4x4 button failing

[mattruck]

I am new to the site and am having trouble with my 4x4. I have a 1998 ZR2 with the automatic 4x4 button. I can put the truck into 4-low with no broblem but when I try to put it into 4 hi, it won't let me do it. I replaced the button but it still doesn't work. Any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks

[spaceblue01]

i had the same problem only with 4 hi, as i do not have the auto 4wd button, just 4lo/4hi. they ended up replacing the encoder motor, $670 total (incl. part & labor). i have a warranty with a $100 deductible thankfully.

[daryl]

If it's engaging the axle in 4lo and the switch is new then it is the encoder motor which is not cheap. You can put in the posilock (I think its called) manual cable system or shell out the money for a new encoder. Also, the auto 4x4, I would not use it because it tends to engage the axles under heavier loads which is hard on them. I would stick to 4hi when you need it if you want your transfer case to last longer. Someone correct me on that? But that's what I was told by two people one of this site and one at work.

[bill 4.3L 5spd]

encoder motor shifts the Tcase

there's a vacuum switch on the tcase that engages a vacuum solonoid under the battery to pull a cable to engage the front axle, thats what the posilock changes


if its the encoder napa sells them, cheaper than a dealer. but i'd dig into it further

[daryl]

Good point there

[Telemarshallman]

Oreilly's sells them for $144.99 for the 7 pin version and $142.99 for the 2 pin version both have a $25 core charge. Both are re manufactured parts from A1-Cardon The part numbers were hard to dig up but:

48-103 (2 pin)
48-107 (7-pin)

This isn't a stocked item so they'll have to get it out of their city warehouse. Call them up early to mid day and they should be able to get it in a couple hours.

Looking at my manuals it doesn't look that hard to install, but then again thats how the oil lines on a 1st gen 4x4 looked.

Hope this helps.

oh, I almost forgot. I get a discount on top of that so if you wanna figure out a way to send me money and the core, and I'll ship you the part ... or something like that my price is:

$97.67 for the 48-107
$105.09 for the 48-103

Plus TN tax (9.25%).