Chevrolet GMC Transfer Case Shift Motor Alignment

This is how to quickly align the shift motor so that it will slide onto the shaft on the transfer case. Be aware though that the 2x T20 bolts could be a headache!

[@danielvelazquez4239]

Does the vehicle need to be in neutral when removing and setting it back in?

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

Only the transfer case needs to be set to neutral. That can be accomplished by holding down the 2wd and 4wd/low buttons.

[@BeebeBoyz]

This is exactly what was wrong with mine. I replaced the transfer case and the gears on the transfer case was different then the gears on the motor. I pushed the button on the dash to try to align the gears. then the light went off on the dash and was getting the error for service 4WD. So I came across this video and I just performed the re-alignment and now the light come on for neutral. We are back in business. Thanks for the video.

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

Fantastic glad you were able to get it sorted!

[@user-dx8bx5qp4x]

How did you get your lights to come on on the switch. Did you plug the motor in while it's was on the transfer case or with it off

[@00jonesin]

Rare to find a video covering the exact issue along with a clear walkthrough and explanation. Pretty sure you just saved Christmas for this guy. Thank you for this

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

All glory to HASHEM for providing me the opportunity to put this together! I pray you get your situation resolved! Shalom!

[@stevehaugen4268]

@@joshuaanothereraseddad Joshua, like Kris, this is the EXACT issue that I was having tonight as I was working to put a new transfer case in my 2004 Avalanche. Thank you for posting this video. It was clear and to the point - exactly what I needed!

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

@@stevehaugen4268 Most grateful this video was of assistance my friend! Sorry for the delay in responding and much Shalom to you and yours.

[@brianlivingston7303]

Excellent video very informative!!!! Thanks

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

Thanks glad it helps out! Shalom!

[@joes5096]

Not only did someone make the same mistake I did, they even made a video about it - helpful

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

Cheers! 😁👍

[@emuralles13]

Great video man you rock

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

Thanks much appeciated!

[@jsyine5308]

Good info I wish I would have seen this video 3 years ago when I dealt with that... I finally got it line back up on the third try..😮‍💨 but it was worth it spending I think 18 bucks on the sensor or almost $300 for the new assembly..

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

Glad you sorted things after all!

[@Rustyford-zr9mj]

This was actually very helpful to me just now🤣

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

Stellar mate glad it helped!

[@jeffwiggins3351]

Sincere thanks for taking your time and knowledge to share this video with all of us what to doer types out here in the cyber tube world... Both informational as well as entertaining...lol Super job...super thanks...and here's wishing you and your family a very happy, healthy, and prosperous new year:>)

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

You're very welcome Jeff! I appreciate your kind words. I wish you and yours all the best as well!

[@benjohnson8972]

Huge help! Thanks!!!

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

That's great my friend glad to hear! Shalom!

[@MrStaybrown]

Thank you.

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

You're welcome.

[@Marc948]

How about hummer h3 after I changed the transfer case it went neutral don’t wanna move at all

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

I'm not sure without seeing your sitaution in person. I have heard that sometimes the switches themselves go bad. I would use a multimeter and perform some tests on the switch at the dash to check for resistance. I pray you get it resolved.

[@trampasskelton7152]

Do I need to turn key on and set neutral before reinstalling?

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

Yes, turn key on and then hold buttons on switch to engage neutral.

[@jamesharlan3202]

Does this work on a Dorman replacement shift motor?

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

I'm not sure as I have not had one in hand to know. Sorry.

[@chrisknight6299]

I got a ? My 2004 chevy suburban z71 tranny went out and transfer case . I bought a use one one its a 99 to 2000 tranny and transfer case well my 04 has plug that is different then this tranny and the 04 has a starr gear and transfer case now has a circle gear what can i do to make my 04 plug work

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

I'm sorry to say, but due to the numerous differences between them, as far as I am aware, you'll have to scour the scrap yards for the correct year components. There is a professional transmission guy on YT and his channel is called Presicion Transmission m.youtube.com/@PrecisionTransmission/ and he would be better at offering advice for situation. However, I'm inclined to believe there are enough difference within those years that ultimately make them incompatible.

