98 blazer stuck in 4 hi - HELP

[kvchap]

I know NOTHING about cars or car repair and need help! WE HAVE a 98 blazer with 113,000 miles that today got stuck in 4 hi. it will not change to either 2 or 4 lo. Unfortunately, we were in the middle of a 12 hour drive for a family emergency and couldn't stop. Have we done permanent damage to our car? Also, from scanning this site and car pros it looks like there could be two simple solutions - actuator???? and vacuum switch - both are greek to me Any ideas of how much they cost??? Reliable/honest repair place in west chicago suburbs???

can we drive it till we get it fixed???? HELP!
KV

[mjohn]

don't be afraid to drive this while you obtain the parts and find a good mechanic...

I would try to locate a salvage yard...and obtain the actuator...I have heard other years work as well...but I have not replaced mine...

Let us know and keep looking for help..
Can you find a local mechanic some friend has used...or a relative...

here a mechanic will install the parts you obtain for $25-30. an hour...

so diagnose the problem and find the solution searching the auto forums...Best Wishes Friend...

[rdjack49]

Originally Posted by mjohn

don't be afraid to drive this while you obtain the parts and find a good mechanic...

I would try to locate a salvage yard...and obtain the actuator...I have heard other years work as well...but I have not replaced mine...

Let us know and keep looking for help..
Can you find a local mechanic some friend has used...or a relative...

here a mechanic will install the parts you obtain for $25-30. an hour...

so diagnose the problem and find the solution searching the auto forums...Best Wishes Friend...

My 98 did the same thing. Found that it blew a fuse and defaulted into 4H. Might try that before going further. Of course you have to find out why it blew the fuse.

[jay hullett]

does 4x4 lite just flash if so it will store codes try disconnecting battery to clear then try 2hi again if works most of time problem is encoder motor on transfercase but resetting works sometimes be sure u have the radio code if it has thieftloc radio before unhooking battery

[mjfritzley]

If it's still stuck in 4-Hi. Go to a parking lot. Unlock the hubs if they're manual, drive in reverse for about 150 ft and then try and shift out. Sometimes the transfer case can get stuck. This will resolve the issue about half of the time and it's much cheaper than buying parts.