Question for you Auto Mechanics (UPDATED)

[jeff of pa]

I drive a 91 GMC JIMMY 4WD

a Couple weeks ago I took a 15 Mile drive.
averaging between 50 & 60 MPH.
When I got to where I was going,
I realized I was in 4WD.

I took it out for the drive home.

Today I realized My 4WD won't work.

Could I have Done something to it ?
coincidence ?
is there a Fuse ?

 

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[northeast hunter]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

Dose not look good..just pray for spring..If you did not hear any loud bangs its probably some thing else..is it a push button or stick ?

 

[jeff of pa]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

Stick.

Wont work in High or Low & Light dosn't work either

Only Rear Left Tire Turns

OH, NO Loud Bangs, Not Even Quieter Bang :P

 

[northeast hunter]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

Maybe a u joint

 

[stefen]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

Stick.

Wont work in High or Low & Light dosn't work either

Only Rear Left Tire Turns

OH, NO Loud Bangs, Not Even Quieter Bang :P

Check the fuse panel first.

 

[OldBillinUT]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

Jeff It's pretty hard to diagnose this type of problem without seeing the vehicle. Mine is a different make but it occasionally sticks in 4WD and I have to put it into reverse and back up a few feet to get it to release. If you are not hearing any abnormal driveline sounds then check the shift control for the front axle to make sure that it is ok. Not sure what kind of mech GM uses for that but you may be able to locate a factory shop manual for your vehicle at your public library. There should be a diagnostic step by step section in that manual for the front axle and transfer case.

OP

 

[Charlene]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

I hope its not but it sounds like the transfer case, and sorry to say its an expensive repair.

 

[TheSleeper]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

Jeff, is yours a floor shift model or pushbutton on the dash model?

 

[jeff of pa]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

Jeff, is yours a floor shift model or pushbutton on the dash model?

Stick , Floor Shift.

Like
OldBillinUT Backing up Used to Work to put it in & Out.
but Ever since the last time I took it out, It won't go back in.
Thought it was just the Light Indicator till today.

 

[civilman1]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

I have an 89' Dodge I thought was going to cost me a bundle to fix the 4WD on,ended up being the vaccum switch...Cost me $40.00...Good luck!!!

 

[jeff of pa]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

I have an 89' Dodge I thought was going to cost me a bundle to fix the 4WD on,ended up being the vaccum switch...Cost me $40.00...Good luck!!!

Thanks ! I hope it's something Simple.

If Not I'll Live with 2 Wheel Drive.

Definately too old a Vehicle to Put Thousands in at one time.

 

[COUNTRY GIRL]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

Sorry Jeff but this is going to hurt . By the sounds of it it's the actuator. Depending on the state you live in (labor $) $400-$600. Will most likely out last the truck though

 

[gregd573]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

Hey Jeff....my last 3 trucks have been GMC's (99, 2000, 2003) and will probably have another when the urge hits...lol. I only traded because of high milage, but anyway all the manuels said to use the four wheel drive ( I think monthly....) and I do as i go down the highway 60 mph or so. I am not the mechanic I would like to be but I think I would look for something simple. I'll ask around there are a few fellows i work with that might know........good luck.

gregd573

 

[OldBillinUT]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

I was thinking about this and it may be nothing more than a vacuum hose come off or leaking if you have a vacuum type of actuator Jeff.

 

[musclecar]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

Jeff, because you heard no loud noises or clunks, generally, you can rule out u-joints, driveline, or transfer case problems. If it worked before you drove in 4X for those miles, It may be the transfer case vacuum switch, or maybe more likely, and even better for you,,,, the vacuum line going to the switch. Check that out, sometimes the vacuum line will touch a hot spot, and break.

Good luck
MC

 

[Mighty AP]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

The 4x4 on LQ's suburban didnt work when I bought it, took it to Idaho State University here in town & the auto shop students fixed it fer $40! It was a vaccume hose to the accuator, simple fix. As Musclecar said, if you didnt hear any loud noises from the transfer case yours may very well be a simple fix as well. Good luck.........

 

[jeff of pa]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

Thanks Everyone.

It's due for inspection March & April.
I think I'll try and survive till then and have them check it out.

