Service 4wd diagnosis

[@MrBktart]

I followed every step of your video and finally SOLVED my issue! I had to add my own wire as I had a break somewhere in the ground line just like you did. Thanks for making this video! Wish every video explained the situation and how to resolve it like you have here!

[@GSEShop]

Thank you for the comment. I am glad I helped

[@tonygick9833]

DUDE I OWE YOU A BEER!!!! I did the same thing and the guy I bought the truck from even changed the transfer case trying to fix it. I replaced everything else and was about to rip the harness out when I seen your post. 5min after locating that 4 pin connector added a ground and BAM!! it's fixed thank you soooo much!

[@GSEShop]

Tony Gick Miller lite please, and your welcome

[@FrankChesser]

Hahahah cool !!!

[@jacobygantz2733]

Man you are so awesome, I was at such a loss, switched out the selector ordered the actuator (which is now cancelled) and just happened to stumble on your video and as soon as I watched it I knew this is exactly what it was, went to Home Depot bought a multimeter, a pack of vampire connector and sure enough after maybe 30 minutes in the garage, my selector lights are working, service 4wd message is gone, and this encoder sounds like it has so much more power! Thank you so much you helped me out a great deal and I’m sure you’ve saved many asses, hats off if your ever in Oklahoma, beers on me!!

[@GSEShop]

Thanks, not sure about the more power, but hey if I am ever near OK I will let you know

[@ryandimaquibo8240]

I can’t believe how well you went through the process. So much better then other. I changed everything before looking at the 4wd ground wire. Cleaned it then worked great

[@GSEShop]

Ryan Dimaquibo so did I, that is what inspired the video. I even took it to a professional shop and they couldn’t figure it out. They changed the front axle actuator twice and told me they kept getting bad ones. I took it home and troubleshot the wiring and this is what I found.

[@bjsapilot]

I watched this video before doing anything. You were absolutely 💯% right.. Got my meter out. Checked all 4 points. Found no ground. I ran a temporary ground wire and tested. Sure enough it worked. So, I ran a new ground wire. No more "Service4wd" ... Awesome. Thank you for your post on this.

[@GSEShop]

Your welcome: I just don’t want others to struggle and spend money like I did. Please like and subscribe

[@JamesVarone]

My kind and of guy right there! I’ve been having problems with mine and when it works it works. I know I’m having the same issue. I’m just going to jump to the fix. Reasons why I watch KZbin before I even take anything apart. Why waste time when someone already has! Thanks for the help!

[@GSEShop]

Awesome thanks for the comment

[@erickaloko]

Dude this insanely awesome fix worked for me. Big ass snow storm hitting us in MN tomorrow and you just saved my ass. I sincerely appreciate you sir. Thank you so much!

[@GSEShop]

Thanks for the comment. Please like and subscribe

[@hpslozkyolivas683]

Thanks for taking time out of your day to share your experience! Especially how easy it looks with your explanation

[@GSEShop]

Your welcome, I hope it helps

[@HazeeeFishing]

Dude I just replaced the actuator and spent forever trying to clean up the old ground and everything just to watch this and tap into the ground wire at the harness and run it to the main engine ground spot under the hood, thanks a ton! Fixed my problem instantly I cant believe I didn't think of this sooner glad i had all the supplies being it 10:30pm😁

[@GSEShop]

Ryan Hazelton glad to hear it

[@miguelvalenzuela]

God bless you brother, thanks for your patience and generosity by making this video and helping so many of us. Cheers!

[@GSEShop]

Thank you for your comment and your welcome

[@yotuact8936]

Brother that was a great video. I'm educated in electronics and love auto electronic troubleshooting. Your video will help many people find the failure related to the notorious service 4WD message with your troubleshooting procedures. There is nothing wrong with repair shortcuts like your repair if resources are limited or just need to get up and running quickly. Most will start throwing money and parts at their trucks so thank you for taking the time to share. I've subscribed and will keep an eye open for more videos from you. Take Care. Stephen from North Carolina

[@GSEShop]

Yotu Act thanks, I love to troubleshoot as well.

[@letthechipsfly7620]

A year later after this upload and I have the same issue staring at me. If I learned anything about wrenching in 62 years it is to search you tube and keep the wallet closed and ask questions. Great diag. video and when the rain stops on on it like flies and dung. Cheers to you good sir.

[@GSEShop]

@@letthechipsfly7620 welcome

[@billdieck7393]

Thanks for taking time out of your day to share your experience! I'll use your techniques to check my Suburban. One thing I'd like to suggest is when reconnecting the wire connectors, add dielectric grease on them. Some of my issues in the past were related to moisture in the connectors under the truck. Thanks again!

[@GSEShop]

Not bad advice, but thanks for the praise. If I ever redo this video I will add it

[@danwoyak3681]

I had this problem along with the loss of cruise control. Turned out to be the ignition switch. A local tech figured it out for me after I had gone through all of the grounds and fuses etc. Didn't take him long. If you don't have the tools and or diagnostic skills sometimes it pays to take it to someone that does. $100 fix for me. Great video. Pretty cool watching you guys drill down on stuff like this.

