side axle shaft rythmically gets pulled in towards the front differential. Almost like it is trying to engage but can't fully lock in. At no point in time do either front wheels spin. I checked that sensor with a wire tester, and only one wire is getting power.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
I'll discribe the problem I am having so maybe someone can steer me in the right dirrection in case that 'sensor' isn't my problem.
My truck is a 1995 Silverado 1500.
I have jacked the truck up several times to see what the problem is. The last time I did this, I looked at everything I could possibley think of. I jacked it up, put it in 4hi(i think) and let the tires spin. The rear wheels turn and the transfer case changes the ratio so that it moves really slow. The front drive shaft turns also, so I know it is not the transfer case. I opened the bolt that is used to poor oil in the front differential and I could see the gears turning in there also, so I know the power is getting to it. But the axle shafts and the wheels are not turning. I did observe that the passenger side axle shaft rythmically gets pulled in towards the front differential. Almost like it is trying to engage but can't fully lock in. At no point in time do either front wheels spin. I checked that sensor with a wire tester, and only one wire is getting power.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 666
From:
It is the 4x4 solonoid. It engages the front axles to the drive line. That is part of the equation. But you said already the transfer case is engaging.
Try this, take it out on a gravel road. Lock it in 4x4 (High or low, doesn't matter) a few times (at least 5 times). Each time rolling forward at least 20 feet, or 4 revolutions of your tires, and back for each cycle of locking and unlocking. This will get the solonoid moving back and forth.
Most people don't realize if you dont use your 4x4 every once in a while then it gets gummed up, and the electronics start to corrode. Also to lock it in fully you have to roll back and forth at least two revolutions to guarantee a good lock. (rolling back and forth is to guarentee no binding in the drivetrain)
Try this, take it out on a gravel road. Lock it in 4x4 (High or low, doesn't matter) a few times (at least 5 times). Each time rolling forward at least 20 feet, or 4 revolutions of your tires, and back for each cycle of locking and unlocking. This will get the solonoid moving back and forth.
Most people don't realize if you dont use your 4x4 every once in a while then it gets gummed up, and the electronics start to corrode. Also to lock it in fully you have to roll back and forth at least two revolutions to guarantee a good lock. (rolling back and forth is to guarentee no binding in the drivetrain)
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