semanson 3/16/2010

1996 Chevrolet Blazer Base 6Cyl4.3L - Transmissions & Drivetrains

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96 Blazer wont engage 4x4.

'96 Blazer hasn't engaged 4x4 for around three months now. It's always worked well. I replaced the dash switch today, the switch buttons light up upon starting the engine, but still nothing. Not even a sound or light up after pressing the 4H or 4L buttons.

It stopped engaging last fall for a while, then magically started working again. It's been non-functioning for about 3 months now. Someone said it could be the actuator. Any ideas?
Thanks.

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  Bobby 3/16/2010

  Since it is electronic the actuator seems like a good place to start. Now that you have replaced the switch, I would test for power to the actuator. If you have power going to it, then you will need to test to make sure it is functioning properly. if not replace that if it is it could be internal. Does it have auto locking hubs or are they manual?

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  semanson 3/16/2010

  Thanks Bobby. The hubs are auto. Is the power to the actuator on a fuse?
  I guess I need to use a 12v test light on the main hot-wire to test fr power?

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  semanson 3/16/2010

  Thanks Bobby. The hubs are auto. Is the power to the actuator on a fuse?
  I guess I need to use a 12v test light on the main hot-wire to test fr power?

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  semanson 3/16/2010

  Thanks Bobby. The hubs are auto. Is the power to the actuator on a fuse?
  I guess I need to use a 12v test light on the main hot-wire to test fr power?

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  semanson 3/16/2010

  ^^^^I have no idea why this happens every time I refresh this page.

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  Sam 3/16/2010

  You should check under the hood on the passeger side towards the frontend for a vacuum hose that could possibly be cracked or be coming loose. Hope this helps.

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  semanson 3/17/2010

  Thanks Sam.

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  Bobby 3/17/2010

  Yes i would start there test for power to the actuator it hink chevy calls it the an "electronic shift motor". if it has power there then no reason to search for a fuse, if it does check the fuse panel under the hood pretty sure there is a 4wd relay check to see if that is good, i'd just try a new one there only a 5-10$. If that doesn't fix it the next step is checking the transfer case control module its located under the middle of the dash. If all the electrical seems to be checnking out there is a vacuum switch its mounted to the transfer case, it could be the source of a vacuum problem even if all the hoses seem good.

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  Bobby 3/17/2010

  after fuse meant to write : if it "does not" check the fuse panel under the hood!

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  semanson 3/17/2010

  Am I correct in assuming this model does not have vacum powered actuator, but an electric one? I saw no vac-pods anywhere, but did find an electric switch assembly attached to the transmission.

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  Bobby 3/17/2010

  Sounds like a good assumption, not sure exactly thought on a 96. But if there is no vacuum lines then that sounds right. Make sure your checking the transfer case not the transmission the electronic shift motor should be on the top of the transfer case near one of the axles, i think the driverside but not positive.

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  semanson 3/17/2010

  Thanks Bobby. I have to stop work for the day, but will keep plugging away over the next few days.

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  michael 3/28/2010

  Thanks Bobby. I have to stop work for the day, but will keep plugging away over the next few days.

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  michael 3/28/2010

  Thanks Bobby. I have to stop work for the day, but will keep plugging away over the next few days.

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