'98 Chevy Blazer Front Drive Not Working

[Dan Schultz]

Well crap! I have periodically put the electronic 4WD through its paces ever couple of months on dry pavement and it seemed to be working OK.

Now that I really needed it the last couple of weeks.... the front drive is not engaging. The control seems to be working and I hear stuff 'clicking around' up front but have no power to either front wheel.

I replaced the battery a couple of weeks ago. Is there a chance I need to reset the computer or something?

[Dan Schultz]

You just need to call me and tell me to come with a trailer and pick it up...along with the signed title.

Not quite yet. I bought the Blazer two years ago with 67K miles. Haven't had any problems yet and I think the current situation is going to be relatively simple to fix. Everything seems to be working as it should except the front differential is not 'kicking in'. It's controlled by a cable that's operated by a vacuum servo. I should have it wupped in a few days as soon as the weather warms up a bit.

[Rick F]

Dan,
Did you find this video linked below? Could help.

How to Diagnose and Repair Chevy Blazer 4wd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP0jhBG0jv4

[Dan Schultz]

Dan,
Did you find this video linked below? Could help.

How to Diagnose and Repair Chevy Blazer 4wd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP0jhBG0jv4

I saw that one and was prepared to take the battery out to have a look at the vacuum actuator when I stumbled onto another suggestion on one of the Blazer forums. The poster mentioned that if the heater/air handler does not shift from 'at the feet' to 'defroster'... there could be a problem with vacuum getting to the front drive actuator. Sure enough... my defroster was not blowing onto the windshield as it should. I started tracking down the vacuum hoses looking for problems and found one that runs over the top of the brake booster badly deteriorated and with a 3" long split. I replaced that piece of tubing and the blower started diverting as it should at the front drive also started engaging.

Problem solved with a new 3" piece of hose... about $2 spent.

Whoopie! That means I can go out drinkin' tonight! Go git in the truck, darlin'!

[Rick F]

Glad to hear you got your 4wd working again, AND cheaply.

If you're going "drinkin" tonight, maybe your 'darlin' should drive you back home afterwards?

[Ace]

Dan,
Did you find this video linked below? Could help.

How to Diagnose and Repair Chevy Blazer 4wd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP0jhBG0jv4

I saw that one and was prepared to take the battery out to have a look at the vacuum actuator when I stumbled onto another suggestion on one of the Blazer forums. The poster mentioned that if the heater/air handler does not shift from 'at the feet' to 'defroster'... there could be a problem with vacuum getting to the front drive actuator. Sure enough... my defroster was not blowing onto the windshield as it should. I started tracking down the vacuum hoses looking for problems and found one that runs over the top of the brake booster badly deteriorated and with a 3" long split. I replaced that piece of tubing and the blower started diverting as it should at the front drive also started engaging.

Problem solved with a new 3" piece of hose... about $2 spent.

Whoopie! That means I can go out drinkin' tonight! Go git in the truck, darlin'!

Great story, Dan. I'm glad for you. I have a 30 year history of being a shade-tree mechanic---not out of necessity, but because I love working on things automotive. The feel of tools in my hands is very satisfying, especially on those occasions when I find an easy solution to a problem. -Ace

[Dan Schultz]

.... Great story, Dan. I'm glad for you. I have a 30 year history of being a shade-tree mechanic---not out of necessity, but because I love working on things automotive. The feel of tools in my hands is very satisfying, especially on those occasions when I find an easy solution to a problem. -Ace

I also have a long history of auto mechanics... first out of necessity in the college days ('68-'72) when the ex and I often had two cars broke down in the school parking lot! Then later when I could afford it better.... a long string of classics and exotics including:

- '55 Chevy Nomad... built 327cid, glass front end, straight front axle, ladder bars, 12 bolt posi... etc etc.
- '76 Corvette L-48 coupe
- '69 Javelin AMX (also a '70 and a '71 with cowl induction)
- '59 Ford retractable hardtop
- two '65 MG 'Midgets'
- competition Berrien chassis dune buggy with Olds 3.5 liter aluminum V-8
- '42 Ford Army Jeep (yes.. Ford made 'em, too)

Did quite a few engine & transmission rebuilds and wasn't afraid of body/paint work and body-off restorations.

I don't have any of the fun automobiles anymore and don't even change my own oil. Both garages have been converted for tuba repair and a small machine shop.

I don't have to jack tubas up and crawl under them. If that was necessary... I'd probably quit the brass repair business, too!

[Carroll]

- '69 Javelin AMX (also a '70 and a '71 with cowl induction)

Hey, me too! I had a '69 AMX and a '70 Mark Donahue, as well as a '71 with cowl induction!

Small world. Let's not talk about my '61 Nash Metropolitan...

[tofu]

.... Great story, Dan. I'm glad for you. I have a 30 year history of being a shade-tree mechanic---not out of necessity, but because I love working on things automotive. The feel of tools in my hands is very satisfying, especially on those occasions when I find an easy solution to a problem. -Ace

I don't have to jack tubas up and crawl under them. If that was necessary... I'd probably quit the brass repair business, too!

Best money I ever spent was installing a lift - I always hated crawling underneath vehicles even the high clearance thirties ones. Glad to hear your issue was an easy one. I've twice had to install new front hubs on my old Explorer. Even doing it myself it's an expensive pain in the aXX repair with the cost of the parts. Not one of Ford's better ideas.

[Dan Schultz]

.... Best money I ever spent was installing a lift - I always hated crawling underneath vehicles even the high clearance thirties ones. ....

Back in the day I had a plan to put up a six-car garage with at least one bay with a grease pit.

That idea went south along with the ex.... about 20 years ago. The car collection went, too. Turns out it would have still been a bargain at twice the price!

I'm still sort of shopping for a lift to make into an elevator to eliminate the nine steps up to the main level of my house. Gettin' old is a bitch!

[tbn.al]

My wife finally insisted on a new house to get rid of the 26 steps from the laundry room in the basement to the bedrooms on the second floor. I resisted at first but I'm glad I gave in. Now everything is on one level. Nice for an old fart.