Hello from Mexico. I would like share a solutuion for a 4*4

[roshirim]

I would like share one solution for a problem with the 4*4 switch and save money

After read a lot of post regarding to 4*4 issues.
I decide to solve the mine.
And the best thing is that we can save money for this.
Cause here in Mexico the parts and the price are so difficult to find and expensive.

I'm the proud owner of a trailblazer 4*4 EXT LT 2004 (is an old truck but is great for me)
When I bought this truck this had a problem with the 4*4, was not engaging as should be. the led switch most of the times just remains in 2wd or 4low but most part of times just 2wd..
The 4x4 switch was not working and when this get works in to 4low suddenly this change of position by itself to 2 wheels drive.

Then i decide to tear down the main panel To remove the 4x4 switch And try to fix it to save money.

When finally I get the switch I proceed to remove and open the switch to see the problem.
I found the traces in the switch were in short some positions and that was the reason for that the switch always remain in only one position.

the pics are in the reverse order but shows that was the problem.

[ErikSS]

I assume this repair worked. Im glad it worked for you. Your explanation and photos illustrate your repair well. The switches are not expensive near me. We have members in areas that parts are expensive and the switches are a known weak spot. So thank you!

[Trail X]

Great job Jorge. I always love to see people finding the root cause of their problems! Congrats on a nice cheap fix.

[roshirim]

I assume this repair worked. Im glad it worked for you. Your explanation and photos illustrate your repair well. The switches are not expensive near me. We have members in areas that parts are expensive and the switches are a known weak spot. So thank you!

Thank you Erik.
Yes that repair solved mi issue now the 4*4 change very well as should be.
I hope that can be used for any other member or people. of sure I read a lot of post before to see were the problem was.

This web site is great and with a lot of solutions that is i want to be a one more of proud TB owners and make my contribution to the community.


Cheers
Jorge.

[roshirim]

Great job Jorge. I always love to see people finding the root cause of their problems! Congrats on a nice cheap fix.

Thank you James.
Great to hear that my first post for the site can be used. I'm new here in this site is great.

[bartonmd]

Very cool!

Mike

[Trail X]

Out of curiosity, how did you remove the shorted sections?

[roshirim]

Out of curiosity, how did you remove the shorted sections?

Hello mr. TRAIL X
Yes sure like the shorts were made because the internal wear of the traces, was very easy to remove with a small plain screw driver or a razor but carefully . I did not need any special tool like welder or tin or multi meter, it could be great for any that have a multi meter to measure the contact resistance to measure the electrical short.

but was not necessary just remove the excess of wear and solved.

[Shdwdrgn]

I seem to recall this is one of the resistance-based switches... Has anyone ever measure the resistance between positions? And alternative fix could be getting a manual multi-position selector and wiring individual resistors between the positions.

[roshirim]

I seem to recall this is one of the resistance-based switches... Has anyone ever measure the resistance between positions? And alternative fix could be getting a manual multi-position selector and wiring individual resistors between the positions.

Hello
yes for sure there is some sites that shows the electrical diagram for the switch, For do that you need a little bit more of experience, a basic knowledge of electrical theory.As I can see that the resistor values for the positions are:

5.1KOhms=Neutral
2.2Kohms=4LOW
1.1Kohms=4HI
560ohms=A4WD
240ohms=2WD

And the idea was save money and solve the issue

cheers
Jorge

[TBYODA]

Jorge, great find! Was there any dietetic grease in there? If not did you happen to add some? The dark material between the traces is carbon and bits of metal cause from wear and arcing when switching. Dietetic grease should eliminate the problem by helping to lubricating the switch. Cheap GM! What would something like this cost in Mexico?

[roshirim]

Jorge, great find! Was there any dietetic grease in there? If not did you happen to add some? The dark material between the traces is carbon and bits of metal cause from wear and arcing when switching. Dietetic grease should eliminate the problem by helping to lubricating the switch. Cheap GM! What would something like this cost in Mexico?

hello thank you for your comments.
yes there was dielectric grease yet, an smalll amount but yes.

the cost for a new switch here can be around 50 dollars plus 25-30 dollar for the installation. this can be for some people 3-4 days of salary(in our currency).
but the most part of time we can not find the switch available.
in the junk yard can be around 20-30 dolar. of course if there is one in good condition.

some people can purchase the items by internet but most part of people does not.

cheers jorge

[Cable810]

Welcome!

[roshirim]

Welcome!

thank you
I will do my best to help others, and of course i will request some orientation also..


cheers
jorge

[Shdwdrgn]

And the idea was save money and solve the issue

Oh I understand that, I'm just considering other options. As you said, the switch can be very expensive or even impossible to find in other parts of the world. Also the nature of wiper-style contacts make them susceptible to dirt and corrosion, limiting their use in extreme environments, so a mechanical switch could be better suited for some people's location.

And thanks for the resistor info, that should go in a file somewhere.

[Whitelightening]

Nice write up....I'll try it if my switch starts acting up

[roshirim]

Nice write up....I'll try it if my switch starts acting up

I hope that works for you.
for my solved my 4*4 stuck switch and suddenly changes..