1993 4x4 troubles

[Tawanda]

Tawanda is my 1993 Suburban and she has over 208,000 miles, original engine, original transmission.

She rarely has problems but today in the snow, the 4H stopped working. I can't say for sure if the 4x4 died while we were rolling or if it just didn't work again after a refueling stop. This is the first occurrence of a 4x4 issue she has had in 11 years.

I first noticed the engage indicator light in the console transfer case wasn't lighted when she couldn't climb up the driveway.

I managed to get the 4L to pull us on up the driveway and into the garage, but the indicator light still wasn't working.

I checked the fuse and the 4WD 25amp fuse was blown and I replaced it, but that didn't help the issues at all. The console indicator light and the 4H still didn't work.

The next day I got stuck in slush again so (for grins) I shifted to 4H, still no light and no pull and after about 20 feet, I smelled a parched odor. I immediately shifted to 2H and the smell dissipated.

I have read other posts that described very similar occurrences as well as the GM Bulletin regarding the front axle actuator. So I realize this is a known issue that requires known remedies.

Tawanda's problem had a couple of different wrinkles--the blown 25amp fuse and the parched odor.

Here is what I'm wondering:

Could this be a low fluid issue? (i.e. parched odor)

When the ambient temperature rises above freezing, will the problem resolve (if it's an actuator issue) without major surgery?

Temps have not been above freezing for at least 5 days.

Once, I had trouble putting the automatic transmission gear shifter into Park after driving through a lot of ice and snow. When the ice thawed, the shifter returned to normal. (could fluid levels have been low?)

We only get snow a couple of times a year, otherwise I only use the 4x4 when towing a loaded trailer up a wet grassy knoll in the summer.

I had the transmission serviced a few months ago, but given Tawanda's age, she could have integrity issues with holding fluid. She has always been garaged and leaves spots on the floor from time to time, but nothing remarkable at this time that could be linked to this problem. That is not to say that she couldn't have dropped the transmission fluid on the road without my knowledge.

Thanks for taking the time to read my novel in the form of a question.

I'm a walking, talking Chevy Suburban commercial. For me, it was love at first sight with Tawanda and I've loved this truck for 11 years. She's always been a good ol' gal to me and I'll do whatever it takes to fix her.

Thanks for you help.

[mjohn]

Well written if I don't say so myself...
leaks and incontinence...intermittant?

[Tawanda]

No leaks that I haven't been able to identify. Just had radiator and steering box replaced. They both were original parts and smooth worn out.