CDL problem

[adam4x4]

First off, I know this issue has been beat to death as I have read through all the threads on it.

When I bought my rig a few weeks ago I was aware the CDL and ABS lights were not coming on when shifted into 4L. I assumed a sensor (I was on the dealer lot) and would deal with it when I got it home and had the time. After doing all my baselining and such I now am dealing with it.

Vehicle and info: 97 450, no CDL switch installed. With ignition "ON" and tranny in park, I can hear the relay click when shifted into 4L but cannot hear the actuator "whirring" as described in earlier posts. My position sensor on the front of the transfer is good as I checked with my multimeter and also had my wife watch the dash as I pushed the ball in on the switch while I had it pulled out. When I did this the ABS and CDL lights came on. I could also stick my finger down the hole and when the transfer was shifted I couldn't feel any movement down there that would activate the position sensor.

I wanted to take it out last night and "work" the system as I am sure the # of times it has been in 4L are minimal. It was late and the kids were in bed so this will have to wait until tonight. I also want to make sure my harness hasn't shorted out somewhere along the way but when I looked it over last night it looked OK.

My main questions are: If I exercise the system like I described, is there a chance my actuator start working? It isn't making any noise or anything right now at all.

Is there anything else I should look for? No, I don't have a FSM yet. Buying parts have taken up the budget this month!

Sorry for the long post and all advice is good. Thanks.

 

[adam4x4]

I should add my ABS and CDL light do not come on when starting either and my fuses are fine.

 

[Hants]

My main questions are: If I exercise the system like I described, is there a chance my actuator start working? It isn't making any noise or anything right now at all.

Installing the CDL switch will make it much easier to exercise. I read somewhere that the hazard switch can be used as a surrogate.

And, yes, you do need to be careful. My actuator finally came to life while I was in a parking lot... the sudden change in turning radius when the center locked almost put me into the next parking spot.

 

[adam4x4]

I'm going to order a CDL switch today. My plan has always been to get one - now I have a reason too!

I'm going to get out and exercise it tonight and see if I can't shake something loose tonight. I know it hasn't ever been used before. I just hate to think I have to replace the CDL motor as it doesn't look like much fun.

 

[Tools R Us]

This is the actuator test.

The other test I did was test the same two pins on the harness side plug. If your getting 12v, that's power to drive the actuator. If your getting power and the motor is not running, it's ether the position switch contacts or the motor. If the motor is bound and you keep putting power to it you risk letting the smoke out! I would pull the actuator and inspect it.

 

[adam4x4]

That is good info. I did read through your post when you replaced your actuator. Hoping I don't have to do that but we will see. I will test the connection tonight to see what I have.