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4 Wheel Drive/SUVs/Questions Answered by Expert Adam Kinion

SubjectDate Asked
04 f-250 turn signal12/7/2009
  Q: i do not have any reverse lights...and no turn signals my brake lights went out also...but i changed ...
  A: I would say that you need to take a test light to the back of your truck and see if you have juice ...
1995 jeep wrangler12/7/2009
  Q: Is it possible to ride around in 4 wh dr without knowing it? The light has never worked that is ...
  A: Well if it was in 4x4 i am sure that you would be well aware of it being engaged if you turn with it ...
2001 Sport Trac starting problems12/3/2009
  Q: I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. In the last couple months I have had intermittent starting ...
  A: Della, first of all if it wouldnt start than it didnt need a tune up , becouse when it did run it ...
u join11/28/2009
  Q: I have a 79 chevy3/4 4x4 and I need to put o new u joint on right side. How do I get the spindle off ...
  A: Jacob, I would only do the side that is bad. You have to take off the lockout and than there will be ...
2002 suburban 4wd11/27/2009
  Q: Service 4wd msg came on. It doesnt get ued that often. I put it in 4wd hi now it go back to 2wd. The ...
  A: Vince, you are not the only one to have this problem , alot of the times this is caused by a bad ...
rear brakes & 4 wheel drive11/27/2009
  Q: 000 mileage....just put plates on and went on some back roads to test 4x4...put truck in 4H drove ...
  A: Steve, I am sure that the 4x4 didnt cause this problem, it sounds like you either have a brake hose, ...
1994 Ford Explorer 4wd problem11/25/2009
  Q: I have a 1994 Ford Explorer w/ 4wd but my problem is that the 4wd does not work. When I press the ...
  A: Joe, since the light comes on , I would say that the transfercase is angauging , look and see if the ...
battery drain11/19/2009
  Q:
  A: Alfredo, it can be something very simple that is running down your battery, they make a tester that ...
ENGAGE 4 WHEEL DRIVE11/12/2009
  Q: I JUST PURCHASED A 1995 CHEVY SILVERADO K2500 . IT DID NOT HAVE A MANUAL AND I DONT KNOW HOW TO ...
  A: Mike, if it is a push botton 4x4 you have to push 4x4 high, fot the high side, and than place the ...
Canister11/11/2009
  Q: I have a 1987 Chevy Blazer 4x4 with a 350 5.7 V8 TBI RPO=LO5. I have changed oil in it a million ...
  A: Tom, It is very possible that some things didnt get hooked up exactly how they need to be, I just ...
Hard starting11/11/2009
  Q: i have a 1983 jeep CJ5, the engine is rebult with about 1000 miles on it. i put a new carb on it. I ...
  A: I would say that you may need to install a fuel pressure regulator, it should hold pressure even ...
Transfer Case Noise11/11/2009
  Q: I'll be driving at highway speeds then it sounds like the transfer case is trying to go into 4x4 on ...
  A: Jonathan, You can disconect the front drive shaft and still drive it. I would say that you have some ...
fuel gauge on 1995 Silverado11/10/2009
  Q: The fuel gauge on our '95 Silverado, 4x4 diesel reads half full even though it is full. This morning ...
  A: Judy the Gm vehicles seem to always have trouble with their fuel gauges, It is most likely the ...
99 chevy "auto 4x4" question11/10/2009
  Q: we have a 99 chevy four wheel drive extended cab truck. We have push button shifting ...into four ...
  A: Jo , it could be the transfercae motor , or it could even be in the transfercase itself as well . ...
flashing 4WD lights & electric mirrors not working11/9/2009
  Q: I smelled something burning while driving then the service 4WD light came on. When I got home I ...
  A: Steve, you are going to have to get a wiring schematic like you say and track down some wires, We ...
