2500 not locking into 4wd

[rexbest]

Hey guys, I have a '95 2500 4wd and it recently quit locking into 4wd. When I put the tranny into N and shift into 4H or 4L you can hear what sounds like the 4wd engaging but it does not register on the display and the wheels are not locked in. A friend told me that it sounds like a fuse is blown but they all look fine. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Rex Best

[JaVeRo]

The first thing is to figure out if the problem lies with the transfer case or the front axle.

With the wheels blocked, engine running, in 2wd reach underneath and turn the front driveshaft. It should turn freely.

Put it in 4wd and turn the driveshaft again, it should be locked. If not, the problem is the transfer case. If it is locked, jack up one wheel and spin it. If the wheel turns and the driveshaft doesn't (driveshaft should still be locked) then your front actuator is not engaging.

Look to see how many wires are on the connector to the actuator, two wires is the thermal actuator and three wires, yours has been previously upgraded to the motor driven actuator.

Post back with the results.

James

[bigj-dog]

One of my neighbors had the same problem, he was out in the woods and a stick or something caught the wires that go to the front axle. The connection came unplugged and the 4wd light wouldn't come on and 4wd wouldn't function. There is a 3 wire (if memory serves) connector pretty much lying on the front axle to the passenger side of the differential. Replugged, added some 100mph tape and celebrated with a beer.

[rexbest]

Ended up being a gas cylinder that they used that year that had gone out. They quit using the gas cylinder and now use a mechanical one to engage and disengage the front axle. It even blew the mechanics mind. Thanks for ya'lls help.