4X4 not working when very cold

[weaselfox]

OK This Just started happpening since winter kicked in up here in PA 4X4 worked great in the summer. Its been freezing or below for a while up here and sometimes my truck sits for a week or more. I started it today (its about 17 deg) and It would not engage, no 4x4 lights, no noise nothing. After driving for about 25 min to work and everythig was hot I hit the button and wa la it goes right in with no problem. I read the sticky but not sure which case would be affected by cold temps. My guess is shift motor.

 

[DeRocha]

You are correct.
When the T-case is very cold the shift motor will need more power to rotate it's Selector shaft. If the shift motor cannot shift into 4H within a ~2sec time limit the 4x4 computer will believe there is a problem and return to 2H.

Before cleaning the shift motor your can help shift better by switch in/out of 4x4 several times to help free up the motor. All to often people ignore the 4x4 system until they need it. By using 4x4 once or twice a month it will ensure it is working smoothly and not give you any surprises.

 

[weaselfox]

Thanks for the expert knowledge and tips De Rocca. I will engage it more often, and clean it too (Ill take my laptop out to the garage with me so I can read the rebuild thread)