95 yukon11/9/2009
  Q: getting no electric to the actuator
  A: Paula , if you do not have any juice to the actuator , you might want to check all the fuses under ...
flashing 4WD lights & electric mirrors not working11/9/2009
  Q: I smelled something burning while driving then the service 4WD light came on. When I got home I ...
  A: Steve, it could be an electrical problem , however, I dont think that the problem would interfeer ...
ford 1994 f-150 pickup truck11/7/2009
  Q: When I go into 4 wheel drive (push button on dash) it's OK until I go up a hill. Then it goes into ...
  A: Robert, the problem is more than likely in the t case . What happens is the gears and the forks get ...
4 wheel drive11/6/2009
  Q: I just purchased a 1996 Z71 to my surprize when i engage to 4 wheel my hubs are not locking front ...
  A: Troy, sorry for the delay , been busy fixing 4x4 problems in the shop on chevys. lol Any way take a ...
96 suburban 4X4 lights flashing10/28/2009
  Q: 96 suburban 4X4, replaced 2 wire actuator with new 3 wire actuator, hooked up 3rd wire, when I ...
  A: Mark ,from what I am hearing , I would say you have a wiring problem , I would go back over the ...
96 4wd gmc jimmy10/26/2009
  Q: My1996 gmc jimmy shakes badly in 4wd. When switching back to 2wd, it makes a loud thud before ...
  A: Mark, check the tires are they all worn even? Check the front drive shaft is it tight ? Alos the ...
4wd10/24/2009
  Q: in the gauge cluster display it reads "service 4wd" i have checked the front actuator, the push ...
  A: The service 4x4 light comes on at so many miles reguardless according to the owners maual I read on ...
old truck10/22/2009
  Q: i've got an 83 1/2 ton ford 4x4,w/ 302 thats been set up for about 2 or 3 years and was running when ...
  A: Joseph, I think you have the right idea a tune up would be really good for it, plugs, wires, cap and ...
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee10/21/2009
  Q: My Jeep was relocated with a standard tow truck. Apparently the manufacturer suggests using a ...
  A: Keith , that is not good at all . I own a towing company and we have 6 wreckers and 2 Flatbeds, and ...
4wd problem10/20/2009
  Q: 2003 Ford F-250 4x4. The front hubs engage but will only stay engaged for about 2 minutes. The ...
  A: Dave , there is a switch on the passenger side front fender about the size of your fist, it has a ...
96 Surburban 4WD10/10/2009
  Q: When I press the 4WD Lo or Hi button, I hear the transfer case shift but the front axle does not ...
  A: Mark , it could be shorted out, however I think I would take all the dameged splices apart and ...
700R leak10/8/2009
  Q: i have taken out my transmission 5 times and replaced the fly wheel, torque converter, pan gasket ...
  A: Don, it is really hard to say what is wrong , but I would say its something in the front of the ...
automatic 4 wheel drive10/7/2009
  Q: I own a 2005 Sierra 1500 4x4 pick up truck and my automatic 4 wheel drive works occasionally. The ...
  A: Vincent, it is not a sensor problem , more than likely the problem is either the transfercase motor ...
4wd10/7/2009
  Q: I have a 1999 Jimmy 4wd wont work none of the light son the dash light up where would i start to ...
  A: Luke , start by checking the fuses on the Jimmy, I just had one yesterday that didnt respond at all ...
2002 F150 XLT FX4 issue10/6/2009
  Q: I just bought a 2002 F150 XLT FX4. Under normal braking, everything is fine. However, when I am at ...
  A: The problem is most likely in the rotors , you can rule out the rear rotors by doing this, step down ...
4x4 not working9/30/2009
  Q: I have a 2006 GMC Envoy. when i switch over to the 4x4 i hear a whining noise under the car but it ...
  A: Robin, sorry for the delay I have had an ill family member so I wasnt able to get back to you right ...
91 Chevy 4x4 front hubs will not engage9/30/2009
  Q: Front drive shaft is turning. Replaced actuator. Still not engaging. What am I missing>? You ...
