4WD working or not???

[The Rainmayker]

2002 XLT, automatic, silly pushbutton 4WD controls (I'd much rather have a shift lever where I can FEEL what I am doing), stock hubs. Just got this vehicle in May and had the first snow of the year. I've tried putting it into 4WD HIGH range but it does not seem to be working. I remember it worked fine for the short amount of time that I tried it while test-driving the vehicle. Now there's no difference in handling, no reassuring sounds coming from the front end, nothing! Tried it while moving at different speeds, while stopped, in reverse, etc.
So I got out the manual...it says that a light in the instrument cluster is supposed to come on indicating 4WD HIGH or LOW modes, but the light is not coming on. The manual does not say what condition might indicate trouble with the system...I was thinking that a flashing indicator light might mean trouble-- yet the light is not coming on at all, let alone flashing.
Any ideas before I have to bother my nephew (aka the mechanic) on the weekend???
Thanks!

 

[Blee1099]

Welcome to the site.. Sounds like the shift motor on the transfer case.. You don't have hubs, you have cv axles. You can also check for a blown fuse or relay for the 4x4 but most times its the shift motor..

 

[billybob]

Hey Rainmayker

i have same truck, same problem did you come up with anything yet?


billybob