2003 siverado service 4wd message?

[fish2live]

went to engage the auto 4x4 on my 03 silverado, sounded like it locked the front wheels in and made a whining sound. i put it back into 2wd the 4wd disengaged but it gave me a message to service the 4wd. does anyone know if there is a common problem with the 4wd system or have had similar experiences with something like this?

thanks steve

[PerchPounder]

I have not had this problem with my 2000 although the light does come on once in awhile but shuts off seconds later? Haven't tried the 4wd lately maybe I should before I really need it and don't have it.

[ottertailguy]

I have a 2005 Chevy and had the same service 4 WD message go on. I took in to the dealer and it turned out to be the 4x4 module switch. Was told it could of been one of three things. I don't remember what the others were though. It was $250 part and labor if not under warranty. I could put it in 4x4 unless it was acting up. Then I could turn off the truck and then it would be fine for awhile. Hope this helps

[BRULEDRIFTER]

Same issue in my '01. I was told it was very common and either the switch or some sensor in the system. Mine was the sensor...about $100 or so but I know the guy so I'm not sure if he cut me a deal or not.

[gclemens]

Fish2Live, I had the same thing happening to my ’03 Silverado a couple of years ago. After 3 replacement 4X4 module switches, some type of transfer case control module, and numerous transmission/transfer case software updates it turned out to be a bad ground wire. I believe this ground wire went from the transfer case control module to the frame of the truck so the fix was to put what they called a “star” washer onto the grounding bolt so that it made good contact with the frame. If I remember correctly, there was a service bulletin from GM covering this issue.

[huntnfish]

I got this message on my 03 Sierra a few weeks ago. They told me it was a ground issue and fixed for around $50 so I am assuming it is the same thing that Clemens is talking about. They said it was a pretty common problem.

[Capt.Blaine]

I have a 99 and it the light comes and goes. Sometimes it doesn’t come on for a month then it’s on all the time for a few weeks then gone. I have had it checked out and it’s just the sensor.