  A: Eldon sorry for the delay I have had an ill family member so I wasnt able to get back to you right ...
1989 s10 blazer9/25/2009
  Q: my 89 s10 will not go in 4 wheel drive and when the 4x4 indicator lights up it will blow that fuse
  A: Jerry, sorry for the delay I have had an ill family member so I wasnt able to get back to you right ...
1993 yukon 4 wheel drive problems9/25/2009
  Q: When I lock my 1993 GMC yukon into 4 low or 4 high the front tires wont pull but the front drive ...
  A: Chance, sorry for the delay I have had an ill family member so I wasnt able to get back to you right ...
Rattle nosie in front wheels9/24/2009
  Q: I have an 1998 Isuzu Rodeo 4w drive v6.And when I'm driving and roll over a pothole or a speed bump ...
  A: Dwayne, sorry for the delay I have had an ill family member so I wasnt able to get back to you right ...
fuel gauge9/24/2009
  Q: I have a 1990 Toyota 4x4 extra cab 4cyl. I recently removed the instrument cluster to clean out ...
  A: Scott, sorry for the delay I have had an ill family member so I wasnt able to get back to you right ...
97 Blazer 4WD problem9/23/2009
  Q: Adam, I checked the voltage on the front end actuator, and have over 12 volts when 4WD button is ...
  A: Dale, sorry for the delay I have had an ill family member so I wasnt able to get back to you right ...
Pulling 4 WD 1990 Totota Truck9/23/2009
  Q: I purchased a 1990 Toyota 4WD small truck to pull behind my motor home. But to my surprise the truck ...
  A: Jerry , sorry for the delay I have had an ill family member so I wasnt able to get back to you right ...
service 4 wheel drive light9/22/2009
  Q: my service 4 wheel drive light will come on after the vehicle has ran for about 15 min. and also it ...
  A: Jodi, I am assuming that you have a Gm product, it might be the transfercase motor , or it could be ...
toyota highlanders9/22/2009
  Q: I'm trying to determine how many miles is too many when buying this used make/model. I expect to ...
  A: Jon, I own a used car dealership myself , and my theroy is this, the miles are a number, and if the ...
86 f150 4x4 transfer case problem9/20/2009
  Q: When im driving my transfer case will shift in 4x4 when in driving but wont go all the way in it ...
  A: Dennis, I have had this happen before , sometimes it has been just the linkage loose, and other ...
97 Blazer 4wd problem9/19/2009
  Q: My 1997 Chevy Blazer will not shift into 4WD. The light comes on on the push button on the dash, but ...
  A: It is more than likely the accuator in the front end which engages the front wheels it will be a ...
Pulling 4 WD 1990 Totota Truck9/15/2009
  Q: I purchased a 1990 Toyota 4WD small truck to pull behind my motor home. But to my surprise the truck ...
  A: Jerry , as long as you pull the drive shaft off while in tow, it will be perfectly fine I have ...
1995 toyota 4-runner9/13/2009
  Q: I'm getting some noise from the front end of my toyota, only when we are going over a ruff surface. ...
  A: Dex, I would not pay them $500 for cv boots, lol the whold shaft you can pick up for about $100 at ...
4 wheel dr. light blinking on on 2006 jeep wrangler9/12/2009
  Q: i checked the fuse for the transmission, it is ok, book says 20 amp yellow, it has a 20 am blue. is ...
  A: Lottie, it doesnt make a difference as long as its 20 amp. I would tell you to take it back to the ...
97 Blazer 4wd problem9/9/2009
  Q: My 1997 Chevy Blazer will not shift into 4WD. The light comes on on the push button on the dash, but ...
  A: Dale , I would say that it could be the transfercase motor, if you can tap on it and have someone in ...
Rav 4 piston rattle9/7/2009
  Q: I have a 2008 4wd 4 cylinder Toyota Rav 4 that I bought new. I had this rattle from just a few ...
