4×4 problem in Chevy

I included the picture to show you which type of 4×4 push button I have. It’s a 98 Chevy 1500, and when I push the 4×4 hi or low buttons, they just flash at me and never stay a solid amber, like they should. You can hear and feel it going into 4×4, but the other day at the boat ramp it didn’t work the first couple of times, but I believe it worked the 3rd or 4th time I switched it, even though the light stayed flashing.

So…what’s the flashing light mean? It seemed to work as I was able to pull up out of the gravel, but surely it can’t mean good things.

The 4×4 light blinking usually ment the 4×4 was NOT engaging fully.

Front differential servo’s (activator)and the transfer case 4×4 switch were issues on those trucks, there was also an updated wire harness that ran from trans case switch to front activator.

When replacing front servo we usually replace all 3 components at the same time.

Should be easy to diagnose for a shop

Take it to a shop and have them diagnose it. I had the same problems last winter. Mine ended up being the transfer case motor. As I was chipping ice away from the driveshaft(noticed a shaking down the road) I accidentally hit the wiring harness to the transfer case motor from the control module and when I hit the 4wd button it shorted out the motor. It was an easy diagnoses once it was hooked up and the codes ran.

Thanks guys.

What kind of price tag does that usually carry, Trumar?

I hope it’s something that easy, but if you know me and my luck, you know that just can’t be possible. One thing after another.
I can feel and hear it clunking when I push the button, so I figure it’s trying, but just not getting completed.

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I included the picture to show you which type of 4×4 push button I have. It’s a 98 Chevy 1500, and when I push the 4×4 hi or low buttons, they just flash at me and never stay a solid amber, like they should. You can hear and feel it going into 4×4, but the other day at the boat ramp it didn’t work the first couple of times, but I believe it worked the 3rd or 4th time I switched it, even though the light stayed flashing.
So…what’s the flashing light mean? It seemed to work as I was able to pull up out of the gravel, but surely it can’t mean good things.

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Mine was the electric switch. Pricy on a 2001 Chevy.

Thought I’d pass along a little update on the situation. Finally got under it last night and took out the front actuator. Hooked the wire back up and tested it out, and sure enough, it’s not moving. Looks like it’s an easy fix. I put it back in and my 4×4 worked for a short time- light was not blinking anymore but was staying solid. After an hour or so of that, it was back to its old tricks. At least I feel confident that I actually found the problem, and it should be an easy fix. Will have a new actuator en route tomorrow.

Why can’t ALL problems be this easy to look at and fix?

Also, while I’m thinking of it….what can I do with the old one I’ll be taking out? Is there any way to rebuild them and make them work? Or are they just toast?