[@GSEShop]

Thank you, I like the challenge

[@DocOnTheRun]

Phenomenal video! You should be teaching this stuff at a college. Could not have been more thorough. Really impressive skills in explaining the process and reasoning behind it. Thank you!

[@GSEShop]

Your welcome

[@jdmaxxin3812]

Thank you for sharing this. It definitely saved me money and time swapping parts and the headache of chasing it around. Wired it up the same way and the 4wd was back to working order.

[@GSEShop]

Your welcome

[@CptRadical]

This is the best video. Thank you for taking to time to make it. I hate spending money on service that I can do myself. Thank you. Great video.

[@GSEShop]

CptRadical thank you

[@alexbellotti3087]

Same as many others who have seen your video, thanks man. I swapped out the encoder motor and switch. Nothing worked untill I checked the grounds and added a ground wire.

[@GSEShop]

Glad I could help

[@a10moondog1]

Tough filming with one hand; camera work was a bit rugged but the information was priceless! Thanks for posting.

[@GSEShop]

a10moondog1 yeah I am a mechanic first, a carpenter second, a mason and electrician third and somewhere near the bottom is cameraman. Thank you for watching

[@garyjordan3181]

Good info 90 percent of the electrical problems can be traced back to lack of ground. Thank you for sharing. Make up a simple jump wire @ 3' long with a clip on both ends to do your ground testing is one of the cheapest and most useful tools you can have. Very good info. Thanks

[@GSEShop]

Gary Jordan good idea

[@mzootie9]

Hi I have been troubleshooting for some time on my 4WD issues. So I went through the progression of the grounds cleaning first. Then instead of replacing the actuator motor i decided to go after the position sensor within, much cheaper of course. I got the AC Delco on Amazon for $35. So when i disassembled the actuator i noticed that the gears were previously matched marked but low and behold the factory match mark did not line up. I went and installed the gear, not where i found it but to the factory marks. So yes the smoking gun! I reassembled everything and my intermittent service 4WD and the selector switch with the random lights coming and going were gone! That's great unfortunately it still would not shift into 4WD. So next step was the front diff actuator. I pulled it out and gave it power but it didn't budge. So I checked the voltage at the plug and got the 12 volts on the brown wire but got no ground on the black wire - should have read 000 on the ohm meter but only read 1 meaning no ground like the video. I tapped into the ground with a vampire connector right close to the plug instead of chasing it back. I ground down a spot on the frame and ran new wire to the frame and fastened it with a self tapping screw. Tried it again and Viola! the motor turns. Reassembled it all and it works perfect. Thanks so much for the video help and helping the diagnosis, solved both issues for $35.

[@GSEShop]

Your welcome, please like and sub. Hearing this makes it all worth while

[@halfassranch8363]

Right on, good info.

[@GSEShop]

@@halfassranch8363 thanks

[@halfassranch8363]

@@GSEShop your video has by far been the best. It covers all the other videos I've watched in one. I'm pretty sure its the dash switch but all my freaking tools are in storage and two hours away.

[@GSEShop]

@@halfassranch8363 your welcome

[@bc8265]

Thanks for posting this, my Silverado is doing all of the wonky selector switch stuff as well. About to jump in now.

[@GSEShop]

Cool how did you make out?

[@ScottysDetailing]

Great video on how to fix the 4x4 system and clean and simple plan too. Love where you should the 4x4 grounds are.

[@GSEShop]

ScottysDetailing thank you

[@ramirogutierrez2940]

If it says service 4wd is the 4x4 messed up

[@careybuchanan400]

Dude, you rock! I had the same issue on my 2005 SLE, with a Code C0379. I didn't have a power probe (ordered and coming in tomorrow) so I back probed the ground wire at the actuator connector with a paper clip, attached a jumper wire to that with a small needle nose vice grip, and attached the other end of the wire to a random frame bolt with another pair of vice grips. Powered up, hit the 4H button, BAMM! it worked. Hit 2wd and it switched back no problem. I followed the harness from the actuator up under the hood, where it connected to the same style plug as you showed. Spliced into the black wire and ran the wire over to the right side of the brake booster to a firewall stud located between it and the fender. I liked that the wire was a little more discrete in that location. Thanks for taking the time to do the video.

[@GSEShop]

Carey Buchanan I am glad, I just hope I can save someone else the sleepless nights and money I spent. Please like and subscribe

[@GSEShop]

By the way the power probe is worth every penny

[@codesempireunleashed7899]

Thanks for sharing this! It gives me a great starting point to figure out my 4x4 issue on my Tahoe. 👍

[@GSEShop]

CodesEmpire UnLeashed no problem

[@michaelenfinger8299]

@@GSEShop b he no

[@GSEShop]

Michael Enfinger ok

[@paulmessina1301]

After watching a couple vidoes and in one it said the form said to start with cleaning off ground bolts. All I did was clean the ground bolts with wd40 and toothbrush and it worked . Before that none of the lights for 2wd 4wd lights were alumanating and was getting service 4wd code. All good now. Thank god for youtube 🙏

[@GSEShop]

The wires will corrode and that way my problem so I spliced in the other ground wire. Glad the simper fix worked for you

[@BBB-ly8ro]

Blue wire? Three phase? Haha. Great video bud. Thank you for sharing the knowledge.

