99 Tahoe 4wd not engaging.....however.

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

89Suburban

Bull in the china shop
Supporting Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2013
Posts
13,160
Reaction score
36,119
Location
SE PA
They're both "electrical" but the older ones' internals are thermal; the newer ones are some kind of solenoid. The newer ones shouldn't take more than about a second to fully extend.
Yeah I think the newer ones are like motorized from what it looked like in that video I posted.

The older thermal ones are always criticized for slow or no action in colder temps or submersed.
 

east302

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 21, 2016
Posts
1,560
Reaction score
1,389
Location
Mississippi
The 1999 GM manual has the diagnostics for the transfer case, it may be worth checking out. The two volumes can be downloaded at this link (see post #77)…


Here is a screenshot example of the tables from that manual…

IMG_7072.jpeg

Regarding your unconnected red plug from your initial post, it kind of looks like the EVO sensor plug on the back of the power steering pump. If the EVO system has been deleted (and they often are as they’re problematic), the plug is just tied up out of the way when the sensor’s solenoid valve is removed. If you don’t have a connector and valve on the back of your PS pump, that’s likely what it is. This is where it would go if it hasn’t already been converted…

IMG_7073.jpeg

Here’s the pump with the EVO deleted:

IMG_7075.jpeg
 

stevedonato

Member
Joined
Dec 15, 2017
Posts
65
Reaction score
24
Might try a new actuator they are Cheap and simple 10 min. install. I put new one in my 1996 GMC 5.7L 4WD pickup, and it worked perfect. Just a guess on my part. If it does not fix it, return to amazon for refund.
 
OP
OP
R

res02p35

Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2016
Posts
40
Reaction score
21
Thanks for the diagnostic manuals much appreciated! I'll check it out.
I will also check the power steering pump. Thanks.
I already tried a new actuator, did not resolve issue.
Should have a new tccm by Wednesday.
I'll update afterwards.
 
OP
OP
R

res02p35

Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2016
Posts
40
Reaction score
21
OK, I could not download those files referenced in the above post. they showed to be infected.

I put on a new TCCM and still nothing. Must be something inside the front diff that is causing me grief.

As stated before, the front driveshaft turns providing rotation into the front diff. I can hear the front actuator motor engage, however there is still no rotation to the front wheels.

If I remove the actuator I can manually push in on the arm/spring and it locks up both wheels so they turn at the same time.

Any other suggestions?

Guess I have a new winter project. Pulling the front diff and see what's going on.
 

Fless

Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Posts
10,481
Reaction score
20,836
Location
Elev 5,280
Was the TCCM you installed pre-programmed? (Mfr & model?) Not all require programming, but that varies by the replacement. The documentation should say whether it needs it or not.
 
OP
OP
R

res02p35

Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2016
Posts
40
Reaction score
21
The model was exactly as I removed. It came from a rebuilder.
The other day when I was working on this it did not seem like the actuator was engaging far enough.
I proved this out tonight. I pulled the actuator and inserted a 3/4 inch socket in and then the actuator. Wheels did not turn in 2wd as expected. When I put it in any 4wd the wheels then started turning.
This tells me the diff has an issue. Either the spring behind the plate pushing back against the actuator is weak or something else is going on. Nonetheless, I have it figured out for now. When I get around to it I will pull the diff and check it out.
 

Eman85

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2021
Posts
377
Reaction score
555
One thing to keep in mind an electrical circuit on a vehicle needs a good ground. just because there is power and even if the actuator works off of the vehicle increased resistance in the circuit might be a problem. Be sure to check all connections in the circuit.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
129,245
Posts
1,812,792
Members
92,349
Latest member
Ihaveatahoetoo

Latest posts

Top