  A: Cheryl, there is no reason that you should have to drive this vehicle how many miles are on it? If ...
transmission problems9/5/2009
  Q: my 95 z71 4speed automatic was rebuilt about 1 year ago.never had any problems until the other ...
  A: Wayne, that doesnt sound good, guess your trans is shot again with those symptoms, more than likely ...
4 weel drive docent work in my 93 chevey suburban9/4/2009
  Q: i just bought a 1993 chevy suburban 4x4 the transfer case will in gage and the front drive line ...
  A: Jesse, no you are not doing anything wrong , it is more than likely that you have a bad part, it ...
very loud clicking nosie9/3/2009
  Q: i have a 1990 2500 4x4 chevey suburban, whenever i speedup i get this noise,but if i put the car in ...
  A: It is possible that it could be the flex plate , its just really hard to say without being there to ...
4wd won't engage9/2/2009
  Q: i have a 1999 gmc sierra 1500 extended cab pickup. when i start the engine, the 2wd button lights ...
  A: Mike, you can take the motor off the transfercase and than try switching it to see if it works, if ...
4wd won't engage8/31/2009
  Q: i have a 1999 gmc sierra 1500 extended cab pickup. when i start the engine, the 2wd button lights ...
  A: Mike these Gm trucks of these years had alot of trouble with the 4x4 , I would say that it is the ...
89 Bronco Dash Switch8/12/2009
  Q: I have a 1989 full size Bronco with two switches on the dash that engage the four wheel drive. One ...
  A: Don , I would try tapping on the motoe with a hammer, and have someone inside try switching it , ...
1999 jeep cherokee8/12/2009
  Q: I just purchased a used cheokee, and when I drive it makes a loud constant noise coming from the ...
  A: Aly , if I were to guess , I would have to say it has rear end noise meaning that the bearings ...
4runner8/10/2009
  Q: I just purchased a 96 4runner v6. I am looking to do some things to get it back into good shape ...
  A: Dave, I would say , start with changing the plugs, wires, and the fuel filter, that would be the ...
1993 TOYOTA 4X4 PICKUP 2.4 5 speed8/8/2009
  Q: How to stop end play noise in front axle...here clunk when making left turn..not a constant clicking ...
  A: BOB I would still have to say it would 99% be the axel shaft making the noise , Unless you have a ...
noise shifting from neutral to 2h on 4x4 gear box8/5/2009
  Q: 2006 4x4 silverado automatic with on the floor 4x4 gearbox shifter with truck transmission in ...
  A: Nick, I have had over 1,000 of these trucks in and out of the carlot, some of them shift so smooth ...
4wd noise8/4/2009
  Q: Sir, My wife has a 98 Chevy S-10 Blazer thats giving her problems when driving down the road the suv ...
  A: Rick, alot of times what happens to these transfercases is they get worn inside especially the ...
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR58/2/2009
  Q: There are 213,000+ miles on my 1998 4Runner SR5, and for the past 3000 or so I have been battling a ...
  A: J, I would have them check the fuel pressure while sitting there and while going down the road, also ...
2000 Honda Passport7/29/2009
  Q: My 2000 Honda passport has been making putt putt sounds when I start it in the morning, the engine ...
  A: well I would say that those two wouldnt have been the problem anyway , I would say it is more in the ...
Kill Rear Brakes7/29/2009
  Q: My Jeep needs a complete brake system replacement. After replacing the main brake line, I was still ...
  A: Amy, bottom line is dear, I would not reccomend killing your back brakes , If you were to have to ...
Kill Rear Brakes7/28/2009
  Q: My Jeep needs a complete brake system replacement. After replacing the main brake line, I was still ...
  A: The e brake will still work , it really shouldnt be driven with no rear brakes, but if you have to ...
ML 320 SUV performace upgrade7/27/2009
  Q: How can I improve the performance of my Mercedes ML 320 SUV, and roughly how much will that cost ?