[@GSEShop]

BB B thanks for the comment

[@cuauhtemocbarragan9632]

Let's make this guy have a lot of views for this bad ass video so he can get some money for all those parts,thanks for the video man...

[@GSEShop]

Cuauhtemoc Barragan thanks man

[@greateaglediaz6963]

Thanks for the advice! I'm sure helps a lot of people

[@GSEShop]

Salomon Diaz I hope so

[@cjrciadt]

Thank you for your excellent video! My Yukon XL dropped into 4L from 2H by itself on a highway today lol! Checked every ground on the frame, wires and the 4wd fuses. Wallet and Yukon not ripped apart!👍

[@GSEShop]

Glad I could help

[@sirenamireles830]

thanks for sharing! I'll try running ground wire tmrw. Was wondering if its not to much to ask The blue wire you ran. To which color wire on the clip did you tap into?

[@GSEShop]

Sirena Mireles if I remember correctly it was black, but please check the diagram for your vehicle

[@sirenamireles830]

@@GSEShop thank you and will do thanks for reply.

[@triplebbb2862]

Seriously, thank you very much. I’ve been changing all kinds of things and running through all kinds of things.

[@GSEShop]

You are welcome sir, glad if I helped

[@tyte90]

Gonna have to try this. I tried the motor, the switch, the brain, the ground on frame, front actuator and transfer case speed sensor and nothing has worked. Thank you for posting this.

[@GSEShop]

nick newman I even took it to a pro shop and they couldn’t figure it out

[@mcciaccio]

Thanks, I have a low milage 07 duramax that the 4whl drive hasn’t worked in 5 months. It’s horrible in 2wd in the snow and mud. I worked at a shop in my early 20s but its been decades. I was getting super frustrated with it and myself. Your video helped me a lot as far as what to look for and how the system works. All my other trucks were manual trans and manual 4x4 so were easy. With your video and 1/2 of a Sunday I was able to get it working again!👍😀

[@GSEShop]

Great thanks for commenting

[@oillease1881]

Trying to get my 93 body changed and all this is done with a lever.

[@atinKuop]

Dude you rock for fixing your problems better than a wanna supposed to be mechanic.

[@GSEShop]

Thanks, I appreciate that

[@griffinbennett9256]

Great video and info!! And I appreciated the comment at the end about losing your favorite wrench, gave me a chuckle. Subscribed!

[@GSEShop]

Griffin Bennett thanks, I am glad you liked it.

[@troybonar9674]

Excellent video. Very thorough. Thank you for going through each potential item and also what didn’t work...... it was interesting how things looked back and you tied in different steps, also enjoy the additional detail for people that don’t use the tools often.

[@GSEShop]

Troy Bonar thanks I try my best. Please give a thumbs up and a subscribe

[@RodJ]

Thank you, mine started doing this yesterday. I'll try to fix it myself.

[@GSEShop]

Rodney good luck

[@rexjonez2918]

Did it work

[@RodJ]

It was the ground on the frame underneath the driver side. Hasn’t done it again.

[@colegunnar1271]

Money saver thanks a lot. Much appreciation for this video man. Didn’t spend a penny thanks to you.

[@GSEShop]

Your welcome

[@brianweber6112]

Thank you. Great info. We have to turn in to detectives with our vehicles.

[@GSEShop]

being a mechanic takes more than just the ability to change parts, most of it is figuring out what part to change

[@fernandoalvarez6727]

Actually a very helpful video! Going to try this on my '01 z71 4.8. Got one for you. I lost all drive while shifting through 2 and 4wd. Now when I shift from neutral to park I get a grinding sound. Park doesn't lock the wheels. Someone who knows, will know in a second. Please help me out. I hate to throw parts. Reason I really love this video. You actually show how to diagnose. Thanks man!

[@GSEShop]

Check out my Silverado pops in neutral video and my one one replacing the transfer case shift motor. I think your answers are there

[@nilsondavis39]

Thanks man! You rock! 🤘

[@GSEShop]

Master Davis welcome

[@ramirogutierrez2940]

Mine says service 4wd is the did the 4x4 mess up?

[@dawnwalker2461]

this is so crazy. I bought new for the first time in my life and I`m 64 years old. I looked for the the cheapest Yukon that I could find. made the deal when I picked it up it had 2 miles on it. nobody drove this truck. it owes me nothing. 345,000 miles on the Original motor & transmission. I did almost the same thing that you did. Switch, shift motor & actuator with no luck. I figured that with all the miles on her that the Transfer case was beat. oh and I even did the ground lines under the side of the drivers side door. I even ran a main ground line from the first connection where the negative side of the Battery goes to. then ran it to the fire wall then ran a main from the fire wall to the frame on the drivers side making sure that I have a good ground. watched your Video and said no way. but I just did exactly like you did and no more blinking light on the switch and no more SERVICE 4X4 on the dash and everything works as it should. I can`t thank you enough for your Knowledge on the way you chased this problem down. I have played with this for a year and a half and I was stuck on a TCCM or a transfer case. until you. I am still in shock but with a smile. Thanks again Bill

[@GSEShop]

Your welcome glad I could help

[@GSEShop]

Thanks please thumb up and subscribe!!

