My 4WD is stuck? I think.....

[JoeFireGuy]

So, its been snowing....like everywhere in the U.S. and I put her in 4WD while driving to work last week. Seemed to work fine, shifted in and out no sweat.

Yesterday, while pulling a u-turn at a mostly dry intersection, the front jumped and schitced like a car on bad gas. Seems the front did not disengage the last time I took it out. At first, I blamed it on the severe cold and that something mechanical was just stuck. But, after repeated attempts to engage and disengage, nada. I think its the drivers front that's stuck? What can I. should I do? I don't wanna be hauling down the highway and have something seize!

For the record, its NOT pulling when driving straight, its only 'skips' when I'm at full lock turning. I don't have big meaty tires that would cause this, it's never done it before.....

I have read the book, what about placing it in NEUTRAL for towing, then putting it back in AWD? Think that would remedy it?

Many thanks,

Joe

 

[alrock]

Check the buttons as they often stick. If not, your transfer case might not be disengaging from 4 high lock, which would cause the binding when turning. Worn plastic shift forks have been a common issue.

 

[Steve #1]

I have had mine not want to shift out of 4H Locked when cold. Drove to work in icy conditions couldn't get it to shift out when I got in to the parking garage and tried all the usual tricks. Left it parked on the lower level of the garage where the temp was 60 degrees for 8 hours. Turned the truck on to go home and it shifted with no problems. Don't know for sure that was the issue, but makes since to me.

 

[JoeFireGuy]

Gonna tow it to my local GM guys, I'll post an update when I know more. Til then, I rockin' the Carmy! YEEHAA!
Joe

 

[08H3]

If you have any ABS issues, this will cause it not to shift in or out of modes. If that's the case, I found a trick when I was stuck in Lo once. You can trick the computer if you IMMEDIATELY change modes before it completes the ABS check. I'm not sure this applies to your situation, but it's a nice trick to remember if you're stuck 50 miles from civilization in Lo.

 

[rascole]

Like alrock said. Plastic shift fork. Mine did the same thing last year and it feels like it is binding when you turn. There is a new metal fork that is used instead.

 

[4speedfunk]

Before you tear stuff apart...try a simple fluid change. I've been having similar problems, and my old t-case fluid was very nasty...dark with lots of particulate matter suspended in it. I drained it and re-filled with DEX VI and it hasn't done it since. Mine is an 08 (allegedly with the steel fork), and I've never had any issues with shifting modes or any "service 4wd" dash lights. I just did the fluid swap Saturday so, at this point...its still an assumption. But for 2-quarts of fluid, and 20 minutes of wrench time...its a cheap alternative to pulling the case apart.

 

[08H3]

By the way, even a properly functioning drivetrain can hop. I did it once with a U-turn on a busy 8 lane road and about crapped myself.

 

[rascole]

All are valid points to consider, I think he has a great course of action now. Everything short of replacing it. That's why these forums are so great.

 

[JoeFireGuy]

UPDATE!

Not really great news, but t worse case scenario. t' the MODE FORK in the tans case.Good news, parts avail, e done tomorrow afternoon, new parts improved over the old one. ad news, $1140...

Take it for what its worth....

Joe

 

[rascole]

Holy cow, shop around man. That's insanely overpriced. $300-400 should be it. The new fork is less than $50.