96 Tahoe - Only disengages from 4WHL HI in reverse

[_Dawn_]

Hi Guys

I just bought a 96 Tahoe a couple of weeks ago. It is the first 4WD truck I have ever owned.

PROBLEM - My owner's manual says I can press the button on the dash to switch from 4WHL HIGH back to 2WD while I am moving or stopped. It is supposed to go back to 2WD by itself. It doesn't. The light on the dash looks like it went back to 2WD, but the actual transfer case doesn't disengage from 4WHL HIGH. I had to put it in reverse and drive it backwards for several feet. Then when I tried to drive forward, I could tell it finally went back into 2WD.

I can live with having to do that, but I am afraid I might be breaking something if I don't get it fixed. Is it okay to just do it that way?

Any answers are appreciated. If there is a simple part I can replace, I will try. If you say to leave it alone, I will just do the reverse thing.

 

[WJK1]

Hi. You're in the 2015+ thread but your issue could apply to everyone with 4WD. Check your tires. Sounds like either front or rears are worn more than the other. This will cause the tires to spin at different speeds which will "wind up" the drivetrain. By reversing you take the tension out of the drivetrain. You may get a jump or jerk feeling when you drive long enough in 4WD on dry pavement. Make sure tire size is the same all around and measure your tread depth.