4x4 switch question? Please help

[Michigan]

hi everyone, I'm looking at a 2004 Tahoe z71 in California. I live in Michigan. I just got off FaceTime with the seller and the problem is when switching from 2hi to 4hi the switch will not stay in 4hi. I think it blinked and it goes into 4auto instead. Not sure if that made sense. Lol.

Again starting position is 2hi so pressing the 4hi button I think it blinked but jumped into 4auto and the light stayed on in 4auto. Will not stay on in 4hi. Going from 2hi to 4lo it works. Light will stay on in 4lo going from 4lo to 4hi it jumps to 4auto I believe. So basically just won't stay on in 4hi.

Is this a switch problem or a transfer case issue? Could it be that since it's a California vehicle they don't use the 4x4 so it doesn't work properly from lack of use?

I need help. I was close to purchasing this vehicle even without seeing it but I need 4x4 in Michigan. Not sure if this is a deal breaker or not

P.s it's at a car lot.

 

[Michigan]

Also there is no service 4 wheel drive message. If you know the issue, what is the cost

Sorry wrong section

 

[retiredsparky]

If the seller is not willing to fix it before selling, he will take the hit. A dealership on trade-in would deduct the cost of a transfer case from the trade-in offer. You should approach it in a similar fashion. There are a lot of nice looking Tahoes on the west coast, but this dealer just does not want to repair. I would look elsewhere or subtract the complete cost of a t-case and actuator/switch, since you don't and can't know what the problem is. He needs you more than you need him.

 

[ISU-152]

I agree. If this truck was good the dealer would fix it. On the other hand you might have leverage