Had to take my truck in to the dealership today. Tried to switch into 4X4 this morning and it wasn't working. The light didn't even come on in high or low. Any ideas?

 

most likely your t-case motor has frozen up

I'd suggest you give it a light knock with a hammer...but sounds like the dealer has it


hope it doesn't cost too much to repair

 

You are correct. Wish I would of waited for your response. I jumped the gun and now I'm paying for a new one. $450 bucks. You live and you learn I guess.

 

sucks, but if the motor did it once, it will continue to do so. the hammer trick only works so many times until it freezes up 100%

they are only sticking it to ya slightly. motor was about $300 last time I looked, that is alot of labor charges though. Only 2 bolts and some wires

 

Just had the same problem yesterday. Banged on mine and it is good to go for now. I guess I better keep my eyes peeled for a new one.

 

Yeah the labor was $150 and the part was $296 or something. The receipt said 1.5 people for the labor for an hour. Then I saw the part (they left it in the truck) and saw the 2 bolts and the wire harness and I realized I probably could of done it myself.


Oh and I forgot to mention, they lost my %$^#ing key!!!!! I sat at the dealership for a half hour and they couldn't find it. So they ended up making me 2 new keys so I had to wait another half hour for those to get programed. And then (oh yes there is more) my damn battery died and they had to jump it. Not sure why this happened I guess they maybe had the headlights on for reprogramming the keys (it was dark out by that time). It's funny though because on the multi point the battery was in good condition. I'm guessing they didn't even check it since my battery died last week after having my stereo on for 15 minutes with the car off. Okay so I guess this turned into a rant, sorry, but i feel better now.

 

how do they freeze up? I frequently engauge my 4x4 even if i dont need it, reason: so it wont lock up and it keeps the gears lubricated.

 

the motors were first introduced in 1992...and they've been doing this **** since then

the casing is hard to keep sealed. moisture gets in there and corrodes the copper wiring on the motor. it is packed with grease...but you can only do so much


anyways, a good rule of thumb has to been to engage 4x4 1-2 times a month. this will break up any corrosion.


the longer it goes without being used, the more build-up...and eventually it just won't work. this is where the hammer comes in. the shock will knock the corrosion loose, but it will keep coming back and eventually nothing will help