2002 GMC Safari 4.3L V6 - Can't engage AWD

[Fulcrum]

My father owns a 2002 GMC Safari V6 4.3L Minivan, he is the original owner and the van now has 90,000 miles on it. He recently noticed that the Front Wheels are not powered with the AWD.

He took it to a mechanic and they put it up on a hoist and started the car. When shifted into Drive, the front wheels began to spin, but when touched with an external object such shoe or book or piece of wood, the front wheels stopped spinning.

The mechanic believes the actuator is bad. However, and new one costs around $500. At that price my father is apprhensive to give it a try without having better proof.

The fuses were checked too, and looked good.

Has anyone else had this problem, or know what the fix is?

Cheers!

Fulcrum

[alpineman]

Originally Posted by Fulcrum

My father owns a 2002 GMC Safari V6 4.3L Minivan, he is the original owner and the van now has 90,000 miles on it. He recently noticed that the Front Wheels are not powered with the AWD.

He took it to a mechanic and they put it up on a hoist and started the car. When shifted into Drive, the front wheels began to spin, but when touched with an external object such shoe or book or piece of wood, the front wheels stopped spinning.

The mechanic believes the actuator is bad. However, and new one costs around $500. At that price my father is apprhensive to give it a try without having better proof.

The fuses were checked too, and looked good.

Has anyone else had this problem, or know what the fix is?

Cheers!

Fulcrum

I did the same thing on the lift with the same results. Change out the actuator motor, it is simple and will take a few hours for the first time, but it is the problem. The part cost me 150 on line and can be done by anyone, Just make note to turque requirements.


Alpineman