1Canuck

Dash lights on startup shows the 4x4 icon, but when I shifted into 4H, no indicator light and no engagement, truck stayed in 2H, even when TF case lever in 4H, uh-oh, any thoughts? is there a fuse for the front hub actuator? (my manual is at home), jus thought someone might know straight away what this problem could be?

thanks

keith

highlandlake

There's a shift solenoid type thingy behind a small gravel guard under your vehicle. Bet that's causing the problem. It's in the center of the vehicle, beneath the transfer case. It should have a wiring connector and vacuum line attached to it. I think it unscrews. Take the gravel guard off (two 12mm bolts??) then take the solenoid off and give it a good but gentle cleaning maybe with a toothbrush and WD-40, taking care to use the same washer in the same location as when it came off. The insertion distance of that unit is important. Also make sure that your wiring and vacuum hoses and not damaged/broken.
You might get the 4WD back by doing this. The solenoid isn't cheap, so try to clean it before buying another. A vacuum leak may be the problem too. I had to clean mine three years ago for the same problem you are having and it worked perfectly since then.
Good luck,
Tom

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'65 Chevy Malibu SS
'06 Pontiac Vibe (a dead deer fits nicely in the back)
'04 Ford Escape
'57 Chevy 210 post sedan
'51 Ford F2 pickup
Recently gone but not forgotten - 68 Chevelle, '97 Rodeo V6 4WD.

HI JOHN

Have you been able to fix the problem? If not, what I recomed is for you to put manual hubs. I purchased mine from ebay for $65 brand new and it only took me 20-30 minutes to do both wheels. Very easy to do and don't ever have to worry about not having 4x4. If you need help I can gide you step by step. The hardest part is to get the car on a lift or on jacks.opcorn:

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Canucklehead

Manual hubs are not going to magically fix his 4WD problem. 1Canuck's Rodeo has hub flanges which essentially act like a locked hub all of the time. As highlandlake pointed out, the problem is likely a solenoid or vacuum problem.

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2000 VW New Beetle TDI
2007 Honda CR-V

HI JOHN

I have a 97 rodeo and the 4x4 was not working. Like you said, may be the selenoid. You were right, but I was not going to pay $200 from the Stealer and another $200 for the vaccum actuaror pump. Total $400. If is not an inconviniance to get out of the car to engage 4x4 then you are set.
PS. I don't know if the 96 is the same as the 97. But I put my . Enjoy!opcorn:

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Canucklehead

You did a little bit more to "fix" your 4WD problem than just replace your hub flanges, so simply suggesting manual hubs as a fix is misleading. Depending on 1Canuck's mechanical aptitude (among other things), cob-jobbing his 4WD system may not be a road he wants to go down.

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2000 VW New Beetle TDI
2007 Honda CR-V