Hi!
When I pull the lever for 4WD on my Suburban -94, it can take some time before the 4WD actually is engaged and the 4WD light gets on. I know that it need some time to synchronize, but have a feeling that this is getting worse. Anyone who have an idea what could be the problem?
Roald
There is a updated solenoid for this fix. I heard it was some kind of heating element or something but dont hold me to it. I think its about
120 at a dealership, maybe cheaper somewhere else. I know my stepdad got the part and had a friend put it in. Now as long as your in park, put it in 4x4, and then put it in gear it will engage instantly.
the original design was a thermolinear actuator, IOW, it used a heater to heat a gas up to push out a piston. the revised 98+ design is a electromechanical actuator, IOW it uses a motor and gears to push the plunger out. it is super fast and is immune to temperature. I bought mine from
-Bret
Thanks a lot for your most describing answer. Can you if possible please also tell me:
1) Is this actuator located on the transfer-case or the front-axle? 2) Is it the 4wd that doesn't activate or is it the free-wheel-hub that doesn't lock up?
the actuator is mounted on the front of the front axle, roughly in the center, above the axle center line.
99% chance that the CAD actuator is dying and keeping the front axle from engaging as fast as it should..this is how the system is set up:
pull the lever, switch on top of transfer case energizes the CAD actuator, pushing in a plunger in the front axle, engaging the passenger side (if memory serves) axle, which in turn flips a position switch on the axle which lights the 4X4 light on the floor.
HTH, Bret
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