Four wheel drive not working

Tiny
WILLHUNT4DOES
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET 1500
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 113,000 MILES
Have not used the 4wd in 4-5 years. Switch on dash hasnt had lights, and the service 4wd has been on on the dash has been on for a year. Transmission went out and found holes in the transfer case, so replaced the transmission and the transfer case and the transfer actuator. Truck was hung in 4 low. Replaced the dash switch, all 3 sensors in the transmission, transfer case control module, front differential actuator, checked all fuses, removed, sanded and replaced ground wires under driver door. Still no power to dash switch and still getting the service 4wd on the dash. Took the transfer case actuator off and put the truck in 2wd. Rolled the rearend and reinstalled the actuator. Took the truck to 2 different 4wd shops and no one can figure out my problem. The dash switch lights up when the truck cranks and then no lights. Any thoughts?
Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 11:55 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,328 POSTS
Hi,

That's a tough one. Has anyone scanned the can-bus system? CAN stands for controller area network. All the modules and computers are tied together via a few wires. If you have a scanner that can check the CAN, it should indicate where there is a problem.

Here is a video showing it being done:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

Let me know if that has been done.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 11:19 AM
Tiny
WILLHUNT4DOES
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Now I can't verify what all was scanned, but I had a guy come in with a snap on computer and he said he couldn't find any codes etc. I read somewhere that there is a body control module that has something to do with the 4wd but I do not know what or where that is. Or if it has anything to do with the 4wd system. I will call this mechanic and ask him of he scanned the CAN and get back to you though. Thank you
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 11:19 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,328 POSTS
Hi,

The body control module is responsible for the control of various electronic devices on the vehicle. For example, things such as power windows, A/C, anti-theft, and so on.

On this vehicle, the BCM is located under the dash on the driver's side. See pic below. I highlighted the BCM.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 11:19 AM
Tiny
WILLHUNT4DOES
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Would the BCM affect the 4wd?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 11:19 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,328 POSTS
Hi,

I don't see how it would. I looked over a few wiring schematics and see no relationship.

Take a look through the attachments below. They are the diagnostics for a 4wd system that won't engage.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 11:19 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links