Slow to come out of 4x4

[jdr1965]

99 K1500 Classic, 57k actual pampered miles, seldom driven, but when u put in 4x4, on the dash 4H, it goes right into 4x4, but I noticed when I push button for 2H, it clicks, the 2H button is lit up, but it stays in 4x4 mode for a while, like its sticking. Is this the actuator on the transfer case sticking, and if so, how hard is it to replace for a do it yourselfer in the driveway. Or does this sound like a different problem.

[coleman_350]

Hi, to me it sounds like the transfer case needs to be replaced, my truck did pretty much the same thing and once I fixed my transfer case it worked fine, good luck !!

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by jdr1965

99 K1500 Classic, 57k actual pampered miles, seldom driven, but when u put in 4x4, on the dash 4H, it goes right into 4x4, but I noticed when I push button for 2H, it clicks, the 2H button is lit up, but it stays in 4x4 mode for a while, like its sticking. Is this the actuator on the transfer case sticking, and if so, how hard is it to replace for a do it yourselfer in the driveway. Or does this sound like a different problem.

What transpher case does it have?
Are your tires a matched set?
Are you using 4 W on dry payment a no no?

Try stoping and placing transmission in neutral or even backing up a little and see if ity changes back to 2W ok.

Let us know how that goes.

[jdr1965]

How do I determine what transfer case I have? All I know is that it is the automatic push button 4wd on the dash like alot of them have (not manual in the floor), with the 5.7 engine.

Its never been driven on the pavement in 4wd ever. I first noticed last summer , working in my backyard with the truck and a small trailer behind it, had it engaged in 4H because the yard was kinda mushy , didnt want to get stuck, drove out OK, pushed the 2H button, it lit up, but still noticed I was locked in 4wd due to the turning feel, had a hard time backing the truck and trailer in its normal spot due to it was still locked in 4wd, even though the 2wd button was lit up.

A while back I did test it though in a empty parking lot, pushed the 4H button, it locks in, made a few turns, pushed the 2H button, it clicked under the truck like it dis-engaged, but u could tell it was still in 4wd. I pulled out of the parking lot onto the street, and it did finally change back. Maybe this is normal, but I have had other trucks similar to this truck, and they would lock in and out at the push of the button, as long as you were moving a little bit.

Tires are a matched set, Goodyear Wrangler RTS 265-75-16 , replaced o/e's at 50K with same tires.

Not a big deal to me, but the truck only has 57K miles, and I have pampered it, seldom use the 4wd feature, however, if there is something that could or need to be replaced, I will gladly do it.. Mentioned the problem to a local shop, and they are the ones that mentioned the transfer case actuator may be bad.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by jdr1965

How do I determine what transfer case I have? All I know is that it is the automatic push button 4wd on the dash like alot of them have (not manual in the floor), with the 5.7 engine.

Its never been driven on the pavement in 4wd ever. I first noticed last summer , working in my backyard with the truck and a small trailer behind it, had it engaged in 4H because the yard was kinda mushy , didnt want to get stuck, drove out OK, pushed the 2H button, it lit up, but still noticed I was locked in 4wd due to the turning feel, had a hard time backing the truck and trailer in its normal spot due to it was still locked in 4wd, even though the 2wd button was lit up.

A while back I did test it though in a empty parking lot, pushed the 4H button, it locks in, made a few turns, pushed the 2H button, it clicked under the truck like it dis-engaged, but u could tell it was still in 4wd. I pulled out of the parking lot onto the street, and it did finally change back. Maybe this is normal, but I have had other trucks similar to this truck, and they would lock in and out at the push of the button, as long as you were moving a little bit.

Tires are a matched set, Goodyear Wrangler RTS 265-75-16 , replaced o/e's at 50K with same tires.

Not a big deal to me, but the truck only has 57K miles, and I have pampered it, seldom use the 4wd feature, however, if there is something that could or need to be replaced, I will gladly do it.. Mentioned the problem to a local shop, and they are the ones that mentioned the transfer case actuator may be bad.

Transpher case ID is on the tag on back of transpher case.

Also does your push buttons have a auto4W botton or just 4W button?

If it has trouble coming out of 4W just let up on gas or stop and put in neutral or back up a little.
As in last post let us know how that does.


The are a lot of may be out there.
Only proper testing will tell you the real problem.
Check for codes first thing.

[777stickman]

Usually, when you select a range button and it lights up steady it's telling you that the t-case has gone to that range. If there was an issue with the t-case or encoder motor not going to the selected range the light would blink.

With that said, I would suspect the front axle actuator, or the wiring going to it, or the signal coming from the t-case to it, or something mechanical in the front axle. Maybe check and/or replace the lube in the front.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jdr1965

99 K1500 Classic, 57k actual pampered miles, seldom driven, but when u put in 4x4, on the dash 4H, it goes right into 4x4, but I noticed when I push button for 2H, it clicks, the 2H button is lit up, but it stays in 4x4 mode for a while, like its sticking. Is this the actuator on the transfer case sticking, and if so, how hard is it to replace for a do it yourselfer in the driveway. Or does this sound like a different problem.

this is the old body style 1999 5.7L 4X4 K1500 ...If so when you go to 4wd from 2wd the switch light should flash with vehicle stoped or moving slowly 3 times max...when doing the reverse same thing 3 X flash and NOT stay ON when in the other position.

