Please help!! 4x4 problems

[Hunter1]

I have a 1996 Blazer 2dr 4x4. About a year ago I engaged 4hi, once I switched back to 2hi I heard a slight grinding sound. After that I would press the button the lights would flash and I could hear a clicking sound coming from the dash as I would normaly and the light would flash but 4wd would never engage. I have followed the advice of this forum trying different things over the past 8 months or so. Right now the status is: the lights only flash during the self check at start-up(when I first turn the key), I can no longer hear the switching sound coming from the dash, I can manually engage 4wd by pressing the actuator under the battery (I pull the cable and spin one tire the other goes the opposite direction), I have disconnected the battery for 15 mins. In the past I have ALWAYS heard a clicking sound from the dash, and now I don't. What makes that sound? Could I engage 4wd this way if the encoder motor is bad? Basicly I need to know how this thing works. All of you have been so helpful in the past with this and other things. I am looking forward to ANY advice you may have on this matter. Thanks in advance.

Hunter

[BlazerLT]

Transfer case encoder motor is gone.

Replace and enjoy, this is common, see if you can pick one up at a wrecking yard.