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Chevrolet Tahoe Suburban 4 Wheel Drive Indicator Lights

33 messages,  Last post on Dec 05, 2009 at 11:49 AM

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#24 of 33 1999 Tahoe 4WD won't engage by nikt Nov 14, 2009 (4:34 pm)
To bryons,   I realize your Tahoe is a 2001 and mine is a 1999, but where did you find the ATC fuse? I looked at my manual and opened the fusebox on the left front fenderwell, but didn't see the ATC fuse. The fusebox I opened has many fuses and relays in it. Is this the correct panel or is there another fusebox you're talking about, or does the ATC fuse have a different name or designation??   Thanks, NIKT
#25 of 33 Taho 4 WD by nikt Nov 16, 2009 (2:10 pm)
A big thanks to all who made suggestions. My 1999 Tahoe now has a correctly functioning 4WD system. If you recall, NIKT (that’s me) said that the unit was stuck in 2HI and would not engage any other mode. There were various suggestions, but here’s what worked for me:   1.- Find ATC fuse. This took longer than everything else because I kept looking for an “ATC” fuse. At least on my ’99 Tahoe, there’s no fuse so marked. My manual did list a fuse in the small fuse panel on the left side of the instrument panel, but not in the panel over the left front wheel. It’s a 20Amp fuse in the No. 2 position, and is identified as “Transfer Case.” It was blown.   2. – I pulled the T-case fuse (#2) and the Accessory Light fuse (#3) and left the car sit for about 5 minutes with the ignition switch off.   3 – I replaced the 20 Amp fuse with a 25 Amp fuse, because some people suggested that cold weather can result in a higher current draw in the 2WD-4WD shift motor. I put back the 10 Amp Accessory Light fuse which was OK.   4. – As some suggested, I then switched the ignition On and Off 5 times to clear any trouble codes stored in the Trans Control Module.   5. – I fired up the engine and watched as the red “Neutral” light on the control button panel blinked off. My Tahoe had been stuck in 2HI, but then the 4HI button lit showing that mode was now engaged. I pushed the 2HI button and the transfer case shifted OK. Out on the street I engaged all the Transfer Case modes and everything seemed to work OK.   Again, a big thanks to you all, and I hope what I did works for you too.   NIKT Replies to this message: kiawah (Nov 16, 2009 3:34 pm)
#26 of 33 Re: Taho 4 WD [nikt] by kiawah Nov 16, 2009 (3:34 pm)
Replying to: nikt (Nov 16, 2009 2:10 pm) I'd put a 20Amp fuse back in. If you really do have some sort of problem (which will trip now the 25Amp fuse), you may burn some wiring (or a wiring block or connector) which would be very costly to repair.   You can also keep another spare if it does blow later. If it does, you'll know exactly what are where to replace it.
#27 of 33 4wd problems by mmalk Nov 16, 2009 (5:27 pm)
checked the 20amp atc fuse that was to easy.subscibe to all data not all you want to know,. to seek more diagnostics.The selector seems to have power and replaced the modual.Has anybody gone further and replaced the tccm thier on ebay 165.00 pluged a scaner in ,no codes?
#28 of 33 Tahoe 4WD by nikt Nov 17, 2009 (8:15 am)
To kiawah,   Thanks for your thoughts. You make good sense and I will change the fuse back to a 20 Amp unit this morning and keep some spares handy, Also, I will operate the 4WD drive selection every other day or so to keep the shafts or other components moving freely.   Also, is there another recommended lube oil for the transfer case? Some forums talk about a "blue" fluid for better lubricity, or is that to improve the Auto 4WD?   You know, I have never used the Automatic 4WD feature. I bought my Tahoe used (50,000 miles) about 9 years ago. I tried using the Auto 4WD in the snow, but I didn't like what I thought was a harsh engagement and avoided ever using it. When accelerating on snow or wet pavement, I engage 4HI to get up to speed and then engage 2HI. In winter here in suburban Chicago, when we get blowing and drifting snow, I engage 4HI and it seems to get me through just fine. I then shift back to 2HI when I'm back on dry ground. I'm coming up on 140,000 miles and I like my Tahoe just fine. The only repairs of consequence (how do you spell Co$t?) have been replacement of one fuel injector and about 2 years later, the in-tank fuel pump.    nikt Replies to this message: markseiler (Dec 01, 2009 5:44 pm) omegacanuck (Dec 04, 2009 7:48 pm)
