I have a 2004 Z71 Suburban with approximately 189k miles. Approximately 1.5 months ago I had the transfer case rebuilt at my local garage's recommendation. My SUV could only be driven in 4WD. Last night, while driving the same situation surfaced. Only able to drive the SUV in 4WD.

I took the vehicle back to the garage that rebuilt the transfer case. They are now saying the transmission needs to be replaced. Hate to be a girl, but would the vehicle be able to be driven if the transmission was "out"?

 

Welcome to the forum Ogara.

That sounds SO fishy it stinks ! Since they didn't repair the transmission, there's no warranty for that, and I'd get a second opinion from another Shop. Your problem sounds more electronic/control than it does mechanical.

 

Thank you! I've been doing a lot of internet searches. Would the actuator have anything to do with this?

 

I wish I could be more specific, but situations like yours are very hard to diagnose by the written word :biggrin:

Go to a reputable Shop and let them listen and check it.

 

You probably didn't need the t-case rebuild either.

This sounds like a symptom of a bad encoder motor. This part mounts to the side of the transfer case. It is about a $200 part ( reman works just fine). I think it is two hours labor.

A bad trans WILL NOT force you to drive in 4wd.

I usually would not recommend this, but take it to a GM dealer and get this fixed the right way, may cost more but they won't rebuild a major component when it is just a sensor or other small component.