  A: There are alot of things that you can do to enhance your performance , K&N filter system like $300 , ...
four wheel wont engage properly7/26/2009
  Q: i have a 1992 jeep wrangler YJ and i have been having some four wheel issues that i am wondering if ...
  A: Zach, I have ran into this in the past , and always seems to me that I ended up fixing or replacing ...
4wheel drive indicator lights7/26/2009
  Q: We have a 2000 Cadillac Escalade. The 4 wheel drive engages just fine but the indicator lights do ...
  A: Judy , it seems that Gm vehicles all have a problem to this effect, either the switch on the dash is ...
4 wheel drive not engage in cold weather7/25/2009
  Q: I have a '93 jeep yj sahara. it uses a vacuum system to engage the four wheel drive on the front ...
  A: It is possible that it may be freezing due to condensation maybe getting it to it, We have replaced ...
Ignition Module or PCM7/24/2009
  Q: Car 2005 Ford Escape 6 cyl 3.0 History: the car simply stopped yesterday. I shut it off, and ...
  A: The ign coil does not need to be progammed , the only thing that would need to be is the pcm , If ...
2001 Highlander - Front Rattle7/24/2009
  Q: I hope you are able to help. I have a 2001 Toyota Highlander all-wheel drive (all the time) with ...
  A: Nicole, sway bar end links go bad in alot of 4x4 vehicles all the time , and they dont cost too much ...
vibration7/24/2009
  Q: i have a 1999 honda crv awd. the car vibrates in the rear when i turn. it doesn't happen every time ...
  A: I would say that if something vibrates and makes noise in the rear of an awd Crv I guess I would be ...
starting trouble7/23/2009
  Q: what is the fuel pressure on a 1997 gmc jimmy 4.3 right now its about 45 before starting after ...
  A: Its more than likely the fuel pump , we have replaced a pump and had it go bad within a few weeks so ...
Ignition Module or PCM7/23/2009
  Q: Car 2005 Ford Escape 6 cyl 3.0 History: the car simply stopped yesterday. I shut it off, and ...
  A: Robert, it could be the pcm, but I have seen all three coils go bad too, if it says # 4 is bad and ...
Jeep blower motor problem7/22/2009
  Q: I'M having a problem with the blower motor on my grand Cherokee. I removed the motor and got it to ...
  A: Wayne, dont think you are missing anything between the unit and the resistor, I would say that maybe ...
1993 toyota four runner engine7/21/2009
  Q: How can I test the fuel injectors on my 4 runner to make sure they are all working. My number 3 ...
  A: Lisa, you can check the inj. electrically but not mechanically , take a digital volt meter put it on ...
LANDROVER DISCOVERY 20047/15/2009
  Q: My 2004 Landrover Disc high temp indicator illuminates at idle but goes to normal temperature ...
  A: I just had one at my dealership last week and it was doing the same thing , and we tested it out and ...
1998 jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo7/14/2009
  Q: I have a 1998 Grand Cherokee ZJ 4 .0L Straight engine not a V6 or V8. It has done 150,171 ...
  A: Ralph, it sounds like it could be alot of different problems, it could be the o2 sensor , or ...
4WD will not engage7/14/2009
  Q: I have a 1992 Chevy 1500 4wd with manual transfer case on an automatic transmission.When I put it in ...
  A: Michael, Yes there is a switch on top of the trnsfercase that sometimes goes bad, and I dont think ...
ford F-150 - overheating engine7/13/2009
  Q: My ford pu overheats within 5 minutes of driving every a.m. I stop engine for 1 minute - restart and ...
  A: I dont think pulling the engine to put new gaskets is the plan... If you let it sit for 1 min, and ...
Electrical Problem7/13/2009
  Q: I have a '95 Jeep Cherokee Limited w/ 150,000 miles in nice shape, but........ My overgrown son ...
  A: It sounds like you have a short to ground problem going on , and thats tough to track without a ...
