1997 Chevy Blazer 4 Wheel drive problem

TEACHME60

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
131,000 MILES

About 2 Months ago I went to place my shift selector into drive and it would not move. Needless to say I had this replaced at a sum of $400.00 after it broke. Once the new unit was installed, the vehicle needed to warm up considerably before allowing me to place the selector into any position, be it Drive, Neutral OR reverse. I was told that I needed to return it to the shop which made the repairs however failed to do so due to a schedule conflict. It appears now that it has been used under those conditions that it works correctly. Are there any comments on this problem? Last week I went into the mountains to retrieve my trailer and upon arrival went to use my Four Wheel Drive. I placed the selector in Neutral and pushed the 4 wheel drive button then placed it in drive. Assuming that everything was operating correctly as the lights indicated guess what happened? I got stuck and upon making a visual inspection the front wheels where not engaged even though the indicator stated that they where. Now, I am faced with a delimma. Everything in the vehicle indicates that my four wheel drive is working however, the front wheels are not engaged. Has anyone experienced a problem of this magnitude and if so how was it resolved. I am an intermediate mechanic and perform routine maintenance and tune ups on all my vehicles. I have checked the fuse 25 Amp and its OK. So, now whats the problem? Kindly advise in order that I can resolve the Issue as I live in New Hampshire and depend upon this vehicle mainly in the winter months only for transportation. However, until this is resolved I see no advantage in using it. I love the vehicle and its in outstanding condition and will continue to own it. Please help me out.

5 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

The warming up before shifting sounds like the solenoid under the dash that keeps it in Park until the brake is depressed, never heard of that before. To get the codes out of the 4wd system do as follows- Locate the diagnostic conn under the dash. With key of for at least 6seconds install a jumper between the orange wire on the data conn ( #13) and ground. Turn key on, engine off. If all lights on 4x4 switch blink at once, there are no codes. Otherwise count number of blinks and get back to me

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Thursday, January 31st, 2008 AT 8:14 AM

TEACHME60

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I located the Data Connection Block and guess what there where two orange wites on the block they where both on the bottom row. So, as advised I shorted them both to groung. I observed the lights and on both occasions they became illuminated (Just the 4 Hi and 4 Low then shut off. Remember this is New Hampshire. So its 27 Degrees Farenheit and I went to put the car in gear and guess what. It would not release and was "Locked" in the Park position. I left the vehicle running and returned about ten minutes. At that time I was able to shift it into Reverse then to Drive and it operated correctly. Looking back at this synerio, It was frigid when the problem originated, it was necessary for me to FORCE the shift selelctor harshly which broke it off within the steering column. After the selector and mechanism within the column was replaced it again FREEZES UP until it is warm. This is the original problem. How can this be diagnosed? Now the Four Wheel Drive portion of this as I recall operated or I am assuming operated PRIOR to this incident. It wasnt until I was stuck did I realize that the front wheels were not engaging. Now through this myriad we also have an additional component that occured while I was stuck. The "Service Engine Soon" light became illuminated. Strange but if the Actuator is vacuum operated, perhaps thats why the "Service Engine Soon" Light came on and eventually went out on its won. Strange AH I agree. Now, I also am a Technician (HVAC/R) and frequently when a client discribes the ENTIRE problem things come to light.
The shift selector was originally frozen in Park.
I forced the selector breaking the internal mechanism
The Mechanism was replaced.
I paid $400.00 for my foolishness and force
Now the scenerio has duplicated iteself again.
The Four wheel drive dosent work
Whats causing this selector to Freeze Up?
Where is the actuator physically located?
Can I perform a Vacuum test to determine if its OK?
Somthing has failed?
Is there an interlock for the 4 wheel drive located in conjunction with the Neutral Selector on thee column?
I need to get some troubleshooting tips or be able to determine why I am unable to shift into any gear until it is either warm OR vacuum is established. Maybe a vacuum leak? '
I am in a state of quandry?
Whats happening Jack? :Roll:

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Thursday, January 31st, 2008 AT 1:56 PM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

I instructed you to ground #13, not just any orange wire. Did you count the flashes when it was grounded? This is to help diagnose. The shifter lock out is most likely the solenoid under the dash freezing up when cold. Use a test light to confirm power and ground at the solenoid when truck is running and brake is applied

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Thursday, January 31st, 2008 AT 2:01 PM

TEACHME60

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Please if you can would you be more specific as to where #13 is located? Also as to specifically where the actuator is located? Is it accessible without removing the pan etc? Is it a visually accessible module, and how can I identify it?

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Thursday, January 31st, 2008 AT 2:16 PM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Look at the diagnostic connector closely, it is numbered. You will have to remove the covers and such under the steering column to access it. Follow shifter cable to where it attaches to column and the solenoid is right there