Trucks gut 250,000 Miles on it & the Engine dosn't
use oil. I love 6 Cylinders

But it Nickel & Dimes me alot, so it wouldn't Surprise me
if it is a Vacuume.


It was working when I took it out of 4WD,
I know this, Because I felt it when I turned a
90 Degree turn. This is what alerted me that it was in.
I took it out & backed up a few feet & the Light went off
and it never worked again.

 

[Starbuck]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics

You need to get all 4 wheels off of the ground with enough clearance to be able to get underneath the vehicle. You need a jack and jackstands or a lift. Start with the engine off (Not Running) place the transmission in park and the transfer case in 4wd if it is the manual stick type. The pushbutton types are a whole different procedure and many do not have a neutral so this check wont do much good. Start the vehicle and have a helper operate the vehicle while you observe the driveshafts.With the footbrake firmly applied place the transmission in drive range. If the front and rear shafts are turning regardless of whether the wheels are the transfer case is probably O.K. if the rear shaft is turning but the front isn't the problem lies in the transer case and is best left to a professional. (Just a note one wheel turning on the front or rear when in 4wd is normal for most vehicles they have an open differential and one wheel will recieve all of the torque when off the ground, unless you have a positive traction or locker type differential then both wheels on the axle with the locking type differential should turn at the same speed. These are special order from the factory or aftermarket installed.) If both driveshafts are turning apply the brakes and bring the rear axle to a stop. shut off the engine wait for a second or so then place the vehicle back in park. With the vehicle off and still securely on the lift or stands go under the vehicle and look closely with a droplight or flashlight and inspection mirror at the top of the case where the shift arm connect to the case there should be three prong vacuum connector on the case make sure this is securely connected. The lines travel to the engine compartment and to the vacuum actuator under the battery. This is also a good time to verify the type actuator the vehicle has, some were equipped with a thermo wax actuator. Remove the front debris shield if your vehicle is equipped with one this will allow you to see and access all of the components. When the shield is removed look at the front differential the two CV axles will be attached to it's outer flanges. On the front of the differential there will either be a cable that runs up to the actuator under the battery or a cylinder shaped piece with one or two wires out of the back of it. If the cylinder type unit is found diagnosis is pretty easy. Disconnect the two wire connector start the vehicle and make sure the transfer case is in 4wd the transmission can stay in park. Use a volt meter or test light and check the two wires or the single wire and ground battery voltage should be present. If not check the fuse marked tcase or case or 4wd it should be a 20 amp fuse. If it is blown there is either a short or a defective actuator, with the connector disconnected replace the blown fuse. If the fuse blows immediately there is a short in the harness and would probably be best left to a professional. If the fuse does not blow plug up the actuator if the fuse blows immediately replace the actuator they are $60 - $100 and the replacement is fairly simple. If the vacuum type of actuator is used go up to the battery in the same scenario with the engine running and the 4wd engaged but the transmission in park and unplug the vacuum hose if vacuum can be felt the vacuum diaphragm is defective and will need replacing. Check for battery acid damage if this is the case. A leaking battery will ruin the new actuator if not replaced. If no vacuum is present check the hose at the back of the engine next to the distributor it connects to a tee and 3 way check valve. Check for leaks and being connected. If these are all secure replace the three plug vacuum connector switch on the transfer case and retest that should solve your problem. Good Luck! - Starbuck

 

[jeff of pa]

Re: Question for you Auto Mechanics (UPDATE)

Update

Finally Asked My Mechanic to check what was wrong with the 4X4
it went right in for him.
I checked it after & it worked.
Guess it needed a Rest, still didn't work Last Month.


THIS SHOULD Probably be in Rants.
all my Gas lines needed Relplaced
they were rusted through & Leaking.
for the last Month My vehicle
has smelled like a Fuel Station :P

Total Cost of Parts
$41.51

Total Bill !



Are you Ready ?



Drum Roll !




$332.32

Wish I was a Mechanic

 

[tinpan]

Hi geff " Yikes that hurt the pocket" Seems your mechanic had a snooze under the car at your expence.
Near on 5 hours to replace a few simple fuel -lines. Not bad at all 2 hours of work and 3 hour snooze.Mit become a mechanic my-self .


tinpan