2004 GMC YUKON SLT, 5.3L, AWD - NEUTRAL RED Indicator Light

[JochenWoern]

Ex-Wife has a 2004 GMC YUKON SLT, 5.3L, AWD (NOT 4x4) with the AWD Shift Buttons as on the attached pic.

At times, the RED NEUTRAL Indicator Light pops on, but there is no affect in the driving characteristics. Drove the truck today and it also shifts fine into and out of 4 LOW.

Stabilitrac shifts on and off as it should as well, message displays on the DIC as it should when the system is turned off.

I read through the manual but am puzzled, not sure what the issue could be?

Is it a switch/the shift button control switch? Is there a sensor somewhere?

Has anyone had this problem, before? Any input would be greatly appreciated, THANKS IN ADVANCE!

 

[Wake]

I'm pretty sure its 4WD, not AWD. The AWD transfer case is a single speed setup and not range selectable.

Back to your problem, I have an AWD Escalade so no controls since it's full time AWD. But I have seen this problem on my previous 4WD Trailblazer and it was the switch going bad. It gave false indications of which mode it was in and sometimes failed to switch to 4WD. A new switch corrected the problem.

If it's not that then I might suspect the encoder motor on the transfer case. It should have a feedback sensor to tell the computer which mode it's in.

 

[JochenWoern]

I'm pretty sure its 4WD, not AWD. The AWD transfer case is a single speed setup and not range selectable.

Back to your problem, I have an AWD Escalade so no controls since it's full time AWD. But I have seen this problem on my previous 4WD Trailblazer and it was the switch going bad. It gave false indications of which mode it was in and sometimes failed to switch to 4WD. A new switch corrected the problem.

If it's not that then I might suspect the encoder motor on the transfer case. It should have a feedback sensor to tell the computer which mode it's in.

Thanks very much. I am NOT sure if it is called 4WD or AWD, all I know is that on my 4x4 '06 Yukon, the switch on the left of the steering column shows 2HI, 4HI and 4LOW, as well as the AUTO 4WD on the top, I therefore would assume mine is 4WD, hers is AWD, but again, not sure.

Thanks for the explanation, I will check into the switch assembly and see if this may correct the problem.

Is it fairly simple to change the switch out? Is it all PLUG IN PLAY?

Many thanks.

 

[Matt06Yukon]

Thats funny, when I bought my current Yukon, they had another one there at the dealer. Same color, almost the same color interior just kinda less creamy white color. But it had that type of transfercase with the weird selections you have. I've never seen another one like it and I was definitely wary of purchasing one. But it didn't matter after I took it for a test drive. Luckily it was nighttime by then and under WOT, I could see smoke in the rearview mirror. Not good. Test drove my current one again to be sure and bought it.

But anyways, only thing I can think of is it is a selectable transfer case, just not Autotrac?

 

[Wake]

It should be plug and play, the computer functions are in a separate module (TCCM). The switch is just a dumb switch I'm pretty sure on these. Maybe check a junkyard or eBay for a cheap one. I picked one up for my Trailblazer for about $20 shipped brand new.

 

[78mc-bbc]

My 04 Suburban has the same setup as yours is pictured. From my research it is an awd setup, just different than the escalades and denali's. It is 60% rear drive and 40% front drive with a low range option.

The red indicator light problem you mention is a new one for me? I haven't heard of it before? From what i remember my red light is only on when i am in park or neutral, iirc..

 

[JochenWoern]

My 04 Suburban has the same setup as yours is pictured. From my research it is an awd setup, just different than the escalades and denali's. It is 60% rear drive and 40% front drive with a low range option.

The red indicator light problem you mention is a new one for me? I haven't heard of it before? From what i remember my red light is only on when i am in park or neutral, iirc..

Thanks everyone.

I will see if a new switch assembly will cure the problem.

 

[highrollin113]

i have the same awd that you do and have had the red light issue, but being as it does not change the way it drives i have not given it too much thought. i have seen it red and change to yellow while i am driving so i figure it is just a faulty signal. try turning the traction control off then on when it goes red and see if it changes it.

 

[JochenWoern]

i have the same awd that you do and have had the red light issue, but being as it does not change the way it drives i have not given it too much thought. i have seen it red and change to yellow while i am driving so i figure it is just a faulty signal. try turning the traction control off then on when it goes red and see if it changes it.

Tried that and no change.

 

[Littleyuki]

Did you ever find a solution? Mine does the same thing randomly comes on. Does not seem to affect driving. Usually happens on freeway. Also noticed at stop lights at times it thinks it's slipping and I can hear/feel it engages traction control( on a hot 90 degree dry day). If I let off the gas for a second it stops.

 

[jaythemekanic]

having different tire sizes will effect stabil control. abs system and make transcase red nutral light come on. also low tires pressure. always have same size tires and proper air all around on awds. mine went red once and felt like it was only running 2wd. low tires pressure up front. wonder if i can keep in red if it does stay in 2wd it should have more power output.felt like it did when red light came on. i dissconnected front driveline to see if i could drive becausefront pitment arm makeing front tires pegion toe when getting on it. and truck did not move back or forward. make grind noise back to park. puting driveline back. but still want to try and run 2wd. maybe disconnecting something where to make light come on again and run 2wd and keep that way. has more get up and go.

 

[Bb313]

I have 2003 burb with same set up no 4 hi just stability neut line then double axles and 4 low ..
There is a yellow light sometimes its on beside double axles then sometimes its off ...i have a service stability message sometimes ...and i can not figure out if 4 hi is working or not or if its on all the time manuel says nothing ...
So is light supposed to be on alway only when it goes in to 4 high ...is it all wheel drive or switches if roads are slippery
???

 

[swathdiver]

Hey fellas, go the the GM Heritage website and click on Vehicle Information Kits, then select your truck and then the year. You will then get a pdf of a detailed description of your truck. Get your RPO codes, especially the "N" codes as that will tell you which transfer case and drive system you have. Then have it and figure it out.

A Tech 2 is your best friend. Prices are low enough that it will pay for itself in short order, saving you precious time and money and keeping your rig running in top form. Get one today!