Newbie with 98 Rodeo 4x4 questions.

[Das Ungetum]

Hello all. I have bought a 98 Rodeo with 3.2 4x4 5-speed. It has 105k miles on it. No op. manual, so I was indeed fortunate to find this forum. My issue is with engaging the 4 wheel drive. Unlike some similar posts mine will work but only intermittantly, and when it does, it is short lived.

I engage the SOTF button, wheels straight, and well below 40 mph. The light blinks for ages. Somtimes if the moon and stars are alligned, it will engage, and light is solid. A short while later, it disengages, and light blinks again. Should I suspect the vacum switches and test as mentioned in some other threads? Something I'm not doing right?

Any help is greatly appreciated. I live in Canada, and could really use the 4 wheel drive. Cheers! Mark.

[Das Ungetum]

UPDATE:

I checked the vacum lines, and there was vacum on BOTH lines. For some reason, the 2 wd vacum was still on. While there I took the switch apart and "freed" it up a bit. I tested it and it worked fine.

Dropped the truck and checked the valve solenoids. One was stuck open. Cleaned it out and it resumed normal function.

4WD still does not work. Flashing light. Any ideas? Thanks. Mark.

[boritz]

My 4WD selection is all manually operated - so I can't help specifically, but I can point you to the folks on http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/

[Das Ungetum]

Hi Boritz,

Is that an option? I would love to convert it to manual. Mine is a 98, I noticed yours is 97. Is 98 the the 2nd generation as I have seen it refered to?

My Ford F350 is all manual, and I prefer that. Lock the hubs, swing a lever... luxury! This auto locking business is a licence for problems.

Cheers. Mark.

[Cat Fuzz]

98 was the start of the second generation. Push button shift on the fly 4wd. You can remove the drive plates on the front hubs and install manually locking hubs. I have them on my 99 but I do like the SOTF for winter roads that can change a lot traveling across town. If I think there might be snow, I'll lock my hubs before leaving and then push the button whenever I want 4wd.

The flashing light will actually tell you if it's the axle actuator or the transfer case motor that is the problem. If it rapidly blinks, the problem is at the transfer case. If it blinks slower, the problem is at the front axle. The vacuum actuator is on the axle tube on the drivers side. There are two vacuum lines going to it and a couple wires for the position sensor. The actuators can get sticky if they don't get used enough. I would start by taking it off and seeing if it's operating freely. Jacking up the drivers side, by the axle, will help with gear oil loss when removing.

[amigo-2k]

http://www.planetisuzoo.com/articles.htm/65

[Das Ungetum]

Thanks Guys!

I did remove the vacuum actuator, as it was as mentioned, a bit sticky. I freed it up a bit with gear oil, and put it back in. The left vacuum was strong in 2wd, but remained on when switched into 4wd. Vacuum on both sides caused it to stay put.

I pulled off the vaccum solenoids at the top and found one of them, seized open. I cleaned it and it now worked, but once put together, it still failed.

It is the front axle situ as the light blinks slower. Thanks for that tip! I will try the solenoid again, and give it another clean. I beleie I'm right in assuming that vacuum should be on one side or the other, not both correct? I will also check the switch on the actuator, as I forgot to verify that it works.

We will win! It's only a machine!

Cheers. Mark.

[boritz]

Originally Posted by Das Ungetum

Hi Boritz,

Is that an option?...

I hadn't replied previously - not due to lack of manners but because I see that you are getting more relevant responses.

All the best with your problem