Automobile / Chevy / 4x4

Chevy 4x4 Repair Questions and Answers

Question: 1994 Chevrolet K-1500 4WD mileage: 65,000. I just put the Chevy in 4WD today for the first time to check to see if all is well for the upcoming winter. I normally engage it during the summer a few times for a very short period just to keep things lubed up. All was fine during the summer. This time however the indicator light for the 4WD in front of the transfer case shift lever is not lighting up. I checked the bulb and it is OK. I have not had it up on a lift or to the mechanic yet but when I do put it into 4WD-Low or 4WD-High I can feel the engagement of the wheels. Checked all the fuses and OK. Could it be the sending unit on the transfer case? What activates the sending unit and why is there the delay for the light? I know the delay is normal just wondering what causes it. Finally, should I take in for immediate look-see so as to not cause any major damage? Brad

Answer: The switch that lights the light on your dash is located in the actuator for the four-wheel drive. We would hazard a guess that the actuator is weak and is not fully engaging your four-wheel drive.

Question: 1998 Chevy 1500 Truck 4x4.  I just bought a used 98 Chevy 1500 4x4. I was wondering if there is one of those levers or buttons that you have to push in to turn off the service engine light after you have changed the oil. If you know where this magical button is could you email me back, thanks a lot.

Answer: There is no magic button for the service engine light.  The light can be extinguished and fault codes cleared by disconnecting the battery for several minutes.  If there is a malfunctioning sensor or switch, it will relight the light. This is good – you will know for sure that something is wrong. The “check engine” light will “light” when there is a malfunction in the engine management system.  The fault code is then stored in the computer.  The computer must be scanned to retrieve these stored faults to pinpoint the malfunctioning component. Mass air flow sensors and o2 sensors will also light the check engine light.

Question: 1959 Chevy 4x4 mileage: 75,000. I have had the engine in my truck rebuilt completely; it is a 400 small block Chevy 79 model.   I installed an Edelbrock performer intake along with a new 600 Holley carburetor. Electric choke. The engine runs great when it is warm, however when it is cold it pops and spits when the accelerator is depressed.  I have done all that I can think of to solve this problem with no success. I have advanced and retarded the timing, checked for vacuum leaks etc.  Any advice you can give is greatly appreciated.  Thank you very much!

Answer: First, lets assume that the electric choke is set and working properly.  Putting in a larger accelerator pump and nozzles may cure your problem.

Question: 1999 4WD Chevy Truck LS mileage: 12,000. Hello.  My truck hesitates slightly and has engine clatter or pinging at about 1500 rpm, or about 45-60 mph My dealership has not been very forthcoming with help.  The first two times that I took it in, they would not even acknowledge the problem.  Now they tell me some cars have that noise.  It wasn't noisy when I initially test-drove it. I did some research, and found out about a computer reflash and had the dealership do this update.   They installed part number 09373426. But, it didn't help. That was about 2,000 miles back. I've tried different grades of gasoline but the problem remains. I found out that there is another part number that might address this problem too. What do you suggest? Thanks.

Answer: Try replacing the knock sensor.

Question: 1998 Chevy crew cab 4x4 mileage: 58,800.  When I turn the key to start my truck sometimes it starts and sometimes it takes up to 8 times of turning the key. I have replaced the starter, ignition switch, neutral safety switch, the key switch and the solenoid (twice).  When it does not start, the solenoid does not click. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your time

Answer: Here are some things to check.  Load test the battery.  Check that the battery cable connections are clean.  Check for 12 volts to starter solenoid with the key in the start position.  These things should be checked first then the ignition switch, starter and starter solenoid.  One of these may be faulty.  We realize that some of these things you have already tested, however, it would be a good idea to double-check them again.  Also, be sure the amp capacity of your battery is sufficient for the size of your engine.

Question: 1999 Chevy 4WD Ext Cab mileage: 140,000. The taillights on my truck have failed. I have checked the fuse panel fuses and bulbs. Brake lights, turn signal and flashers work fine when headlights are off.  No taillight, turn signal or brake lights when headlights are on, flashers work.

Answer: Check to see that the correct taillight bulbs are installed. Test for faulty ground connections.  If equipped with trailer wiring, check to see that it is not shorting out.

Question: 2003 Chevrolet 1500 mileage: 237,000.While driving down the road, the gauges and speedometer quit working.  No voltmeter, gas gauge, oil pressure or temp.  In addition, the service engine soon light does not work.   Scanner will not communicate.  ECM fuses are not blown and have power at them. Fuseable links at back of alternator are not blown and engine runs fine.  Please try to assist me. Thank You.  Baffled –Elmer

Answer: Check for wiring damage and faulty ground wire connections.

Question:1989 Chevy k 1500 4x4 mileage: 133,300.  My 4-wheel drive does not seem to engage.  The front wheel light on the floor does not come on.  The truck seems to be locked into 4x4 but wheels don’t spin.  The truck lunges hard when engaged seems like its in 4x4 don’t have any clue.  I changed the actuator switch and indicator light.

Answer: Replacing the actuator motor should get the four-wheel drive working.

Question:1997 Chevy c1500 4x4 mileage: 120,000.  My son saw sparks under the truck when I turned it over.  It cranked once and then stopped.  I couldn’t get any crank after that at all. I crawled under and found the reason for the spark, and corrected but I figure the fuseable link to my ignition blew.  I found the links but am not sure which one it is.  I do not have a meter to check them and am stuck here till I can get a ride.  There are 5 links.  Just wondering if you know which one it is so I don’t have to go buy a meter.

Answer: You can “test” the fuseable links by pulling on them.  A “good” one will not “stretch but a burned out one will.

Question:1998 Chevy 1500 4x4 ext cab mileage: 96,000. I have had a clunking noise in the left front brake.  I put new pads on it and it was ok for a few days and started clunking on a slow down just before a stop.  I checked to make sure that everything was installed and tightened properly, everything seemed good but noticed that the outside thin metal plate that is riveted to the back side of pad was crinkled up.  I removed that because I didn't want it to get caught in the brakes. It still did the same noise.  I returned the brakes and put a new set on.  The same thing happened.  I also noticed that the caliper had indented the back of the pad slightly, something I hadn't noticed on other brake changes. I'm thinking on the line of caliper problems. How can you help?

Answer: Check for excessive wear on the caliper slides. Try buying factory brake pads.  There are sometimes minor differences that make a difference.



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