[@GSEShop]

Thanks

[@jaxonchang737]

Hi GSE, so my 2005 5.3 chevy silverado was having the same problem as your truck it was in 2wd with 2wd light illuminated but no response when i tried shifting it. I bought a new front actuator a new encoder motor and a new switch. I tried the new motor and actuator and after a vit of fiddling with the new motor not on the truck just dangling it shifted into 4lo but the 2hi light was still on. It would not shift back and i unplugged it and replugged it and now there are zero lights with new or old motor although new switch displays neutral i know its in 2hi and old switch has no lights on. I forgot to mention with the old motor in i plugged the new switch in and it said 2hi and neutral. I unplugged and re plugged and now only the neutral light

[@GSEShop]

@@jaxonchang737 I would say you have an encoder problem. I would put the new one on and mount it fully and see if that fixes it

[@djpapachris]

I have a 2004 Avalanche ...Service 4WD ...same issue.... I am going to try this, I too have been fighting for 2 years... replaced switch, replaced TCCM..... error comes on ocasionally (usually when you need it.) has been working great for months until the Giant pot holes on the interstate jarred the truck to death.... no more 4WD....... I am more than sure it is a Ground wire, you have given me a great place to start...THnx

[@GSEShop]

You’re welcome

[@mahatmasloth6543]

THANK YOU SIR! i'm about $400 in on this fix so far. So glad I found this video, gonna try these suggestions tomorrow. was about to go get the TC motor but maybe this will save me a few hundred... fingers crossed

[@GSEShop]

Fingers crossed, I hope it works

[@mrkeopele]

Winner , Winner, Chicken Dinner!! Nice amount of information, just what I needed to see before I start t-shooting mine! thanks so much

[@GSEShop]

Welcome

[@JohnMPavin]

The best video for 4x4 problems.

[@GSEShop]

John M. Pavin for GM maybe, thank you.

[@shadad7774]

Appreciate the video walk through, my 04 z71 just threw the service 4x4, I am going to change out the selector switch anyway as the buttons are pretty beat up/scratched up but will do the steps you showed while I'm changing it out just to be safe as well

[@GSEShop]

You are welcome and good luck

[@carlwilson8045]

Great video, one handed dexterity is looking good, I did an o2 recently and had to connecti it one handed, it took a bit but i got it. No to try and fix this ground issue, I have already cleaned the terms under the truck on the frame, so not i will check the front acuater ground. thank you very very much for the video, good good stuff here.

[@GSEShop]

Thank you

[@randyderochie2731]

I did the same exact thing and replaced EVERYTHING! I hope adding a new ground will fix it. I've been at it for 3 straight days. 😤😡 (I got yelled at too 😂) Anyway, thank you for taking the time to share!

[@GSEShop]

I hope this helps

[@philwolf6757]

Any luck?

[@randyderochie2731]

@@philwolf6757 unfortunately I've been injured and cannot try it.

[@andystallings9407]

Thanks so much for this video, I’m just now having problems and I believe you may have saved me a ton of money! I really appreciate you!

[@GSEShop]

Your welcome

[@GSEShop]

@BEATING NCP93 mine or his?

[@FrankChesser]

Thank you for your very educational video of chevy and gmc wiring !!!

[@GSEShop]

You are welcome

[@bichitoarroyor8726]

Tnx friend, i just got a Avalanche with this problem, i was looking for info on how to fix it, keep t vids coming i just subscribed!

[@GSEShop]

Odi Arroyo thank you twice

[@ackrite11]

Awesome video brotha!! Glad I found this video I was about to start changing out unnecessary parts. I followed your instructions but I ran my ground wire underneath the driverside next to the main grounds. Got a clean ground and now my 4x4 is working again!

[@GSEShop]

Great, like I said in the video “a ground is a ground is a ground”

[@ackrite11]

Your saving people a ton of money! Good for you!

[@antibrevity]

Thank you. Viewers might also notice how weak the actuator sounds; this is a clue that either the motor is worn out or the voltage is low. Low voltage can either be because of a bad power connection or a bad ground connection and these trucks are notorious for grounding problems, often due to the chassis connections on the frame under the driver.

[@GSEShop]

Thanks, I did not know that

[@Skinny..90]

Thank you for the video my fuse was blown but still no going into 4wheel drive and service 4wd. So im try the ground thing and if that dont work im going to do the t case motor. 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab

[@GSEShop]

Sorry I missed this earlier but good luck

[@ronmiller682]

Thank for sharing this video. You explained everything so people can understand it. I just replaced my switch, it didnt work then after driving down the road I tried again and it worked, got home moved a little snow and it quit working again. I thought well I'm gonna check the harness tomorrow. But thank for pointing this out. It helps people out so much. Thank you again. Ron

[@GSEShop]

Welcome

[@blahbadyblah7928]

The grounds on this body style are so problematic that there should have been a recall. Thank you for the heads up on this one!

