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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: jwrape on March 14, 2007, 03:50:50 PM

Title: Front Axle won't go into 4wd
Post by: jwrape on March 14, 2007, 03:50:50 PM

Well I have been using my 4wd quite a bit whule building my house. Just recently it has been taking a little time for it to lock the front axle with the driveshaft. The riveshaft is spinning but the front wheels aren't. Also the 4wd light doesn't come on.
My question is, is the switch that tells the actuator to lock the front end bad OR is the actuator bad?

So in otherwords, if the Actuator was bad would the light come on but the axle wouldn't lock?

Actuator or Switch needs to be replaced?

Title: Re: Front Axle won't go into 4wd
Post by: Jeffy on March 14, 2007, 05:17:29 PM

The switch will not turn on the 4wd light if the actuator is bad.  Although if the switch is bad, it won't light up either.  You should be able to feel the difference when it's in 4wd.  The steering will feel heavier and response quicker.

Title: Re: Front Axle won't go into 4wd
Post by: YJmechanic on March 14, 2007, 05:19:19 PM

i'm assuming yj here so disregard if not.  the actuator is not moving it is getting stuck.  it is a vacuum diaphram and they get stuck eventually.  when it moves to engage the axle it also hits a contact to turn on the light so if the light isn't on then you aren't connected.  you can either go to tj/xj axle conversion and eliminate it all together or get a posi lock kit to actuate manually.  for the time being if it gets stuck and you need 4wd have someone move the lever in and out of 4wd while you tap on the actuator housing with a small hammer and it should move. 

Title: Re: Front Axle won't go into 4wd
Post by: YJmechanic on March 14, 2007, 05:19:52 PM

sorry jeffy we were typing at the same time.

Title: Re: Front Axle won't go into 4wd
Post by: jwrape on March 15, 2007, 04:39:01 AM

Ok, Good info. Where do I find a new actuator?

Title: Re: Front Axle won't go into 4wd
Post by: might4banger on March 15, 2007, 06:23:52 AM

Do a quick check at the vacuum connections on the axle shift motor... With the Jeep running in 2H- pull the rubber boot and feel if there is any vacuum from either hose. Shift to 4H and it should have vacuum from the other side. Could be weak vacuum, or busted diaphram in the shifter motor. $66 at Qtech for the shifter motor... $240 at the dealer   :eek:

If it is not switching sides when you shift from 2H to 4H the switch in the transfer case could be bad ~$15.


Also, you might pull the vacuum motor and see if it is full of water. Mine was. You might be able to pull it clean it up and put it back on.

Title: Re: Front Axle won't go into 4wd
Post by: jwrape on March 15, 2007, 06:28:52 AM

Quote from: might4banger on March 15, 2007, 06:23:52 AM

Do a quick check at the vacuum connections on the axle shift motor... With the Jeep running in 2H- pull the rubber boot and feel if there is any vacuum from either hose. Shift to 4H and it should have vacuum from the other side. Could be weak vacuum, or busted diaphram in the shifter motor. $66 at Qtech for the shifter motor... $240 at the dealer   :eek:

If it is not switching sides when you shift from 2H to 4H the switch in the transfer case could be bad ~$15.


Also, you might pull the vacuum motor and see if it is full of water. Mine was. You might be able to pull it clean it up and put it back on.

good info. thanks. I might buy both parts a go ahead and eliminate both.