Guys,

I was messing around w/ my 4WD and I really have to throw the 4WD shifter really hard to get it to engage. Sometimes it didn't, sometimes it did. Same problem with disengaging.

The thing that was pissing me off was that I believe I was in 4WD (you know how you can just tell) but the light wasn't coming on.

Any clues? Is this the vaccuum line thing that I thought I read somewhere?

Bob

 

Try turning a tight circle...
did it click when you took it out? Try takign it out in a slight turn and see if it clicks (mine tends to do that). Will it go into 4Lo?

 

Not sure how the 3rd gens are, but if its an ADD system, you can tell if its in 4wd for sure or not by attemtping to turn the front drive shaft by hand, it should turn when in 2wd and not when in 4wd, I think, someone correct me if I'm wrong here (quite possible).

 

Turbo and Silver,

Turbo, yes it did click but the light stayed on. I engaged it in 4Lo again and then the light turned off. Totally opposite of what *should* happen. And then I engaged it again, the light did turn on but when I took it out of 4lo, the light didn't turn off.

Follow that! :pat:

Nevertheless, I will try tomorrow what you guys suggested.

Bob

 

I have a 2nd gen.

The vacuum hose got knocked off the regulator and I could not engage the 4wd. I know that when the light did not come on, I was not in 4wd.

It was as simple as hooking up a vacuum hose.

 

Cat,

I had a vague suspicion and thanks for confirming it. I'll take a look underneath tonite.

Bob

 

Bob,
Look for this vacuum line (the line with the blue/white check valve):

Make sure it is connected to the throttle body and down to the regulator. Check the lines for holes, and replace them as necessary.
I have noticed that in my dad's 96 5-speed, it is easier to shift into 4WD with the clutch pressed in... Maybe it is all in my head

 

Travis,

Haha, you must have had great pity on me to have drawn that diagram after reading my post! I'd probably be looking underneath forever and cursing at myself saying "Where the @#%@ is that vacuum hose??!?!!?"

Thanks, bud.

Bob

 

I had a vacuum problem after the engine was replaced, I fixed mine by putting it up on jacks & following the vac diagram under the hood. When I had it right all 4 wheels turned & the 4x4 light came on.