H3 4, 4hi lock and 4low lock

[sonicstage]

So quickly... I'm reading my manual in my 2006 h3 and I've noticed something that I need to share
So in my truck there is this panel it has 4, 4hi lock and 4lo lock so correct me if I'm wrong but when I drive my truck around town the 4hi light is on however when I want to shift into 4hi lock the light won't go on, does that mean there is something wrong with the transfer case or is the truck always in 4wd and the 4hi lock isn't an option? If the button is there I imagine it can go back and forth between 4 4hi lock and 4lo lock does anyone know if the light for the 4hi lock will come on and if not is there something wrong with those options?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Kyle]

so from what im understanding, the light for 4 high works, but when you shift to 4 hi lock that button light doesn't illuminate? Does the truck actually go into 4 high lock?

 

[sonicstage]

so from what im understanding, the light for 4 high works, but when you shift to 4 hi lock that button light doesn't illuminate? Does the truck actually go into 4 high lock?

The light for 4hi works it's constantly on and yes and you are correct the light won't engage to 4hi lock... im balls deep in the manual I. I guy the truck used and the dealer didn't know if it had an adventure package on it or not my guess is maybe only the adventure packages have the 4hi lock option? If so then why does my truck have that ? I have a warranty on the drivetrain and 4x4 so I'm wondering if I tell the dealer that my 4hi won't engage or the light won't come on


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Kyle]

take it in for warranty, the transfer case isn't shifting into any other settings, probably a bad encoder motor, does the service 4wd come on when you try and shift the modes? If you had the adventure package you would see a button next to your traction control button with 4 wheels and an X at the bottom.

 

[sonicstage]

take it in for warranty, the transfer case isn't shifting into any other settings, probably a bad encoder motor, does the service 4wd come on when you try and shift the modes? If you had the adventure package you would see a button next to your traction control button with 4 wheels and an X at the bottom.

No service mode light comes on it's almost as if I don't have 4hi lock it's non existent and thank you


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Burtor]

No service mode light comes on it's almost as if I don't have 4hi lock it's non existent and thank you


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Those buttons should be working. What those lock symbols mean is that you are locking the *transfer case* between the front and rear drive shafts.
The adventure package adds more buttons on the right of the bezel, and they can additionally lock the rear (and/or front) differentials.

Is it blinking first before failing to shift into the 4H locked position?
Mine would blink then fail to shift, and just go back to 4H unlocked with no errors codes or warnings or anything.
The problem for me was a bad encoder motor. It was simple to replace, and I hear that it is not rare for them to get some corrosion or something and fail.

Your engine does not have to be running to shift between modes, and you can even unbolt the unit and look or listen for it to rotate to test it.

 

[sonicstage]

Troubleshooting now I can hear it go into hi lock but no lights so now I'm running codes with my buddy as we speak and thank you for the responses it definitely helps considering some of this stuff is way out of my league as far as diagnostics so I'm always willing to learn something new everyday


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Burtor]

Troubleshooting now I can hear it go into hi lock but no lights so now I'm running codes with my buddy as we speak


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This might sound dumb, but could it be as simple as the light being out?
My running light for the 4 low lock sometimes doesn't feel like illuminating. I tap it and it comes back. Thanks GM.
You can lift one wheel and try to spin it while in neutral to determine if the transfer case is actually locking.
If it spins, you are still unlocked.
If it will not spin, your transfer case is locked.

Alternately, it's only four small fasteners to unbolt the encoder motor. Just pull the thing off, let it hang by the wires, have you friend hit the buttons to shift between modes and see if it moves.
Also, mark a line across it with a sharpie when you first pull it off so you can see what position it started. Worst case you can just touch 12 power to the motor leads and get it rotated back to the original position.
You'll discover this is a very simple system and certainly not a "smart" one.

 

[4speedfunk]

Probably just the light on the switch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Romeo]

If you hear/feel it switching then it's most likely just the light. My 4hi does that. Switch to 4 hi lock and once you hear it switch drive a bit and you should be able to tell if it actually switched ....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sonicstage]

We reset the codes now everything works perfect, is that really why this happened? I would like to find out why this happened, I'm not sure I understand the reasons why


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[4speedfunk]

Never ask "why?" when working on an H3. This will always result in frustration and disappointment.

Just go with it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[lowtrac]

Never ask "why?" when working on an H3. This will always result in frustration and disappointment.

Just go with it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This should be on a shirt.

 

[sonicstage]

Never ask "why?" when working on an H3. This will always result in frustration and disappointment.

Just go with it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You are absolutely right never ask why and it's fixed thank you all for yyour professional advice


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk