Service 4WD / Stability System Disabled

[4WDTRK]

I've been getting the random Service 4WD message on my DIC (comes and goes). When I just have that message it doesn't seem to affect anything and ends up clearing on it's own.

However, one time I got the Service 4WD message along with the Stability System Disabled message. This definitely caused problems. The truck felt like it was locked into a higher gear (not starting in 1st) and the transfer case lights showed it was in 4WD low and could not be selected to anything different. I didn't drive it very far like this and it cleared after stopping and restarting.

I did a bit of research and saw some info about the transfer case encoder motor maybe needing to be replaced. Does anyone know where to start on this? I don't want to throw money/time into it without addressing the root problem. If it's best to take it to a tranny shop I will.

Thanks.

 

[ATIII]

Having the exact same issue, tranny shop wants 500.00 to replace a seal that leaks in there. He named every symptom, says he does em all the time. Trying to get a little more knowledge on it before I go talk to him next week again. Winter will be here soon!

 

[4WDTRK]

Mine is going in the shop today. I'll keep u posted.

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[4WDTRK]

Encoder motor is shot. Getting a factory Delco part installed (non-refurb). $636 OTD ouch!

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[SLCHOE]

Encoder motor is shot. Getting a factory Delco part installed (non-refurb). $636 OTD ouch! ��

Sent from my SPH-L720T using Tapatalk

WHY?

Dorman is your friend! I put one of these in for $40.

If the motor still shifts from 2hi-4hi-4lo 95% of the time it's just the position sensor inside the encoder motor. Buying the whole motor is a HUGE price difference. Mine used to jump out of 2WD and into 4hi and one time even into 4 lo. I fixed it with the sensor and have never had issues since. In short, if the motor itself still works, it's the position sensor not knowing where it is and where it has to go to engage/disengage the tcase that is the issue.


http://www.dormanproducts.com/itemdetail.aspx?ProductID=45401&SEName=600-120



Amazon has it for $39.21

http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-600-120-Transfer-Motor-Encoder/dp/B004GBAPC2

It even comes with instructions on how to do the repair. Send the motor back and get this instead to save you $600!

Just saw you had it "installed". Damn...

 

[4WDTRK]

Yea kinda sucks. Wish I had this info back in July when I first posted. I probably would have dug into it myself. Thanks tho!

 

[ATIII]

Well Got mine back from shop yesterday, Bent Fork in T-Case, Bad Seal between tranny & t-case, Replaced Encoder Motor.

$1100.00

At least its fixed before it snows in a month.

 

[4WDTRK]

Thanks for the follow up. Sounds like it did some damage to the t-case which is what can happen when the encoder motor goes bad.