Silverado 4x4 help

[bigv]

Ok any mechanics out there? I have a ‘11 Silverado I use for hunting/fishing etc. the dial for the 4x4 quit working correctly. So it’s in auto but when I turn dial to 2 wheel or 4, nothing happens. Took it in and guy plugged in and it read that just the switch or dial was bad. Replaced it. First time I drove worked fine. Sits for awhile and drive today. Won’t switch again. But after driving for an hour it starts to work. Almost like freezes up?? Says service 4x4 on screen when not working. Isn’t there a switch in the transfer case? Is this just electrical or ??? Any experience with this? Thx!

 

[lunkerslayer]

Most likely it's an actuator issue in the front end , they go out especially if you like to drive in auto. I helped my brother replace his actuator in his 2008 chevy that would make a clunking sound when he was in 4 auto. I think the 4 auto was the worst design for a 4 wheel drive, either leave it in 4 high or don't.

 

[snow2]

Bigv,

Over time our aging vehicles develop issues as we know,older GM trucks that only use 4x4 in winter months encounter transfer case issues,usually happens late fall when we engage 4x4,if you never r&r your transfer case,lube your truck is due,if your lucky you haven't compromised the trucks transfer case... seen these transfer case issue alot in our GM shop over the years,my guess only,hopefully nothing major like transfer case replacement.

PS folks with older GM 4x4 trucks engage 4x4 hi at least once a month during adverse road conditions such as rain as wheel traction is best on wet roads to lubricant 4x4 seals.

 

[Callem'In]

Do you get a "service 4wd" message on the dash? Do the lights on the switch work and move when shifted into 4wd? Visually look at the wires going from the body of the truck to the transfer case - The clip will break causing the wiring to fall onto the front drive shaft and rub through the wires. Next, check to see if the transfer case shift motor moves when commanded by the switch. You should be able to hear an audible motor moving and or clunk when engaged.

 

[bigv]

The light was stuck in auto. Light wouldn’t switch over when dial moved. However, after driving for some time ( we were pheasant hunting today) it started to work just fine. I suspect when parked for a few days it may “freeze up” again? Yes dash says service 4x4

 

[bigv]

As mentioned…new dial put in last week cuz code reader said switch