[@GSEShop]

Blahbady Blah no problem, and there is so much rust everyone will have a problem eventually

[@be891]

I have a 2004 Chevy Avalanche, and been dealing with 4wd issues for almost a year. One shop quoted me $900.00 and said I needed a new Actuator.(lol) The issue I'm having is the lights turn on on the selector switch at start up, but all turn off soon after, I also have service 4wd on the dash. I have replaced the rear actuator motor, 4wd selector switch, tcm, and cleaned up the ground underneath the drivers door but still have the same problem. I will check for true ground at the front actuator as you recommend, and post an update. Thanks for the video!

[@GSEShop]

So you lose all lights? I am very interested and I have my own theories.

[@be891]

Well after a few more days of frustration, I had to take my truck to a automotive shop. According to the shop it was a failed encoder motor. He mentioned that the gear pin was locked in place and a few wiring issues. This shop is highly rated in our area for troubleshooting electrical issues. They literally had my truck all day and the gentleman said more than one mechanic was work on my truck. I can honestly say I'm am glad it is fixed and finally I have my 4wd again. Thanks again for post this video!

[@GSEShop]

B e sorry I couldn’t fix it, but I am glad it is fixed. What gear pin?

[@be891]

Not sure but that's what he called it. I also have a few leaks around the transfercase seals, I wound if any of that fuild could have caused some of my electrically issues.

[@GSEShop]

B e possibly

[@Clam26]

Cannot thank you enough for this video. Big snow storm coming and my 4wd is shot. Tried splicing off the ground and it worked! Great video.

[@GSEShop]

Your welcome I am glad I could help please like and sub

[@antncase1]

Great video. I've been fighting this for months now.

[@GSEShop]

Anthony wright thanks

[@Dentiddo]

Thank you for the video. I have the same message popping up on my 05 GMC Yukon. I think this video will help me better diagnose what's going on with it. Again, thank you.

[@GSEShop]

Glad I can help

[@jakedehahn5475]

Awesome how you explained everything so it would make sense really good video

[@GSEShop]

Thanks, I am glad you liked it. Please like and subscribe

[@JerichoRally]

Fantastic! I'm going to try this on my 2006 c4500 dump truck. I can hear it working but now I know what else to look for. Thank you so much!!

[@GSEShop]

Your welcome

[@joshblade9317]

Dude you just got a new subscriber to your channel Thank You for an Amazing video I had checked all my fuses and cleaned the grounds and nothing spent awhile searching online found your video and with in 15 min had it fixed

[@GSEShop]

Thanks, just trying to help

[@jordansmith4289]

Thanks for the tips, like you said a thousand dollars later and still no 4x4, it's drove me crazy until now!

[@GSEShop]

Jordan Smith your welcome

[@dstotyn1029]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! My 2005 Tahoe is having the “Service 4WD” error message. A yr ago, I replace the dash switch, fine until now. I know the mechanical parts work - it is stuck in 2WD, and I cannot change this, so the error has got to be a faulty ground somewhere. MUCH APPRECIATED!

[@GSEShop]

Your welcome, please like and sub

[@dstotyn1029]

I was on a long road trip when I posted to you 2 weeks ago. The only thing I could do was disable the 4WD by pulling the 30 Amp fuse, so now I’m in permanent 2WD. Today, I’m back at the ranch, musters my courage, and started looking for the plug you showed in your video. And ... there it was, attached to the inter fender on drivers side. I ‘spliced’ and 18 ga. wire (blue, by the way...lol) to the solid black on the firewall side of the plug, attached the free end to my firewall, and ... After reinstalling the fuse, I started it up, the dash switched cycled, as before, and I’ve got AWD, 2WD, 4WH, and 4WL AGAIN! Once again, THANK YOU! I’ve liked and Subscribed, and will tell everyone I can about your awesome video work!

[@dstotyn1029]

I’m having trouble with my Blend Door Actuators, 2005 Tahoe. I’ve watched replacement of these (drivers and passenger) many times. Passenger seems toughest. 1. Do you have any videos posted that address this issue? 2. How many ‘Blend Doors’ do these vehicles typically have (can’t find a straight answer). 3? 4? Thanks! DS (Surrey, BC, Canada)

[@GSEShop]

@@dstotyn1029 i do not have a video on that but I did do it once and it didn’t fix anything for me. I only have one under the passenger dash but I cannot confirm on the bigger Tahoe or suburban

[@dstotyn1029]

@@GSEShop thank you for the reply. Based on what I’ve seen, I prob have 3 Blend Doors in front part of cabin (rear area is working fine), aside from the main Mode door. I’ll have to dig in to find the 3rd, believe it’s above gas pedal (under shroud). I’m fairly certain one or all of these are my problem, because of the intermittent work/not working scenario. I’ve recalibrated. Works fine, then not so good. Anyway, I really appreciate all of your videos. Please keep up the great work. You do a great job of capturing the details on video and explaining things so a dummy like me can comprehend and take action. Cheers, DS

[@tellitallnow3914]

Just asking, you explained everything very well but that leads me to ask this question. What if the ground was actually damaged between the spot where you spliced into the ground wire and the actuator? Would running the new ground wire and splicing it to the actuator ground wire that comes out of the actuator let's day say a few inches up the wire from the actuator and from there to a ground post to cut out the potential of splicing into the ground after the bad spot and not correcting the issue? I am electrical dumb but I think I anyone can understand this after you explained it. Your video is crazy informative and I definitely leaned something today!!