I have experienced fluid of the transfercase to be defective when this switching times increase..the fluid is damaged..fluid should be blue clear color not gray or black. the fluid even in a pampered un worked truck requires replacing every 30-40,ooomi..If this is a work truck meaning it hauls loads tows etc. this may need fluid replacement more often ..like every 12-15,ooomi.

inspect fluid for condition ..like that shop stated the encoder may be loosing it ..most likely its the damaged fluid if its 60.,ooomoi old..

post back what the damage is

[jdr1965]

Transfer Case tag says 241C.
Fluid is red, very clean, full, no burnt smell, owners manual says Dex III . Can drain and refill with same, but dont really think the fluid is bad thats in it...
Doesnt have "auto trac"

Didnt get it scanned for codes due to cost, trying to save $$$

Should I go ahead and purchase a new actuator and replace it, and does anyone have any pics of the removal?

Thanks for the replies and the help!

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jdr1965

Transfer Case tag says 241C.
Fluid is red, very clean, full, no burnt smell, owners manual says Dex III . Can drain and refill with same, but dont really think the fluid is bad thats in it...
Doesnt have "auto trac"

Didnt get it scanned for codes due to cost, trying to save $$$

Should I go ahead and purchase a new actuator and replace it, and does anyone have any pics of the removal?

Thanks for the replies and the help!

the NP 241C transfercase is a manual shifted part time drive train component. It would use a dexronIII or a new dexron III replacement. consult with dealership what the replacement fluid is that is now used by GM for this unit.

check the linkages it is possible the problem is there.

this NP 241C was used from 1987- about 1999.

with the push buttons this should be the NP241C transfercase with the NP-1 option. I may be wrong on that . 1998-2000 GM had made lots of changes to these during the vehicle years. if so replacing this shift motor would most likely be the problem . I would still consult the dealer on what fluid to use and replace it.

[jdr1965]

My bad--sorry, transfer case is

243C

Guess I need new glasses!

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by jdr1965

Transfer Case tag says 241C.
Fluid is red, very clean, full, no burnt smell, owners manual says Dex III . Can drain and refill with same, but dont really think the fluid is bad thats in it...
Doesnt have "auto trac"

Didnt get it scanned for codes due to cost, trying to save $$$

Should I go ahead and purchase a new actuator and replace it, and does anyone have any pics of the removal?

Thanks for the replies and the help!

Your truck and money.
But.
If your problem is just getting it out of 4W the a new actuator motor may not fix it.

First try back placing in neutral or backing up a little.

Operating it on dry payment in 4w or mismatched tire will cause a bind up and hang up in 4 wheel drive.

If backing up or putting in neutral brings it out of 4W then you are getting a bind up or hang up.

If you have push button 4W it is not a 241C transfer case.
241C is floor shifted.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jdr1965

My bad--sorry, transfer case is

243C

Guess I need new glasses!

this is what I thought the auto 4wd transfercase motor controlled. This should use gm 12378508 fluid which is trac II ..9.00 a qt. need 3 qts ...really 2.4qts..

check with dealer on all of this ..if it still sticks after a few miles after fluid change , get codes or replace the encoder motor. most times it is the motor but it can be wires, switches , rodents chewing at wires. Or even a hole in the transfercase or encoder motor housing.


dexron III is no longer licensed by GM. 2006 gm dumped this product.

post back how it works out..new fluid works very good..

[777stickman]

The 243 t-case is not the "auto" 4wd. The 243 would have 2hi, 4hi, 4lo & Neutral. The 246 would have the "auto 4wd". Both of these do have the select buttons and the encoder/motor.

From the original post I am just not convinced it's the encoder/motor. If I had these symptoms as he described, the 1st place I would look is the front axle actuator.

JMHO.

[jdr1965]

Going to try changing the fluid, Would this Valvoline ATF work in the t case, supposed to be Dextron III/Mercon?
$4.19 qt at Auto Zone....

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jdr1965

Going to try changing the fluid, Would this Valvoline ATF work in the t case, supposed to be Dextron III/Mercon?
$4.19 qt at Auto Zone....

check with the dealership to be certain on what fluid to use. the 243c is the automatic [push button] transfercase not manual lever controlled. this should use trac II fluid as I mentioned above with the GM part #.

here is what is said about this tf case:


Changing the transfer case fluid is a pretty straightforward job. If you have the manual transfer case (lever actuated), use DEXRON-III Automatic Transmission Fluid. If you have an automatic transfer case (push button actuated), you should use the fluid that GM recommends. Some owners’ manuals may say to use Automatic Transfer Case Fluid (GM Part No. 12378396), which is a reddish colored fluid. GM has a new Auto Trak II Transfer Case Fluid (GM Part No. 12378508), which has a bluish color to it. The newer fluid has better friction modifiers. While your doing the job, it’s a good idea to change the drain and fill plugs (GM Part No. 15032997) out too.

your vin# should reveal to dealership the correct fluid to use. changes have been made in 11 plus yrs and with very good reason ...you can only get TRAC II fluid from GM/dealership. even AMsoil has no substitute !