Engine shudders when tuned off7/12/2009
  Q: I have a 1994 S-10 pickup with a 4.3 liter vortec engine. I have noticed that it is idling a bit ...
  A: Brian have you ever tried to adjust the timing on this S10 it seems that might be the problem with ...
97 chevy z1 4wd pickup7/11/2009
  Q: i have a 97 chevy z1 4wd pickup it started stall at light or a low speeds then the other day i went ...
  A: David, it sounds like maybe it might be the computer, with all the problems that you are having with ...
4WD will not engage7/10/2009
  Q: I have a 1992 Chevy 1500 4wd with manual transfer case on an automatic transmission.When I put it in ...
  A: There is an actuator on the front differential, it might be steel or it might be plastic , depending ...
battery wiring7/8/2009
  Q: I have a 99 jimmy which has a battery drain. I have replaced the alternator and battery and still ...
  A: First thing you should do is disconect the positve battery cable , leave it sit for a few minutes, ...
Toyota 4x47/8/2009
  Q: "I went to drive the truck today and I released the hand brake and it felt different. The brake ...
  A: Howard, the e brake , is up to you , I never use the e brake on manual vehicles we have just for the ...
98' ford ranger 4x47/7/2009
  Q: the four wheel drive on my ranger doesn't work i have heard many different problems with the 4x4 ...
  A: Cj , it is most likely the motor on the transfer case is why the 4x4 is not working that is the most ...
97 CHEVROLET 1500 Elec Cont Unit bypass pass-lock system7/5/2009
  Q: 97 CHEVROLET 1500 Elec Cont Unit do you know how to bypass pass-lock system i get no spark i had a ...
  A: David, I dont think there is a good way to bypass the pass lock system, there is a way to reprogram ...
2004 Canyon 4x4 problems7/4/2009
  Q: Adam, I have a 2004 GMC Canyon SLE 4WD crew cab. My truck has about 87K on it. I use the 4WD ...
  A: Jason , I know that in the trailblazers, the 4x4 system goes to sleep and you have to take the fuse ...
95 Honda Passport Burning too much fuel7/1/2009
  Q: My Honda passport is burning way too much fuel. when you start the vehicle you can smell the gas ...
  A: Well if it is running rich and getting too much fuel they might say it is an o2 sensor, but that ...
95 Honda Passport Burning too much fuel7/1/2009
  Q: My Honda passport is burning way too much fuel. when you start the vehicle you can smell the gas ...
  A: Tee, it could be a number of things causing the problem . They could be as followed, Fuel injector ...
2005 GMC Sierra 4WD problem7/1/2009
  Q: The push button 4WD controls do not seem to work properly, if you shift from 2hi to 4hi to 4low it ...
  A: Gm has had alot of problems with the electric motors on the transfercase. That is more than likely ...
Freelander td4 air con problem6/28/2009
  Q: I noticed a pool of water under my landrover,i checked it and it was clear so was not coolant, i ...
  A: I have seen something like this, but it was on a ford pickup, and the guy was running the defrost ...
2002-3 GMC Jimmy6/25/2009
  Q: I have a 02-03 Jimmy and as I was doing errands today the transmission decided to go into 4-wheel ...
  A: Chris , sorry I have been out of town a few days, put your blazer in neutral , and than switch to ...
toyota 4 runner6/22/2009
  Q: 2003 4 runner electronic rear lift gate will not open can hear electronics in gate working but lift ...
  A: Nick, that can be kind of a headache, you will have to try to get the inside rear panel off and get ...
93 Ford Explorer Oil Leak6/22/2009
  Q: I have an oil leak at first I thought it was coming from this little tube at the bottom and blowing ...
  A: Gilbert, that is really odd that you lost a bunch of oil and that yet the oil level was still ...

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Adam Kinion

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Expertise

I can answer about any type of question about any type of 4x4 vehicle

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I have been a mechanic for 13 years .

Education/Credentials
3 different schools

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