Forum Discussion

sunline1's avatar
sunline1
Explorer
Sep 10, 2013

93 S10 4 wheel drive problem "UPDATE"

have a 4.3 ltr. automatic, s10 pickup (93) with the 4 wheel drive selector on the floor it has a shift "lever", as opposed to the ones with the switch mounted on the dash (button).
Its not been drived for a couple of years. I'm wantiong to start usin g it. the 4 wheel drive worked fine the last time i drove it a few years ago.

when i put the shifter on the floor into 4 wheel high or low setting the little round indicator light comes on, but the diagram does not light up the front 2 wheeels as it use to and the 4 wheel drive does not work.

If i put the selector to 4 wheel "low" its shifts to the 'very" low range but also no 4 wheel drive.

any comments thoughts suggestions appreicated.


Vaccum actuator under battery box has a slit in the rubber looks like thats the problem.

Any input on how to replace it would be appreciated. The are 2 bolts thru the fender liner,but how does it disconneft from the cable etc. Thanks
Tow Vehicles
  • Trail-Mate's avatar
    Trail-Mate
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2013
    Its is not a physical shifter, it is electronic just like the push button ones. GM use electric servos or solenoid to engage the front wheels hubs. They get slow to operate. My 93 2500 did this slow to engage. Worked fine. If it goes into 4 low Ok, then the solenoid that locks the hubs is working, the 4 low and Hi is in the transfer case, Not sure how that is actuated. Also were you moving when you shifted it.
  • sunline1's avatar
    sunline1
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2013
    i tried getting it into 4 wheel drive both moving and also stop
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Sep 10, 2013
    When my old Chevy started to encounter the solenoid problem, I could reset it by starting it and shutting it down three consecutive times. Then it would shift right into 4WD.
  • Heisenberg's avatar
    Heisenberg
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2013
    It is engaged by a thermal expansion device on the differential. If it does not move the switch giving you the light indication does not become engaged. You can get under and check the wiring connector, a simple unplug and plug in sometimes fixes the problem. The device is easy to replace and is not very expensive. However my experience was with a 94 K1500.
  • Heisenberg's avatar
    Heisenberg
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2013
    I have no idea how this jumped over here. I edited a spacing error and it jumped subjects.


    I hope this Remco App will prove useful.
  • wnjj's avatar
    wnjj
    Explorer II
    Sep 10, 2013
    Your S10 probably has a vaccuum actuator for the front axle. Some Googling says it's under the battery. My brother had a '95 that lost 4x4 because some acid leaked and ate a hole in it. Check it and any hoses connected to it.
  • GWolfe's avatar
    GWolfe
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2013
    What wnjj said, I had an older (86) S-15 with 4wd that would not work, replaced the vacuum lines associated with the 4wd and all was good.
  • wcjeep's avatar
    wcjeep
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2013
    If its vacuum operated the switch is probably on top of the transfer case. The rubber lines can become unplugged or dry rot over time. If dry rot, trim the rubber lines, extend and plug back in.

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