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4WD converting itself to 2WD

Dan Hunter

Dan Hunter

Truck Terrorist
Messages
441
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5
Location
Enid, OK
OK, so I forgot to pull the thing out of 4WD High when I left the ranch and drove 55 miles that way. I noticed it yesterday but the funny thing was that the light wasn't on and it didn't drive like it was in 4WD.

I checked the bulb on the display and the 25 amp fuse - both were OK.

Any ideas? I'm not remotely familiar with this portion of the drivetrain.
 
Googled the TLA. By the description I read, my guess is that it isn't designed for continuous operation. Even if it was, I've had problems with the system popping out of gear. Maybe it's been going south for a while.
 
The thermo actuators suck. Get yourself the electric jack screw type. Do a search here, as I've posted on this on the 4WD board before. Buy the actuator off e-bay or rockauto. You'll need the new harness too. When you get the parts, post up here for how to. Tap the brown wire into the brown wire below the 4-prong plug at the firewall. A lot of people will tell you to tap into the brow at the transmission tunnel. Don't. It caused all sorts of problems for me.
 
I've seen what RockAuto offers. It looks like a two wire, plug-and-play affair. I'm not following the tap discussion but I'm about to start a search on your posts.
 
Dan Hunter said:
I've seen what RockAuto offers. It looks like a two wire, plug-and-play affair. I'm not following the tap discussion but I'm about to start a search on your posts.
Click to expand...

Sorry about being confusing with respect to the tap discussion. Now I'm guilty of what I complain about with others here: NEED TO EXPLAIN IN TERMS SUCH THAT SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE CAN UNDERSTAND AND DO IT THEMSELVES. So here is the thread where I describe it:

http://www.thetruckstop.us/forum/showthread.php?t=17295
 
My light on mine did the same thing yesterday. I pushed the 4x4 hi button and it didn't light up but it definitely engaged. When I was done I pressed the 2wheel high button and it lit then went out. Every time I push it, it lights then goes out.
 
Rodd said:
My light on mine did the same thing yesterday. I pushed the 4x4 hi button and it didn't light up but it definitely engaged. When I was done I pressed the 2wheel high button and it lit then went out. Every time I push it, it lights then goes out.
Click to expand...

The dash mounted pushbutton switches in the GMT400's are notorious for cold solder joints and poor connections.

Sounds like you might have one.

Can be fixed by either replacing the switch with new ($$$) or crack it open and re-solder the connections on the PCB....which is what I did for my 98. Fixed it right up!
 
Dan Hunter said:
Just to follow up, it was the Thermo Linear Actuator. Couldn't have been easier to fix.
Click to expand...

Good for you, Dan... changing out a TLA is pretty easy, and for most people, they last pretty good. Switching it over to the electric one makes them more permanent, but hey, if the TLA lasts for you, you're ahead of the game.

Thanks for updating!
 
great white said:
The dash mounted pushbutton switches in the GMT400's are notorious for cold solder joints and poor connections.

Sounds like you might have one.

Can be fixed by either replacing the switch with new ($$$) or crack it open and re-solder the connections on the PCB....which is what I did for my 98. Fixed it right up!
Click to expand...

His is most likely not pushbutton.
 
JiFaire said:
Good for you, Dan... changing out a TLA is pretty easy, and for most people, they last pretty good. Switching it over to the electric one makes them more permanent, but hey, if the TLA lasts for you, you're ahead of the game.

Thanks for updating!
Click to expand...

I would think that for you fellas up north the electric one whould be better i know with mine as it gets colder it takes longer and longer for the darn thing to engage. one of these days im going to change it over
 
Caskey said:
Just got my four wheel drive fixed 2. Mine was the actuator also.
Click to expand...

HEHE, My trucks eat them like candy! It doesn't matter if I'm working on push button or stick every 4x4 I have owned has been through atleast 1 if not 10, (10 being in ol' blue since it hardly ever got put in 2wd).
 
tanman_2006 said:
HEHE, My trucks eat them like candy! It doesn't matter if I'm working on push button or stick every 4x4 I have owned has been through atleast 1 if not 10, (10 being in ol' blue since it hardly ever got put in 2wd).
Click to expand...

I'd highly suggest you convert to the electric actuator
 
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