[@GSEShop]

If the wire was broken between where I spliced the new ground on and the actuator, then it would not have fixed the problem

[@tellitallnow3914]

@@GSEShop that ks for the reply and yeah. Your right. Like I said. I can do pretty much anything but for some dam reason electrical has always stumped my ass. Can you tell me the guage of wire you used to run the new ground and I am assuming you used the same guage as the factory wire?? Thanks for all your help bud !!

[@last1king]

Man I can't thank you enough for sharing this knowledge. God bless you

[@GSEShop]

Thanks I try

[@NeilFehr]

Thanks for actually explaining what to check for, cause I was about to try replacing everything as well!

[@GSEShop]

That is what I try to avoid

[@573customs6]

Good video. My has been acting up and quit this morning. Ill try these tips. Thanks.

[@GSEShop]

I try

[@christinegofmanas5795]

Thank you for info! My 2006 Silverado just started acting up with service 4 WD. This info will help not get ripped off

[@halfassranch8363]

What ended up being the problem? I'm struggling so bad lol we live in the country in south dakota and we got 6 inchs of heavy wet snow last night and are expecting another 5 to 12 this weekend. Of course it chooses to act up today.

[@christinegofmanas5795]

@@halfassranch8363 I just received the parts! I’m hoping it’s just the switch. It’s pretty wet here . I felt under drivers door and the grounding is crusted up. Will let you know

[@halfassranch8363]

@@christinegofmanas5795 my dash switch is supposed to be here today. I cleaned up the grounds on mine and no luck. The lights on my switch won't even flash just the 2wd light stays solid.

[@halfassranch8363]

@@christinegofmanas5795 well fuck a duck....I just installed the new switch and its still broke. On to the next thing.

[@anthonymelendez333]

@@halfassranch8363 how’d it go from there?

[@spelunkerd]

At 3:37 your multimeter is set to diode check mode, not ohms, not capacitor check. The diode check mode is also a kind of resistance measure, applying voltage and tiny current to determine forward and reverse voltage drop. It works in the same way an ohmeter works but you get different units, 1 for OL, etc. To get ohms, rotate the dial to the appropriate ohm scale, starting at one click CCW. I like the practical way you approach this, very different to the pro method with a bidirectional scan tool and wiring diagram. Understandably it is much more difficult, and it would be easy to take a wrong turn. Nobody explains this method in professional service manuals.

[@GSEShop]

Thank you, and I have never seen a professional service manual for my truck, but the guy who charged me for the hour did.

[@tomascharles5080]

Good job helping people out.

[@GSEShop]

Tomas Charles thank you

[@Jason-uk4jf]

Thank you for sharing this video. I have a 2005 Silverado that keeps flashing the service four-wheel-drive. But generally the four-wheel-drive works fine. Once in a while it does not want to kick out a four-wheel-drive but after you drive it for a little bit it will go ahead and disengage. So not sure what’s going on but definitely gave me a lot of things to check.! thank you for sharing this video. I have a 2005 Silverado that keeps flashing the service four-wheel-drive. But generally the four-wheel-drive works fine. Once in a while it does not want to kick out of four-wheel-drive but after you drive it for a little bit it will go ahead and disengage. So not sure what’s going on but definitely gave me a lot of things to check.

[@GSEShop]

Your welcome please like and sub

[@carlostoru8509]

Hello friend, looking for a solution to my problem with the 4 x 4 service failure on the cluster screen of my 2006 Hummer H2 truck, I have found your video. I really liked his video and way of explaining everything and the most important thing is that he does it selflessly and this is greatly appreciated. Regardless of whether I can fix my bug or not. I have been struggling with my problem for many years and they have not found the fault, they have told me to change some parts but none in particular, therefore I did not want to spend money on parts without knowing 100% which part it was and which one. was the cause of that failure. The only piece that was changed to try as it was not very expensive, was the dashboard button panel, apparently it was solved but soon the same problem reappeared and is the same that happens to your truck. I left this failure as impossible because as up to now the technical inspection service of my country "ITV" had never put me in trouble for this failure because the truth is that my truck was left with that failure until today that I have had to go back to return to the problem of this failure because the technical inspection service of my country "ITV" in "Spain" has negatively failed me this inspection due to this failure. I have to resolve this fault as soon as possible since my truck cannot circulate without this unfavorable inspection documentation. By the way, I have already liked him and subscribed to his channel from my two KZbin accounts. Thank you very much for all your attention friend. A greeting from Spain.

