1997 K2500 Chevy Suburban 4X4 switch

[tsande00]

I have a 97' Suburban with some 4X4 issues. The switch seems to have a short or something and functions intermittently. The light that indicates if you are in 2WD, 4HI, and 4Low often doesn't light up. When it isn't lighting up you cannot engage or disengage the 4X4. Simply pushing in on the dash in the vicinity of the switch usually causes the lights to come on and the switch to function properly.

Is this a common problem? Do I need to replace the switch or is it likely a loose wire? Is this relatively easy to repair myself?

[bumblenuts]

I had a 96 Chevy that did the same thing if you pushed in the dash then it lit up not sure what the problem was Got rid of the truck

[scrotec1]

You probably have a bad actuator on the front differential. The actuator is a gas bladder that heats up electricaly and they do get weak. Check for current at the actuator. You my friend need a wiring diagram.

[walleyehunterc15]

sounds like a loose or corroded wire if you push on the dash and it works you have found the area of your problem

[Jeremy airjer W]

4X4 switches have not been GM's most reliable part!

[tsande00]

Yeah, I guess I was making the assumption that the problem was directly related to the switch (behind the dash). Mainly trying to see if this was a common problem in the mid/late 90'd models and what the fix was. I guess I just need to rip the dash apart and find out eh?

Anybody do anything like this with a similar truck?

[jwhjr]

Replacing the switch is the fix if that's the issue. It's been doing what you've described in our 99 Suburban for the last 3 or 4 yrs, but I haven't bothered replacing it yet.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Replacing the switch is the fix if that's the issue. It's been doing what you've described in our 99 Suburban for the last 3 or 4 yrs, but I haven't bothered replacing it yet.

I starting to sense a "I'll get around to it someday" mentality from you? lol

[jwhjr]

Nice