4WD not working

My 4WD on my 2001 Sport will not engage. The light just blinks when the button is pushed. I was told by a friend that looked at it that the Front Differential is not engaging - but the transfer case is working fine. Any ideas what the problem might be? Is this something that would be covered under the powertrain warranty?

Your shift on the fly (SOTF) actuator is stuck. This commonly happens if 4wd is not used much, or not used in a long time. It's mounted on the drivers side of the front axle tube. Here's a pic: http://www.planetisuzoo.com/articles.htm/65 (the one on the bottom). The best way to keep them working is to turn 4x4 on/off a couple times a month. The factory powertrain warrany wont cover this.
G/luck
Joel

Any idea what it might cost to get it fixed? Would I be better off to not take it to the dealership? That's pretty crappy when something like that goes out at 23K and it's not covered. Thanks for the reply.

Don't you still have your bumper to bumper?

No bumper to bumper. It expired about 3 weeks into July. About 3 weeks after I bought it.

I'd guess that it would be around a $300 dealer job. Not a difficult job to R/R. Remove the skidplate & unplug the SOTF actuator, take out 4 bolts & out it comes. I'm not sure if other vehicles (GM) shares this actuator or if it's an isuzu only item. You can try: http://www.stcharlesauto.com/ to get an idea on the cost of the SOTF actuator. If it were mine, I'd remove it, take it apart & try to clean & free it up first.
G/luck
Joel

The skidplates were already removed by a friend that no longer has the time to fix it for me, so maybe I'll crawl under there and take a look myself. I'm guessing it will be a little over my head, being the most I ever do is check the oil, windsheild fluid and air in the tires.
Hey. I'm a girl. That's allowed. :smile:

I found the actuator, but cannot get the darn thing unplugged. Is there some sort of trick to it? I can't reach both ends, only the end that plugs into the actual part. Perhaps this is best left to a professional?

I found the other end and was able to get it unplugged, but, I've decided
to leave it to the professionals. There's no way I'd be able to get the wiring back where it was, and the end that stays attached looks corroded, has wiring hanging out and has been electrical taped. I appreciate the replys and now have something to go on when I take it to the mechanic. I'm done with the stealership. I'm throwing in the towell.

AnnieM, one thing you may wanna do once you get that 4x4 issue resolved, is get the skid plate back on. It will keep road crap from blowing onto the SOTF actuator & wiring. Oh.. and turn the 4x4 on/off as you pull out of your driveway every so often to keep it working.
G/luck
Joel

Joel - Thank you for all of your responses. I took it to the mechanic yesterday. They said the motor on the actuator is blown. $373 dollars-
should be done today.