2003 z-71 4x4 switch, any way to test?

[TPyles]

I just picked up a 2003 Chevy Z71 extended cab 4x4 with a 5.3 V-8 and 275,000 miles. I am trying to sort through a few issues with it but one that I dont know much about is the 4x4 switch. I try to enagage the 4x4 and it flashes but wont enage. It does it on auto high and low and then goes back to 2 wheel drive. I had a buddy who had the same issue and it was the switch in the dash (on a 2000 z-71)...is this a common issue and is there any way to test the switch before I just start throwing money at it? I traced a bunch of wiring looking for breaks but am fairly confident thats not the problem. I appreciate any input and if anyone knows where to get a deal on the switch I appreciate that info as well.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by TPyles

I just picked up a 2003 Chevy Z71 extended cab 4x4 with a 5.3 V-8 and 275,000 miles. I am trying to sort through a few issues with it but one that I dont know much about is the 4x4 switch. I try to enagage the 4x4 and it flashes but wont enage. It does it on auto high and low and then goes back to 2 wheel drive. I had a buddy who had the same issue and it was the switch in the dash (on a 2000 z-71)...is this a common issue and is there any way to test the switch before I just start throwing money at it? I traced a bunch of wiring looking for breaks but am fairly confident thats not the problem. I appreciate any input and if anyone knows where to get a deal on the switch I appreciate that info as well.

resoldering the switch contacts to the circuit board is the issue with some 4wd service light dtc's..

replace the transfercase TRAC II FLUID ...the fluid should be blue , not gray or black..the fluid change may lube the encoder motor to move properly..

with the vehicle not moving select 4wd hi / auto 4wd , the light should flash 3X if it continues to flash then goes back to 2wd this is usually a stuck encoder, with not service 4wd light .

post back what you found...switch is about 25.oo/ 35.oo this should have been a recall, GM defect on most all these componets...

DO NOT OPERATE THIS VEHICLE IN ANY 4WD POSITION ON SOLID DRY PAVEMENT, EVEN AUTO 4WD...........

MAKE SURE ALL TIRES ARE WORN THE SAME,,,,ROTATE TIRES TO EVEN OUT WEAR EQUALLY..

[TPyles]

I traced the problem down to the motor on the transfer case. I pulled the front driveshaft and pulled the motor and it had a hole that had corroded inthrough it and got water in it and then froze and damaged the case. I bought one at the junk yard for 125.00 and it now works perfect. Thanks for the ideas.

[Silverado6x6]

I think these plastic cased motors need some more attention to having a good skid plate under them. Maybe some day an aftermarket version will be made that has a more durable case like aluminum or carbon fiber.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Silverado6x6

I think these plastic cased motors need some more attention to having a good skid plate under them. Maybe some day an aftermarket version will be made that has a more durable case like aluminum or carbon fiber.

these GM skid plates are a scam. toyota has skid plates . check those out..made of heavy guage steel ..these would offer , off road rock/ice protection..

GM SKID PLATES DEFLECT DUST PARTICLES !