You are here:
- Home
- Autos
- 4-Wheel Drive/SUVs
- 4 Wheel Drive/SUVs
- Problem with 4wd
4 Wheel Drive/SUVs/Problem with 4wd
Advertisement
Question
I have a problem with my 4wd lights they all stay on . The 2wd, neutral, 4wdlo, 4wdhi and the 4wdauto lights. I try to change it from 2wd to 4wd, but the lights won't come off.this is a GMC 1999 Gimmy. It won't change gears as before its kind of stalling.
A.G.
I am not familiar with the shifting system on this vehicle, but from what you have said, I would suspect that the transfer case is shifted electronically. If this is the case, you probably have a faulty shift circuit for the transfer case. This could be as simple as a pinched or broken wire, bad ground, or a faulty switch or sensor.
I would not drive it any more than you have to at this point. If the system has a circuit problem, you may chance binding the gears, and tearing up the transfer case. If this happens, you could be facing a very expensive fix.
If you are mechanically inclined, I would suggest that you purchase a repair manual for your rig, and trace out the transfer case wiring. Chilton's or a Hayne's manual can be purchased at most auto parts stores for $20. They have a lot of information on basic trouble shooting, and repairs, including a list of special tools that may be needed for a specific job, nut sizes along with torque settings. These manuals are designed for a year or range of years for specific vehicles, and are invaluable if you are planning on doing any repairs, or maintenance yourself.
Carl
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks Carl. I had wondered about the steering stabilizer. My son and some friends installed the new struts and shocks and they had a really hard time on the struts. It would probably be best to take it and have everything in the front end checked. I appreciate your help. I used this site a few days earlier to learn how to fix a power antenna and decided to throw the question out about his steering. I will definitely be back. Thanks again. | ||
Related Articles
Carl Brandt
Expertise
Will discuss suspensions, lifts, lockers along with tire suggestions. Trail ratings and possible requirements needed for specific type of trails. Safety equipment and what you should carry with you. Certified off-road instructor. I am not a mechanic, and 4-Wheeling is a hobby, so if I can't answer a technical question it is due to my mechanical knowledge being related to vehicles that I have owned, or have worked on. I do not have manuals on all vehicles.
Experience
40 plus years of 4 wheeling in a variety of vehicles. At the present time, my major off-road rig is a 94 Jeep Wrangler with a spring over and a 1 1/2" suspension lift. This gives me a total lift of 7" or so. I have lockers front and rear. I have removed the track bars, and sway bar for maximum articulation. I am running a stock 2.5 ltr 4 cylinder with a Jacobs ignition along with a cold air high flow filter. It has 4.56:1 gears with a Dodge NV4500 transmission along with a 3.8:1 Atlas II transfer case. This gives me a final ratio of 105:1 in low gear/low range.
Other vehicles I own, are a 96 Ford F-250 with a 6" lift, posi rear end, 36" Hummer tires, 5 speed with a fuel injected 460 ci engine, an 87 Samurai with an 8" lift, Ford 9" rear end with a spool, Chevy Dana 44 front end with an electric locker, 5.88 gears, 16% reduction in high range and a 6.5:1 low range with 35" Baja Claws, and a stock 2003 Grand Cherokee Overland.
Trails I have run are the Rubicon (10 times), Dusey Ershim, Fordyce Creek trail, McGrew trail, several trails in Moab, Utah along with local monthly runs.
Organizations
Lost Coast 4x4's
Cal 4-Wheel
Corva
UFWDA
Blue Ribbon Coalition
Education/Credentials
Certified off-road instructor - Certificates in engineering/electronics
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.