98 Jimmy 4x4 issues

My 98 Jimmy isn't properly shifting in and out of 4hi/4lo/2hi. The light just flashes when I try to shift into 4lo. The indicator light goes out when I shift into 4hi, and it takes along time and numerous tries to get it in and out of 2hi/4hi. Any suggestions?

Try disconnecting the battery and leaving to sit for a while then reconnect, I just did this with my 98 Jimmy that had similar problems.
Sometimes the cheapest/easiest methods do work!

If that doesn't work, check your vacuum actuator and electronic encoder motor on the transfer case.

I've had a few instances lately where when I try to switch from 2hi to 4hi I get a groan coming from the front passenger side, sounds like where the wheel is. I don't remember if my steering wheel was turned left or right, but I'm pretty sure it was straight. It took a couple tries but when it finally went into 4hi the groaning stopped.

'98 jimmy sls 4dr 4x4 -- Any known issues like this?

I would cehck you front diff fluid level.

did a little more testing with my switching to 4hi problem...
this is when it happens:
when i'm moving and NOT accelerating and switch,
when i'm moving AND accelerating and switch,
when my wheels are straight and i'm moving and switch,
when my wheels are turned and i'm moving and switch,
when i'm stopped and then press on the gas (and start moving) and switch.

the sound gets lower (in pitch) when i press on the brakes and when i come to a full stop, the sound stops as well. i'll go down on it later and check the front diff fluid level. thanx

Your description sounds exactly like what I am going through. So I was just wondering if you found out what the problem was and got it fixed?

yeah i checked my diff fluid and it was horrid. basically there was nothing in there. what WAS in there was thick and gooey with little specks of metal (when i cleaned out the pan the fluid poured into, it looked like i had sprinkled permanent fairy dust on it) in it. bad bad bad. i also have two leaks, one on each side of my axle nearest the wheel (will post pics later). and is there any way i can take the cover (does it have a cover?) off of my front diff so i can thoroughly clean it out? and what's best to clean it with? i was told brake cleaner works well. so i refilled it and i havent had any problems with going into 4wd since.

also- what's the best online (or offline, in book form) reference for working on my jimmy?

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my 1998 jimmy has almost 86,000 miles on it... should it be having problems like this??
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Goes monitor the level and do NOT spray brake cleaner into it.