I just bought a 94 sierra. When I engage 4 wheel drive the indicator (the
one that lights up the picture of the front wheels on the floor board
console) doesn't light. The light for rear wheel drive stays on all the
time, is that normal? The bulb is good and four wheel drive DOES engage.
Does anyone know what controls the light and where it's located? Thanks.

"Le Boule" <proute@pète.naite> wrote

wheel drive was working. He had a truck similar to it. Thanks for the
reply..

Sounds like your differential is stuck in 4 wheel drive, check the vacum
motor to see if it is working.

"justin_sane" <not (AT) my (DOT) net> wrote

I think I figured it out. It has an electric, thermal actuator that locks
the front axles. It's supposed to plunge forward after it reaches a certain
temperature and lock the axles. Took it out and applied 12 volts to it and
nothing happens. So I'm betting that's the problem. Thanks for the
replies.
"Wayne Bodkin" <wcbodkin (AT) shaw (DOT) ca> wrote

if your actuator is bad, DON"T replace it with the same part.... GM
redesigned the part in '98. the newer electromechanical actuator is almost
instanteous compared to up to 30sec engagement for the older thermal
actuator. I bought mine for ~65 bucks from www.gmotors.com. Napa's price
for the older type actuator is ~85 bucks.

-Bret

"justin_sane" <not (AT) my (DOT) net> wrote

Thanks for the info, I would like to get away from the thermal unit. Called
local GM dealer today for a price quote. Get this, $146.12 for replacement
thermal unit. JS
"Bret Chase" <bretSPAMandamy (AT) metrocast (DOT) net> wrote

"justin_sane" wrote

Must be some old stock. We haven't been able to
get a thermal actuator for a while now. By the way,
you will also need the updated wiring harness for the
new style actuator. The wiring harness also includes
a spacer that "must" be installed along with the new
actuator, or else it won't work properly.

Ian

the part # for the improved actuator is 26060073. the harness for my
'88k2500 is part # 88959465.

I paid $76.85 for the actuator and $21.64 for the harness from
www.gmotors.com
you'll have to check with a parts dept for the proper adapter harness for
your truck.

-Bret

"shiden_kai" <violet-lightening-modified (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

The price is now up to $81.80 for the actuator and $22.16 for the harness.
If ya gotta have it, ya gotta have it.
Thanks, you guys have been a great help to a first time 4x4 owner.
JS
"Bret Chase" <bretSPAMandamy (AT) metrocast (DOT) net> wrote