Posted by Traveler on September 30, 19100 at 21:32:37:
In Reply to: Re: 4x4 was acting like 4x2 posted by MikeK on September 28, 19100 at 11:29:22:
Sorry for screwing up this thread. For those with thermal actuators who want to update to electromechanical type, here is some info. I do not have the hot links readily available but the fix is in the archive.
Stock, the actuator is thermal. There is a TSB out to help convert to the motor-style actuator.
Actuator P/N 26060073 $ 52.31 jobber cost
Harness: P/N 12376316 $ 15.90
Refer to TSB 76-43-01A
"Went to another dealer and got the parts to replace my broken thermal actuator. Another Chevy dealer out of my town. Only THIS dealer sold me the
1998 actuator which is unaffected by the COLD! He told me that they KNOW that the earlier actuators fail and I should not
put that one back on. I found this unusual for a dealer to say this AND give me the non-standard part (mine is a 96). Many of you on this board have told me to get the "post 98" actuator"
but I thought it would be a hassle for the dealer to do this. They also installed it for $160 (plus the $90 parts).
My first (and local) dealer wanted $260 for just labor whata rip! I guess my point is to shop the dealers to get the best price on the labor.
Thanks RGV and all who helped with this problem! Hope I can be of service someday.
By the way the only change on the new part is a brown wire on the transfer case (power) that needs to be spliced to the new wiring harness brown wire . That is the only wiring that needs to be done for you do-it-your-selfers.
Derek"
"Posted by MartyC on January 21, 19100 at 15:12:03:
In Reply to: How hard is it to change out the 4x4 thermal switch... posted by
Mitch P on January 21, 19100 at 13:39:27:
: My suburban won't go in to 4wd and I suspect that it is the solenoid or switch
that is heat activated...where is the switch located, how much does it cost, and
how hard is it for a "do-it-yourself-er?
While this is the problem 95% of the time, some posters have found problems in
the switch itself, and not the actuator. Check the archives.
Replacing the actuator is easy; even for the novice. The OEM replacement unit is
electro-mechanical and costs under $90 at your local GM parts counter. Be sure
to get the wiring harness ($15) with it too.
To install, first disconnect the wires from the old unit and remove the old unit
by unscrewing it from the axle housing. Depending on the year, you may need to
install the aluminum spacer provided with the new unit. Lube it first. You may
also want to seal the threads on the new unit. Screw on the new unit. Attach the
wires, and run the brown wire up the firewall, over the transmission, and back
down to the t-case selector wire harness. Splice the brown wire to the brown
wire coming out of the t-case selector wire harness. Seal the connection so it
is water-tight. Test drive.
If you used the spacer, you may hear a little rattle until the gear oil coats
all exposed surfaces. Don't worry. Go play."
"The one I installed on my friends Suburban was spliced into the brown
wire. The wire I hooked into was on top of the transmission on the drivers
side, it is a two wire harness, one brown and one purple. I'm not sure if
it's the same for your vehicle.
Good luck,
Brian95"