[@mattblack133]

Lol... good stuff bro.

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

Thanks chief!

[@mattblack133]

@@joshuaanothereraseddad yeah man, call em like I see em. 👍

[@user-dx8bx5qp4x]

Got a ? Bro im haveing the same issue but do i put ot in neutral on the switch before plugging it in. The reason i ask is because the lights on my 4x4 switch only come on when i cut the key forward

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

It really shouldn't matter as the computer should recognize the position upon reinstall, however, it wouldn't hurt to turn the ignition on and push the switch to activate neutral position.

[@user-dx8bx5qp4x]

Ok so when I install it on the transfer case and cut the key forward it should light up on the 4x4 switch

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

You have to manually turn transfer case to neutral and then reinstall motor (of course in neutral). Then you should be good and it should show neutral on switch.

[@jaredharris9703]

I was looking for a video to show me the different positions on the transfer case manually. Do you have any of those. And thank you for making this video Bc I want to rebuild my control module as you did here.

[@45makeitlpuder]

​@@jaredharris9703 Did it work

[@joes5096]

I took my failed OEM apart and it was filled with oil? Is that intended? thanks

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

Not that I am aware of. Generally should only be grease at the gears. Sounds like a seal leak somewhere, but I can't put my finger on where that would be.

[@thegreenplan]

Mine was also full of oil any answers to why this would happen??

[@jaredharris9703]

Sounds like the gasket or O ring between the control module and the transfer case where it bolts to is leaking right where it aligns at. Like inside the case like an O ring.

[@wesleymilby1017]

What if a 1988 manual transfer case how do I get the gears to line up

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

I would think with a manual style that you just be able to turn the shaft with a pair of pliers to the neutral position. I'm not sure what one looks like so unfortunately I'm not the best to offer assistance.

[@wesleymilby1017]

@@joshuaanothereraseddad I gotchs so my issue is I had to replace the transfer case adapter gasket and I had my truck in park and the transfer case in 2wd not neutral and when I put the tcase back in the gears from the transmission and t case aren’t aligning up

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

Okay so you'll have to engage the tcase into neutral and then spin the shaft until it aligns with the transmission. You can also pop the transmission in neutral and spin that shaft. I'm pretty sure theres a wide spot between two of the teeth on the inside of the tcase shaft. That will need to align with transmission side. You may need to use a flashlight to find spot on transmission side. In some cases there is no wide spot and the buggers just have to be fiddled with until they finally align. Having the tcase ultra straight is very helpful. I hope you can get it sorted without much more hassle.

[@jessusrdz4360]

Where you got the part what auto parts

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

I purchased a used one from a local salvage yard.

[@justindavis9529]

Why did you just turn the shaft of the transfer case?

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

Because the alignment was off and there was no way to reinstall it without going through this procedure.

[@objectiveriver2844]

Mine runs like 30-40 seconds after I turn ignition off I don't want to tear into anything if it's not this problem

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

That's really odd. I've never encountered an issue like yours. I lean towards, "Don't fix what ain't broke." If it works then keep on keeping on.

[@objectiveriver2844]

@@joshuaanothereraseddad sadly it doesn't work stuck in 4 high on switch but I'm in 2hi the actuator runs going back and forth when turned off

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

@@objectiveriver2844 No doubt, I wonder if the encoder ring is bad in the actuator?

[@objectiveriver2844]

@@joshuaanothereraseddad I'm going to be taking the motor off and see if the gears are stripped or missing something but I will take it to a dealer and have them look at the coder

[@kdlittlehawk]

@@objectiveriver2844 I have the exact same problem, I changed the 4x4 switch in the dash but no luck with that. With the key on and engine not running and pressing different selections ( 2H, 4H, AUTO 4WD) I can hear the actuator motor running but it never goes to what I selected.