#29 of 33 Re: Tahoe 4WD [nikt] by markseiler Dec 01, 2009 (5:44 pm)
Replying to: nikt (Nov 17, 2009 8:15 am) I have a 98 suburban 1500 4x4 LT 5.7 L with 165,000 miles   I'm having some 4 x4 problems.   The push buttons will engage 4 HI, but when it kicks in, the front wheels feel like they will pull to one side then the other and has an audible mechanical growl.   I've never had a problem with the 4 wd system on this truck. I don't know where to start with diagnosis.   The lights on the 4wd buttons all function, and the 4x4 system engages when each range is pushed , and dis-engages when 2 hi is pushed. It just pulls and growls when engaged.   The symptom seems to be worse when using the auto 4 wd feature.   Where should I start?   I've had this rig since new. Replies to this message: omegacanuck (Dec 04, 2009 7:48 pm)
#30 of 33 Tahoe 4WD by nikt Dec 03, 2009 (8:59 pm)
To Markseiler,   I can't speak with the authority of a mechanic, but only from my perspective as a Tahoe owner. You may already know this, but don't engage 4WD on dry ground. If I correctly understand the way the 4WD system functions, engaging the front axle also causes the front axle to become a locked axle. That's necessary to prevent all the drive torque going to one wheel on very slippery ground, leaving you with very little or no traction. This means (to me) that one should avoid sharp turns of the front wheels while in 4WD unless you are on very slippery (snowy, icy) ground. I recall once forgetting to disengage 4WD and I could feel a terrific binding when I made sharp turns on dry ground.   Did you read my previous entry? I bought my Tahoe used, and didn't like the way Auto 4WD engaged and never used again. Maybe a Tahoe technician could advise on lube oil specs for the transfer case. I hope this helps.   Nikt
#31 of 33 Re: Tahoe 4WD [markseiler] by omegacanuck Dec 04, 2009 (7:48 pm)
Replying to: markseiler (Dec 01, 2009 5:44 pm) I have the same problem on a 2003 Chev Blazer, with nearly identical symptoms.   If you believe the push button 4WD selector, all is fine. It switches in and out of 2 or 4WD no problem. However, based on recent driving I don't think it's actually engaged. If I actually get some decent slippage (ie, icy accelerating), it will grind from the front end like crazy. Sounds similar to grinding gears on a manual transmission (it's an auto, for reference). Only happens on slippage in 4WD.   Took it into the dealer, they've replaced a seal which they say went bad and let oil into my vacuum lines which then took out a servo and actuator. Still grinds, so they're thinking it's actually taken chunks off the gear and sleeve for the 4WD. $800 so far into it, gonna be about $800 more for the gear and sleeve. Does this sound right for symptoms/diagnosis? I'm not much of a mechanic and REALLY get lost on tranny/transfer case type stuff.
#32 of 33 Tahoe 4WD by nikt Dec 05, 2009 (11:35 am)
Sorry, I can't help on this one. I have to defer to a real mechanic on this problem.   NIKT Replies to this message: markseiler (Dec 05, 2009 11:49 am)
#33 of 33 Re: Tahoe 4WD [nikt] by markseiler Dec 05, 2009 (11:49 am)
Replying to: nikt (Dec 05, 2009 11:35 am) I took it to a shop, they said bad transfer case, they can put in a new one for $2,000   i found a use one at the junk yard for $300. my friend and I are going to put it in and see what we get. They are supposed to be heavy so a little bit tricky to do in the driveway. I'll let you know how it turns out.

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