2006 chevy 2500hd 4x4 issue

[bobbytheboozer]

I have a 2006 chevy 2500hd 4x4 with the 6.0 gas.

I got in my truck today to go to work. There is still about 8 inches of snow/ice on the ground where I park so I need 4 wheel to get out to the main roads. I got in my truck and shifted into neutral and hit 4 low to pull out of my parking spot and the light for both 4 wheel options just blinked but didn't shift. Then the dash said service 4wd system.

I wanted to pick everyone's brain here before I try to dive into it later after work today. I always get great info from you guys.

Thank you!

 

[Runs2rch]

Check the ground on driver side frame rail.

 

[bobbytheboozer]

Check the ground on driver side frame rail.

Will do! We have had some snow recently and I'm sure with the salt the snow plows have put down it might have eaten that ground up. Thank you!

 

[mesquito_creek]

I had the same issue with my 05 4x 6L. I changed the fluids in the front diff and xfer case and it started working again. Now I exercise it more regularly. Maybe I just got lucky but it wouldn’t hurt to start there.

 

[mattyc]

I have a 2006 chevy 2500hd 4x4 with the 6.0 gas.

I got in my truck today to go to work. There is still about 8 inches of snow/ice on the ground where I park so I need 4 wheel to get out to the main roads. I got in my truck and shifted into neutral and hit 4 low to pull out of my parking spot and the light for both 4 wheel options just blinked but didn't shift. Then the dash said service 4wd system.

I wanted to pick everyone's brain here before I try to dive into it later after work today. I always get great info from you guys.

Thank you!

Scan for codes in transfer case module to find out what the fault was. There are several things going on that can malfunction, a scan tool is going to be needed to correctly diagnose it. Like someone else said, exercise it. Sometimes the fault is momentary, so maybe key off, restart and try again?

 

[Andy B.]

I engage mine once a month regardless, mine is a manual shift 05 Cummings. A mechanic told me to do it because the automatic hubs need it plus it never hurts you never know when you're really going to need it.

 

[bobbytheboozer]

Scan for codes in transfer case module to find out what the fault was. There are several things going on that can malfunction, a scan tool is going to be needed to correctly diagnose it. Like someone else said, exercise it. Sometimes the fault is momentary, so maybe key off, restart and try again?

Yea I have a scan tool at home but I figured I'd ask here first to see what the rdp brain had to offer. I'm at work for the next 10 to 15 hours so I know by the time I get home I'll probably be too tired to go dig into it.

 

[outboard_256]

I engage mine once a month regardless, mine is a manual shift 05 Cummings. A mechanic told me to do it because the automatic hubs need it plus it never hurts you never know when you're really going to need it.

05 cummins doesn't have auto hubs that I know of. The hubs are locked all the time. They had a center axle disconnect for certain years but hubs were still locked.

 

[motormonkey]

Things to try. Pull 4x4 fuse for reset, try moving in 2 and then hit 4 again. Do you have auto trac.

 

[bobbytheboozer]

Things to try. Pull 4x4 fuse for reset, try moving in 2 and then hit 4 again. Do you have auto trac.

No auto trac. I'll try that tomorrow morning. Work is kicking my butt today. Gonna be a long one.

 

[Kachina26]

Cycle the connector on the transfer case actuator, maybe even tap on it lightly while an assistant tries to engage it. Pick someone that won't accidentally run you over.

 

[bobbytheboozer]

Cycle the connector on the transfer case actuator, maybe even tap on it lightly while an assistant tries to engage it. Pick someone that won't accidentally run you over.

I'll definitely try that. Thanks! I'm still stuck at work so I'll have to fuck with it in the morning

 

[Kachina26]

I'll definitely try that. Thanks! I'm still stuck at work so I'll have to fuck with it in the morning

I believe that was the year they had issues with them trying to engage at freeway speeds. We ended up replacing the actuators once they developed a fix. The initial fix was to remove the fuse. I told the tech assistance guy that I'd have the customer call him before I told him that he had to get out of the truck to put the fuse back in if he wanted to use 4X4 on his brand new $50k truck. Back when $50 was a lot of money.

 

[Gelcoater]

05 cummins doesn't have auto hubs that I know of. The hubs are locked all the time. They had a center axle disconnect for certain years but hubs were still locked.

This

@Andy B. The only thing that can fail on your setup is the rubber grommets that connect your shift lever to the transfercase lever.
They can rot and fail.and then that rod falls out.

You can get new ones at Aito Zone for a few dollars.
Might be a cheap investment to carry around in the center console or under heseat or something

 

[bobbytheboozer]

I believe that was the year they had issues with them trying to engage at freeway speeds. We ended up replacing the actuators once they developed a fix. The initial fix was to remove the fuse. I told the tech assistance guy that I'd have the customer call him before I told him that he had to get out of the truck to put the fuse back in if he wanted to use 4X4 on his brand new $50k truck. Back when $50 was a lot of money.

Yea I still have the original sticker for my 06. $40k otd. But I'll definitely try that. This is the first issue I've had with my 4wd since I bought the truck about 10 years ago

 

[Andy B.]

This

@Andy B. The only thing that can fail on your setup is the rubber grommets that connect your shift lever to the transfercase lever.
They can rot and fail.and then that rod falls out.

You can get new ones at Aito Zone for a few dollars.
Might be a cheap investment to carry around in the center console or under heseat or something

Thanks for tip!!

 

[evantwheeler]

Yea I still have the original sticker for my 06. $40k otd. But I'll definitely try that. This is the first issue I've had with my 4wd since I bought the truck about 10 years ago

On edit: nothing of value to add

 

[Liquidkroozir]

That nipple is a vent for the front diff. The vehicle in question is all electricly engaged.