Puzzled about my 4X4....

[Guest]

Hi all,

I have a 98 Eddie Bauer 4X4. Its a beauty but I am having a problem with my 4X4. I bought the vehicle used and I never had the need to put it in 4 wheel drive, so I don't even know if it ever worked, but I swear I tested it before I bought it. The transfer case will not engage in 4hi or 4lo. It will engage in 4AWD. It works perfectly fine in 4AWD. I try to put it in 4hi or 4lo and there is no "clunk" of the transfer case engaging or disengaging. I notice no difference in 4hi or 4lo then I do in 2WD. When I start the vehicle and the dashboard gauge lights go through their start up phase, the lights for the 4X4 system all activate, i.e. 4AWD, 4hi, and Low Range. However, when I turn the switch to 4hi or 4lo, the lights do not light up. Just for kicks, I replaced the relay switch that is located just to the left and above the radio. That didn't do anything. I assumed it might be the switch, but I can't find anything to help me validate if the thing works or not. I would love to get my hands on the system schematics/diagrams for the 4 wheel drive. A little help with this would be greatly appreciated. I can't stand to take my vehicle in when I am mechanically inclined enough to do something myself if I can. Thanks for all the help!

 

[monsta]

How exactly are you making the transition from 4HI to 4Lo?

 

[rwinch]

I also have a '98 EB. You should definitely hear a "clunk" when going to 4HI, and another when going to 4LO. Remember, you have to put the gear shift into neutral before the truch with shift to 4LO.

The easiest manual to get the schematics is going to your auto store and buying a Haynes...the Chilton is not that good, though I bought both because the chilton uses actual pictures, which come in handy at times.

To start though, check your fuses. If you got the owners manuals with the truck, they should describe which ones to look for.

I will try to update later today with more info.

 

[Guest]

Well, When I am making the transition to 4Hi or 4Lo, I am simply turning the switch to those positions. I am definitly not hearing anything when I switch into either 4Hi or 4Lo. So, I am going to assume something is really wrong. I read something on the selonoids that control the hubs with the vacuum lines. Could that possibly be the problem? My logic tells me that if the hubs are not engaging then the transfer case won't shift. Maybe I am all backwards on this. As far as manuals go, I have seen the hayes and chilton's manuals. Neither really go into anything for the 4X4. Maybe there is a reason for that? Thanks for the replies as well.

 

[monsta]

Your truck must be stopped and in neutral to shift to 4Lo. Although that doesn't explain the "not going into 4Hi" challenge...

When in A4WD do you feel your front wheels get power when in low traction situations?

 

[PaulC]

The process to shift into 4LO is as follows:

1. Stop the truck.

2. Shift the transmission into Neutral.

3. Depress the brake pedal far enough to trigger the brake lights.

4. Twist the transfer case selector knob to 4LO.

5. Wait. You should hear one "clunk" and both the 4x4 and 4LO lights in the guage cluster should be on.

6. Then, select the transmission gear of your choice and drive.

Shifting from 4LO to any other selection on the transfer case requires the same process outlined above.

 

[Guest]

I do get movement from my front wheels when in 4AWD. I can definitly tell there is a difference when shifting between the 2WD and 4AWD. I have tried the above method of shifting into 4LO. I get nothing. No clunk or any other noise. No lights on the gauge cluster light either. Is it possible to be able to shift into 4AWD and not be able to shift into 4Hi and 4Lo? Since I can shift into 4AWD and not the others, I am going to assume that it is. Also, if I can shift into 4AWD, does this mean that my transfer case is alright and it isn't broken, that the problem lies elsewhere, like the electronics of the vehicle? Again, I appreciate the info. Its nice to be able to come to a site like this and know people will contribute.

 

[rwinch]

See my response in the thread "4x4 non-engaging problem". I sent some files that may help, or at least generate some other questions that I can respond to from the service manuals I have.