[@GSEShop]

Wow never had a sub from across the pond that I knew of. The most common failure points are the encoder motor, and the ground wire on the front axle actuator. What does your switch do when you push the button?

[@joseespinoza-on8ve]

i have that problem with a customer sierra. thanks for the tip, hello from Mission Texas

[@GSEShop]

jose espinoza no problem I got another video on changing the motor

[@DstromL]

So after i took a look at the cables at the shaft and sqeezed them for a bit it worked.. so thank you for saving me alot of money

[@GSEShop]

Linus Dahlström I recommend putting a zip tie on pulling the connectors together then

[@tylerpearce2891]

Great video and you made it very dummy prof I dread electric stuff but after watching this I feel pretty confident I can figure this out

[@GSEShop]

Thank you, that means a lot, please like and sub

[@hanjoni]

Great video.Thanks for taking the time. Headed out to check mine and fix the service 4wd.

[@GSEShop]

Good luck

[@hanjoni]

@@GSEShop Upon turning ignition on (2005 Yukon XL 2500)transfer case switch lights would cycle through all settings then i would have no light at all. Service 4wd would then appear. Before watching your vid I took out switch, checked it with voltmeter and got funky readings. I replaced switch but it didn't correct problem. Checked and cleaned grounds under door. Checked connection at Actuator as in your vid and found other than they were spattered with grease all readings were as in your vid. All good there but problem persisted. Checked wires from motor on Transfer and they looked intact. Still scratching head at this point. Now thinking it had to be the TCCM I unplugged it and 4WD and TREC fuses at same time for about 5 min. When I connected everything back, the problem was fixed. Looks like it was just gremlins. Did read somewhere about the TCCM going to sleep and must be woken up by pulling fuse. I dunno. Happy not spending $$ on new module. Thanks again for your great vid and I hope this helps someone.

[@GSEShop]

@@hanjoni thanks, I have never had a tccm go bad. Never heard of one going to sleep either. Thanks for the input

[@Bytheirfruit]

Just to be sure we connect the vampire to the black ground wire? I couldn't see and I don't like to guess.

[@GSEShop]

On my 06 Silverado the ground wire is black. I would check a wire diagram to be sure it is the same for yours. You want to vampire connect the ground wire from the actuator and connect it to another ground.

[@jorgepizarro3327]

Which ground why did you connected to inside the plug as connected to the firewall I have two ground wires one on each of the outer side of the four wire plug. One is black with a white stripe the other is a solid black. Thank you for your time I'm actually messing with the Tahoe right now

[@GSEShop]

jorge pizarro sorry this took a moment but I have been a bit busy. On mine it was a solid black wire but it appears the Tahoe’s and suburban may have different colored wires to this plug. I would suggest a google search for your particular vehicle to be sure.

[@jorgepizarro3327]

@@GSEShop I did it was a solid black wire

[@GSEShop]

@@jorgepizarro3327 did it fix your issue?

[@jorgepizarro3327]

@@GSEShop no.. Still working on it

[@GSEShop]

jorge pizarro ok let me know

[@richardnottelmann58]

Thank you for the in-depth troubleshooting. This will save me a lot of time and effort for my service 4 wheel drive on my 06 Sierra

[@GSEShop]

Richard Nottelmann I hope it does, thank you

[@ezblood21]

hope them wires are good looking, i might have to buy a new transfer case for my z71. this video helped alot to see which area might be the problem but still ill check all areas.

[@GSEShop]

Ok

[@GSEShop]

Sorry good luck let me know if I can help

[@freecheese4143]

Thanks for advice. Note the hanging harness has a push clip to hold it up. Im troubleshooting now.

[@GSEShop]

Your welcome, my push in clip did not hold on anymore so I resorted to zip tying it up. Good luck with your troubleshooting

[@freecheese4143]

@@GSEShop I fixed my issue. In my case, somehow my alternator going out causes the Service 4 Wheel warning light AND Check System Charging.. I think bc it may have triggered partial mvmnt of the actuator ( not enough power to move it). I replaced alternator. Issue solved.

[@GSEShop]

@@freecheese4143 interesting I never heard of that one

[@palmerkarr]

This is a great video man thank you. I have a 2006 Chevy Avalanche with the Service 4wd warning. It only comes on intermittently, and when it does the Auto 4wd light comes on. When this is happening the truck with shift into 2Hi, 4hi, but not 4lo. If I shut the truck off and back on I am able to shift into 4lo. Any idea on what this could be? Thank you again so much for your time.

[@GSEShop]

Check the wires to the shift motor, and if they are ok I would look into changing the encoder

[@theskipman98]

Ok I see the last comment was 3 years ago, but THANKS. Now I have direction to go. Thanks again.

