GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2000 🢒 Blazer - 4WD - RHD 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Wiring Systems 🢒 Front Axle Will Not Disengage

Object Number: 563735 Size: MF
Transfer Case Control Components
Transfer Case Control Schematics

Circuit Description

The front axle control circuit consists of a Front Drive Axle Clutch solenoid which is electronically controlled by the transfer case shift control module. This solenoid opens and closes a vacuum control valve allowing vacuum to apply and release a clutch pack inside the front axle housing. The transfer case shift control module determines whether or not the clutch pack is applied or released based on a signal from the front axle switch mounted on the front axle housing assembly. The front axle is normally locked or engaged during AUTO 4WD, 4WD HI, and 4WD LO modes. The front axle is unlocked or disengaged only during 2 HI or neutral modes.

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

  1. Helps determine whether the transfer case shift control module has electronic control of the front axle actuator.

    2.

  2. Visual inspection of the front axle to determine if the front axle is mechanically engaged.

    3.

  3. Helps determine if the front axle control circuit is shorted to ground.

    4.

  4. Tests the front axle control circuit for a shorted to ground.

    5.

  5. Helps determine whether the short to ground is due to faulty wiring or module.

    6.

  6. Helps determine a faulty front axle switch.

    7.

  7. Tests the front axle switch signal circuit for a short to voltage.

    8.

  8. Helps determine whether the short to voltage is due to faulty wiring or module.

    9.

  9. Helps determine a faulty front axle actuator.

Front Axle Will Not Disengage

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Transfer Case Diagnostic System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine ON.
  2. Place the vehicle into 2WD mode.
  3. Connect a scan tool in order to monitor the Front Axle Switch status.
  4. Use the scan tool to disengage the front axle.

Does the Front Axle Switch status change from LOCKED to UNLOCKED?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 3

3

Inspect the front axle to determine if it is mechanically engaged to the transfer case.

Is the front axle mechanically engaged to the transfer case?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the connector at the front axle clutch solenoid.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine ON.
  4. Use a scan tool in order to monitor the Front Axle Switch status.

Does the Front Axle Switch status change from LOCKED to UNLOCKED?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 10

5

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Use the scan tool to disengage the front axle.
  3. Connect a DMM and measure between the front axle control circuit harness connector at the front drive axle clutch solenoid and ground.

Is the resistance reading within the specified value?

OL

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Disconnect the transfer case shift control module.
  2. With the DMM still connected measure between the front axle control circuit harness connector at the front drive axle clutch solenoid and ground.

Is the resistance reading within the specified value?

OL

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 13

7

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Use a scan tool in order to monitor the Front Axle Switch status.
  3. Disconnect the front axle switch.

Does the Front Axle Switch status change from LOCKED to UNLOCKED?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 8

8

Connect a DMM between the front axle switch signal circuit at the front axle switch and ground.

Is the voltage reading within the specified value?

0V

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 9

9

Disconnect the transfer case shift control module.

Is the voltage reading within the specified value?

0V

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 12

10

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine ON.
  2. Disconnect the vacuum source from the front drive axle clutch solenoid.

Does the Front Axle Switch status change from LOCKED to UNLOCKED?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 11

11

Inspect the front axle for a mechanical failure.

Are there any mechanical failures?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 17

12

Repair a short to voltage in the front axle switch signal circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 19

--

13

Repair a short to ground in the front axle control circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 19

--

14

Repair a mechanical failure inside the transfer case. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble in Transmission Unit Repair.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 19

--

15

Replace the front drive axle clutch solenoid. Refer to Vacuum Actuator Replacement in Front Axle.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 19

--

16

Replace the front axle switch.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 19

--

17

Replace the front axle actuator. Refer to Vacuum Actuator Replacement in Front Axle.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 19

--

18

Replace the tranfer case shift control module. Refer to Transfer Case Shift Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 19

--

19
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for allowing the symptom to re-occur.

Does the symptom re-occur?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK