steelydan
New Member
Got snow here again...pushed button in for 4x4 and the indicator light flashes.
It does not seem to be engaged.
It does not seem to be engaged.
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1999 6.5TD Suburban 4x4 light flashing?
- Thread starter steelydan
- Start date
Turbine Doc
Just Another Diesel Guy
Gonna assume you are trying 4L, you have to be stopped and trans in N for 4L to engage otherwise it stay's blinking before you can engage it, 4H should go anytime, recommended you be going slow when you try it so engagement is less harsh
TurboTahoe
Recruit
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Tim is right on. Best to re-read the owners manual, especially when you want to use it. Good news is that the 99 has the electrical actuator, not the thermal one (I think), so engagement is immediate, and secure.
I did have an episode on my '99 burb where it just blinked at me. That was because the switch (a $60 item) was dead. A 15 minute repair (although I am stunned that an infrequently used electrical item like that would just die... I think that the quality of the GM electrical components tends to be LACKING compared to other manufacturers!)
-Rob
I did have an episode on my '99 burb where it just blinked at me. That was because the switch (a $60 item) was dead. A 15 minute repair (although I am stunned that an infrequently used electrical item like that would just die... I think that the quality of the GM electrical components tends to be LACKING compared to other manufacturers!)
-Rob
steelydan
New Member
Trying to engage 4 hi, just used it 2 weeks ago as we have had lots of snow. 4 hi light flashes...does not engage.
Turbine Doc
Just Another Diesel Guy
Try it like going to 4L, maybe actuator is acting up cycle it a couple of times in 4L then 4H to see if you have same thing going on
steelydan
New Member
4L and 4H same deal. I am going out to my garage to look for a loose connection.
From memory: Switch goes to actuator on transfer case and then to actuator on front diff. Power comes back to switch to light the indicator.
From memory: Switch goes to actuator on transfer case and then to actuator on front diff. Power comes back to switch to light the indicator.
fastjohnny
Member
Check fuse as well
steelydan
New Member
2 fuses are good. 4WD and Transfer case fuse.
Ok 4L engages as the truck goes into Low range...drove around the block. 4L light still flashes. Transfer case seems to be engaged, because I could turn front driveshaft before trying to engage in 4h, but cannot turn it after 4h button pushed. 4WD not working.
Took out actuator from front diff. Plugged wire harness back in and left it hang by the wire. Then tried to engage 4h to see if dinky comes out. 4h light stayed on and did not flash but the dinky did not move. Re-installed actuator and light is flashing again.
I had a similar problem on my '95. I believe for bench testing the actuator the brown wire is constant +12v and the black is ground...to cycle the actuator I think you put +12v to the blue wire? Anyone got a wiring diagram?
Ok 4L engages as the truck goes into Low range...drove around the block. 4L light still flashes. Transfer case seems to be engaged, because I could turn front driveshaft before trying to engage in 4h, but cannot turn it after 4h button pushed. 4WD not working.
Took out actuator from front diff. Plugged wire harness back in and left it hang by the wire. Then tried to engage 4h to see if dinky comes out. 4h light stayed on and did not flash but the dinky did not move. Re-installed actuator and light is flashing again.
I had a similar problem on my '95. I believe for bench testing the actuator the brown wire is constant +12v and the black is ground...to cycle the actuator I think you put +12v to the blue wire? Anyone got a wiring diagram?
packratt
Active Member
pm me your e-mail and they are on the way
steelydan
New Member
Done...and Thanks.
steelydan
New Member
No more blinking lights
Problem was the front diff. actuator. Apparently there is a contact closure inside that tells the autotrac that the front diff is engaged. The light stays on steady when contact is made. 98-99 are different from 95-97 even if they have the newer style actuator. Wire colors are different from my '95. I opened up the actuator and it was full of water.
These actuators are a joke...I have seen heavier circuit boards and controls while changing the batteries on my second girl-friends vibrator.
Problem was the front diff. actuator. Apparently there is a contact closure inside that tells the autotrac that the front diff is engaged. The light stays on steady when contact is made. 98-99 are different from 95-97 even if they have the newer style actuator. Wire colors are different from my '95. I opened up the actuator and it was full of water.
These actuators are a joke...I have seen heavier circuit boards and controls while changing the batteries on my second girl-friends vibrator.
Turbine Doc
Just Another Diesel Guy
I think when/if mine dies I'll be adding the manual cable shift kit, I envision the 4x4 actuator dying on me stuck in a mud hole when I really need it.
TurboTahoe
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I wholeheartedly agree! Everything I've seen about the system is a little flakey. I actually like the Tahoe that has the floor shifter for the transfer case, and I'm assuming if I put in the manual actuator for the front differential it will be totally mechanical and less prone to failure under adverse conditions.
That floor lever for the transfer case IS all-mechanical, yes? There isn't any electrical weirdness THERE, is there?
-Rob
steelydan
New Member
I wholeheartedly agree! Everything I've seen about the system is a little flakey. I actually like the Tahoe that has the floor shifter for the transfer case, and I'm assuming if I put in the manual actuator for the front differential it will be totally mechanical and less prone to failure under adverse conditions.
That floor lever for the transfer case IS all-mechanical, yes? There isn't any electrical weirdness THERE, is there?
-Rob
Yes you can do that with the manual transfer case shifter. My Brother built a cable engaged unit for his 95 6.5 dually when his actuator went south. It is Redneck but it works. He spent about $10.00 on it.