AWD does not engage

Sonwatcher · 12-27-2008, 07:53 AM

This is a 1999 Bravada with SmartTrak . I have been all over the web looking for a simular problem but most have a different twist. Either they have AWD always engaged or blown fuses or the lights on. Mine isn't any of these. The light does not come on at start up like the others. The fuses aren't blown and it won't engage. I took both fuses out for a period of time to try to reset it and nothing changed. When taking the fuse out and turn the key the light still does not come on . I disconnected the battery all night for a possible "wake up" but still nothing. It's almost like it isn't noticed at all. Could this be in sleep mode or a bad connection ?

Thanks

Sonwatcher · 12-27-2008, 03:20 PM

I went out today and pulled the fuses and checked to make sure there was voltage to both fuse sockets. It is there .

Chris Stewart · 12-27-2008, 04:50 PM

I guess we need some input from other owners.

Hey Gang!!!
Is there such thing as a Check AWD light on the instrument panel when you first turn the keyswitch on?

Sonwatcher · 12-27-2008, 05:20 PM

My manual states there is .

Sonwatcher · 12-28-2008, 07:29 PM

Ok, the summation is that both fuses are good, both fuse sockets are being supplied voltage, AWD light does not come on anytime, and AWD does not engage .

CutlassOlds88 · 12-29-2008, 12:52 PM

I would say that the transfer case shift control module is bad. That is what happened to my 98. The AWD light came on as a bulb check but it went out right away. The module controls the light so if it's bad it won't remain on. Plug in a new module and see what happens.

Chris Stewart · 12-29-2008, 02:33 PM

Thanks for the info!
Where's the transfer case shift control module located?

CutlassOlds88 · 12-29-2008, 10:17 PM

it is bolted to the passenger side kick panel. if you look just ahead of the passenger door and pull off that plastic piece, it is behind there. There are 3 bolts that hold it on.

Sonwatcher · 12-31-2008, 08:55 AM

Thanks everyone that responded. I was curious as to a wheel sensor possibly causing this as well as some other things. I guess what puzzles me is that the light doesn't come on at start up or later when the AWD doesn't engage and the AWD doesn't engage. I also read that if there was a problem in one of the modules, sensors, or motor that it would likely trigger the ABS light to come on as they are tied together but it hasn't . I wish I had found someone that had the exact problem but so far most that I have read include lights coming on and mostly AWD forever engaged which is the oposite of what I am experiencing .

CutlassOlds88 · 12-31-2008, 12:07 PM

do you have access to any bravadas in the junkyard? I would start with the module, it can't hurt to try that first.

Sonwatcher · 12-31-2008, 01:11 PM

I'm not sure how many Bravadas may be in the surrounding yards as this is not a real populated area. But would a Blazer, which seems to be more prevalent, interchange ?

CutlassOlds88 · 12-31-2008, 01:42 PM

No, a Blazer module will not work. You need to get one from a 98-01 Bravada. I got one from a 99 and put it in my 98. I was quoted $500 for a new module which is why I went to the junkyard for a used one.

Sonwatcher · 12-31-2008, 01:44 PM

Ok, thanks .

Chris Stewart · 01-01-2009, 09:05 AM

If the light doesn't come on at start-up then the bulb may be blown, pulled out or the wire disconnected.

Sonwatcher · 02-24-2009, 07:51 PM

UPDATE-

Today was a nice day so I decided to look in the kick plate at the module connections. Last year a dealer had to replace a part deep in the dash which required the entire dash to be pulled. I had a suspicion that they may have disconnected the module and forgot to reconnect it. Upon removal of the kick plate I found a dangling connector. I plugged it back in and the light works on start up then goes out as it should. It comes back on after I shift into 3rd gear . I decided to test out the AWD by going straight up my steep lawn to the back of my house. The ground is damp so I figured this would either be a spinout or a climb. The Bravada climbed all the way up with ease which makes me think the AWD is working as before I would spin the back wheels. But what has me puzzled is that the AWD light comes on after my Trans. shifts into 3rd gear. I was wondering if this has something to do with computer memory since the module had been disconnected for so long ? I had read that if I pull the AWD 15a fuse for 30 sec. it would reset the AWD memory. Could this be a possibility ?

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