[@GSEShop]

The last comment was like last week, I don’t know how You Tube displays them. Your very welcome

[@ricardojano3716]

just got a 2004 GM Yukon with a transfer care wire that got to close to the driveshaft it was repaired by the owner but the 4WD didn't work the switch on the dash doesn't lite up the GMC is in 2WD now drives ok in 2 wheel shifts fine dash says Service 4WD - so the many options your video showed i hope to have 4WD back again - Thanks

[@GSEShop]

My money is on the tccm those wires don’t like being repaired

[@GSEShop]

I have a video on changing the tccm as well

[@ricardojano3716]

@@GSEShop update on the fix for my 2004 Yukon , the GMC was just about empty so i was going t to the gas station when i noticed a red light on the 4wd neutral selector button i tried all the buttons and everything worked WOW - the fix i did not do anything to try to fix it - my guess the computer must of cleared some codes - i'll take it

[@GSEShop]

@@ricardojano3716 or where the wires were repairs is losing and gaining contact through movement.

[@ricardojano3716]

Movement i think is the answer, i have not been under it yet to look at what was done , warmer weather is coming soon

[@minecraftworld3146]

We have a 2004 Chevy Suburban that does the same thing. We bought all new items, like you. Now my husband is going to try and see if it is the ground wire issue. Because sometimes it comes on and goes off when going over bumps.

[@GSEShop]

Minecraft World I hope it helps

[@minecraftworld3146]

@@GSEShop Thanks. He had a question . At the 4 pin connector, is the solid black wire the ground or the black with white stripe that you bypassed?

[@edtaber5326]

Thanks for a realistic explanation and video man. It wasn't my problem but it did eliminate everything to the point I did figure it out. Thanks again

[@GSEShop]

What was it for you

[@ryancastleberry3614]

Hey got 02 did a overhaul on the frame pulled the body off the chassis put it all back together everything went back fine truck fired up… but now my push button 4x4 will not light up an not show what gear the transfer case is in also it says service 4wd on dash when I shut the truck off everything worked fine an it was in 2wd when I did my first start since the overhaul it’s stuck in 4wd

[@GSEShop]

Your transfer case control module is probably bad

[@mannyramirez9152]

So im getting this light on my 06 Silverado ON Occasion only. NOTE: All the dash gauges set left (gas gauge reads empty) and battery, abs, brake, etc. lights turn on along with Service 4WD. It always does this while driving every 3 or so days but resets the next time i start and drive the truck. Any help is appreciated. Shifts into 4wD when light is off and sounds fine

[@GSEShop]

You got a lose wire or connection is my guess or a bare wire

[@brianleeth4679]

Ok on my 03 tahoe. What it does and don't do. Sometimes 4x4 works, sometimes not. Sometimes I can hear the transfer case motor moving sometimes it don't. Sometimes the switch just blinks and blinks and never changes, sometimes it does without hesitation. One time 4x4 was engaged and working then went to go up a snowy hill and only rear tires were pulling. 4x4 service light is usually on. I have tested the switch. It is fine. Cleaned the ground wires under driver side door, everything worked as it should for about 10 minutes. I am in the process of watching your video, I just wanted to comment as soon as I could, not knowing how busy you are and how soon you can respond. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this and have a blessed day sir.

[@GSEShop]

If the switch tests ok do the wire mod in the video, if that doesn’t fix it I would look into either changing the encoder or the whole shift motor. That is the order I would do it from least expensive fix to the most likely fix.

[@brianleeth4679]

@@GSEShop lol I just finished your video and going to the garage. It's pouring rain in ohio right now so I gotta try and squeeze it in my tiny garage. I will let you know in just a few. Thank you very much for the video and the quick response. Already liked and subscribed...

[@GSEShop]

@@brianleeth4679 thanks for the support let me know how you make out

[@brianleeth4679]

@@GSEShop so I have ground at the accuator

[@GSEShop]

@@brianleeth4679 you can still do the ground mod, after all you cannot have too good a ground. It may be intermittent ground as well, and that would take care of it

[@brenthicks7286]

So your 4hi light never illuminated? Mine is blinking. Sounds like the encoder motor is cycling when I have the old lady push it but light continues to blink. I have the new encoder motor but don’t want to do the work if it’s a ground.

[@GSEShop]

Try the ground first, if it doesn’t work you can leave it in and it will cost way less

[@joshhilmon6535]

Dude thanks for the video my 4x4 switch has no power got a new box for 25 bucks going try it but no what to look for now

[@GSEShop]

You are welcome

[@carll.freemanjr.9867]

Adding my own ground is all I have left to try outside swapping the transfer case or the shift motor. Already changed everything else and tried everything else, here is to hoping.

[@GSEShop]

Prayers

[@DIGITAL7Media]

I don’t have time today to fix this but need to take a long drive. Will that error light do my truck from working? I never use 4wd.

[@GSEShop]

@@DIGITAL7Media only affects 4wd

[@jonathandeleon5588]

My truck is stuck in 4WD. 1999 Chevy Silverado 1500. When I press 2HI it flashes and the front axle actuator makes a weird buzzing noise and the transfer case control module makes a clicking noise when trying to engage 2WD. The actuator did the same as the new one just goes in when pressing 2HI then comes right back out to come into 4WD. Idk what to do

[@GSEShop]

Did you try the ground splice I showed?