Sticking shift actuator - 4x4 flashing light prob

[mitsenoj]

Hi - have read though all the posts on 4x4 superselect problems - most seem to be centered around front actuator problems - or sensor problems.

I think however I have a mechanical problem with the shift actuator located at the center diff (see pic). I have had a problem before with it sticking - sparky figured it was sticking and gave it more amps which got it freed up (has worked for about a year). Now back with similar problem.

My question is - how does this actuator work and what does it do? Is it easily removed and serviced without removing the gearbox?

I assume it has three positions (just a guess)-
2H (front drive shaft disconnected)
4H (front drive shaft connected)
4L (low range engaged)

It sounds like it is an electrical servo which I assume drives a shaft in and out, but I see it also has a vacuum line connected?

[4ePikanini]

All I could find in the manual. Unfortunately it doesn't cover the motor which I suspect may be a vacuum motor with electrical sensors to check position.

[mitsenoj]

Thanx - didnt see that diagram - but in my defence I was looking under the manual gearbox section

HMMM still think it is electrical motor - makes appropriate noises even when engine not running + how the auto electrian fixed it last time was applying more amps to get it unstuck?

Of course it has cured itself for now - am now switching from 2H to 4H daily to try keep it that way - hope I don't wear it out in the process!

Would still like to service it though - no one else had this problem ?

Tim

[lunnmj]

I Have this problem now.
Two front wheel lights flash and will not select 4wd.
Checked there is power at shift actuator when selecting 4wd, but does not go into 4wd.

Also wondering how to strip it.
Can I remove it by powering the shaft out of the actuator without it falling apart inside ?

[lunnmj]

Can anyone tell me how to remove the transfer box shift actuator from the transfer box ?
I have loosened the 3 bolts, but cannot remove it from the shaft.

It does not want to select 4wd.
I powered it with 12v in and out then it worked once and not again.
I want to service it .

[4ePikanini]

Most of sticking shaft issues is dirt or vacuum solenoids.

Move the boot so you can empty half a can of "tool in a can" on the actuator to clean and lube.

Make sure the pipes from the front actuator aren't leaking vacuum.

Test the vacuum applied at the actuator is 2H and 4H. They should alternate vacuum on the two vacuum pipes going into the actuator as you alternate between 2H and 4H. If it doesn't, replace the two vacuum solenoids by the airbox.

[lunnmj]

I am talking about the transfer box actuator and not the front one.

This is a electrical motor that reverses potential and the pipe is just a breather.

The transfer box actuator does not always select 4wd. Struggle to engage eventually orange light flashes.
I loosened the 3 bolts, but cannot get off the selector shaft. I can engage the gears manually.
I supplied 12v to the actuator and it does move in and out slowly.

I want to remove it to service it.
How do I remove it or can I power it of the shaft without it falling apart inside and how difficult will it be to replace it again ?

[Mike Terra]

Lunnmj - did you manage to fix your disconnect problem? This has been the biggest headache I have had with my DiD's the little servo motor is actually not man enough for the job. When I have been forced to pull mine apart I have always had to take the cover off the gear drive on the motor and disassembled the gears in situ'. so far I have never had a motor fail only had problems with the selector shaft actually stuck and needed to be pulled and pushed a few times to get it moving freely again.

I have also found that the best way to get it out of 4WD is to find a free piece of road where you can freewheel at 2kph and then select N free wheel gently whilst turning the ignition switch on /off repeatedly. Each time you go on /off it kicks the motor and eventually the motor will disengage the 4WD.

Note* Not always once had to drive 300 km inn LLc4 before being forced to disengage manually. Now I do try to remember to engage and disengage at least a couple of times a month to keep the selector free.

[lunnmj]

Hi Mike

Only see this now. time fly's by so fast.

I am still trying to solve the problem. Stripped my actuator in place and re-lubricated.
Still not engaging 4x4. Engaged once after service.
Will have a look again some time when I have time.
No one on here has been able to help with xfer box actuator and what causes it.
Thought maybe alignment or something.
Also have flashing light problem when driving 30km in 2wd.