Four Wheel Drive Sticking...

[Bakerman]

I bought my 97 tahoe from a female, who never used the four wheel drive. I've had it in 4x4 maybe twice, and that was just to see if it worked. Earlier tonite, when i put it in four wheel drive, i believe it got stuck. It wouldn't come out, and it took going b/w 4 and 2 wheel drive several times to get it to go back to 2wheel drive. Is this a common problem if the 4wheel drive isn't used often? How can I fix this problem?

[Rebel4055]

The linkage may need replaced or tightened not for sure how the 4wds are.

Also the transfer case may have a issue.

Edited December 12, 2010 by Rebel4055

[JaM Customs aka mprete]

tahoes use a solenoid to engage and disengage the 4x4. that is usually the problem. i believe they are like 30 or 60 bucks for a new one and are pretty easy to replace your self.

[Bakerman]

tahoes use a solenoid to engage and disengage the 4x4. that is usually the problem. i believe they are like 30 or 60 bucks for a new one and are pretty easy to replace your self.

yeah, its all electroning

I just didn't know if not using it would cause it to stick, or if it would be something with the electronics. Do you know where that solenoid is located at?

[JaM Customs aka mprete]

not exactly but its on the transfer case itself. i think on the left (driver) side near the top? google it. you will find it. if not just say so and ill look it up for you. but not using the 4x4 will not cause it to stick. and electrical wont either because if there is a problem the solenoid goes back to its "off" position and disengages. if it were electrical you would have NO 4 wheel drive at all. but from not being used the solenoid will stick. you might even be able to just try to engage it and disengage it a bunch of times and see if it works itself out but then you might be stuck without it or with it when you need it or dont need it. and you do not want to drive on dry pavement in 4 wheel drive. you will do damage to your axles. anyway i will try to find out where the solenoid is

[JaM Customs aka mprete]

i believe this is what your looking for. but where its at... im still looking

http://www.carpartsdiscount.com/auto/parts/chevrolet/tahoe/transfer_case/transfer_case_actuator.html?3593=44916

or one of these look up your specific truck at the bottom and click on the part number and thats what you need

http://www.naparts.com/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductId=2818

Edited December 12, 2010 by mprete

[Rebel4055]

Yeah forgot that some trucks and suvs had electronic stuff.

Always heard of issues that those electronic 4wds bring but never knew the issues.

[JaM Customs aka mprete]

ok actually its this one i think.

https://shoppingcartsecure.com/cart32.exe/9893563515-AddItem?partno=1420002&Qty=1

if you can find out exactly what t-case you have that would help greatly. and if its all electronic (3 push buttons) or with a lever on the floor

[Rogers]

Yeah I've heard there are a lot of issues with the electronic 4wd setups... thank god my tcase is manual shift

[Bakerman]

ok actually its this one i think.

https://shoppingcartsecure.com/cart32.exe/9893563515-AddItem?partno=1420002&Qty=1

if you can find out exactly what t-case you have that would help greatly. and if its all electronic (3 push buttons) or with a lever on the floor

its three push buttons...its got a 2hi, 4hi, and 4lo

Thanks for taking your time to help me out! I hope I can figure this out, because this is the only 4x4 I got, and i obviously bought it for a reason. Im really into lowered mini trucks and cars, with systems, lights, etc. But a few of my buds go out 4wheelin, and I miss out on the fun, so I bought this truck for that reason. Ill be pissed if it tears up.