How To Replace Four Wheel Drive Actuator 1988-1999 Chevy GMC Silverado Sierra

How To Replace Four Wheel Drive Actuator 1988-1999 Chevy GMC Silverado Sierra

In this video I show how to fix your 4wd if it’s not engaging, by replacing the 4 wheel drive actuator located on the front axle. This is a very common and very easy fix! This method works for GMC and Chevy pickup trucks and SUV’s that have four wheel drive.
Buy Midwest Garage Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/midwest-garage

Buy your 4wd actuator here! (This is an affiliate link for Midwest Garage)
https://amzn.to/36hneIj

Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Midwest Garage, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Midwest Garage assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Midwest Garage recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Midwest Garage, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Midwest Garage.

FTC Disclaimer:
I am an Amazon associate. As such, I earn a percentage of sales made through Amazon associate links found in the description of my videos and on my website and other places.

36,568
Like
Save


Comments

Benjamin Tello says:

I already replaced this part 2 or 3 years ago and I have the same problem. is this normal?

claude rinehart says:

Is a 96 GMC suburban the same. I was told that it has one on the rear/front diiferential.

eric werner says:

Mine went out during the most recent snow storm. It worked when i parked it but then it snowed another foot. Fu.. Had to be pulled out of my driveway. And of course pushed back in. I hope this fixes it. Ill let you know. Thanks for your advice.

davebiesiada says:

Thanks for this video. I went ice fishing today and upon pulling into the public access parking area, my 4WD would not engage on my 95 Tahoe (floor shifter). I checked the fuses and they were fine. I went to O'Reily's and bought an actuator for $65……fixed the problem. I am grateful.

Nate says:

Awesome man I've been having that same problem and I thought something serious was wrong I'm going to order that part right now hopefully it fixes the problem

MrBrobilly says:

I have this problem but my 4 wheel works in low range , does this mean my problem is not the same?

Brooke di C says:

My four-wheel-drive is stuck in for high but the light is yellow not green and I don’t know if I should even drive it right now. I don’t have any tools with me and it’s freezing outside. So I’m not able to fix this myself right now. Not sure if this girly girl tomboy has enough tomboy in her to get this done anyway. LOL
What should I do?

shelbyhuerta says:

Great vid brother, thank you

AOK Bikelife says:

My 98 k1500 engages in 4×4 fine but makes a knock in the front diff when u take off hard but not at a slow speed??? Would this actuator help??

Joseph Stokes says:

Dude! We owe you a beer! I want to order the part but can't find your Amazon path so you can get credit.

vince baldwin says:

One of the More important things you mentioned was ("I could Hear something moving – So I know It's Not an electrical issue"). This eliminates checking fuses, test wiring, test and or replace the dash switch in some cases!

Tom Harmony says:

Hey man….never realized it was that easy!!! Thanks. Question? I get the light blinking, makes sense. What about the light not light right away…or…if it is lit up, having trouble moving from 2 to 4 or vice versa? Sometimes I have to find a bump and knock it out of 4. Do you think this is also the actuator? I am thinking yes

Giuseppe Verdi says:

Very informative video. I replaced mine about two years ago but began to leak a little. I had to remove it and place a little teflon tape on the threads and hasn't leaked since. I've read where the pre-1998 GM 4×4's used thermal actuators to engage the front diff., then they switched to a motor or solenoid. There is supposed to be a wiring modification to make the later actuator function….perhaps making a video on that mod.?

Frederick Gross says:

Just changed mine. Used the same part you listed. Worked great. Now on to changing the front diff oil. I noticed it was a mess. probably as old as the truck itself.

Roxann Martin says:

Thanks Midwest Garage for the info. & post, I have a Chilton manual that does not have the info you shared in 5 minutes – keep it up & Merry Christmas from Montana !

Mack Curry says:

My truck is trying to engage into 4wheel drive while driving would this fix that

E.Michael Himmelhaver says:

Thank you!! You made my month. It took me about 12 minutes I should be faster next time!! You sure do know your stuff!!

Branden Reiber says:

What is the 2nd wire that’s on top of the actuator mine is not hooked up

Thomas Cornell says:

Make sure to check fuse #24 in the fuse box on the side of dash on the drivers side. I put in the new actuator and thought it still wasn't working, but come to find out that the fuse for the 4WD was blown.

Comments are disabled for this post.