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4WD Actuator Issues

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bhobs

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I've read several threads on this and I'm still stuck. The truck runs great. I shift into 4WD Auto (or any 4WD option) and after a few seconds, I get several errors: ESC, Trailer Brake, and Service 4WD and then the bottom 4WD lights flash. When I shift into park, the parking brake engages and I have to restart the truck to get it back running fine in 2WD. I understand the oil filter location problem ruining the actuator plug connectivity. I disconnected the actuator plug and cleaned 5 seperate times with air-intake cleaner and compressed air. It looks as good as new. I ordered a new actuator from RockAuto (brand: Standard) and installed it. My problem remained completely unchanged. I disconnected the negative terminal hoping for a electronic resolution. No luck. Just a few days ago I took the truck to the dealer for the ESC recall (24V-653) that seemed to be a software issue hoping a software reset would reset my 4WD issue. No luck.
I suppose it's possible I have a faulty (new) actuator. Anyone have that problem before?

Any additional ideas?

I'm not a fan of my local dealer's service dept. Thanks for reading
 
You could try a new actuator (I bought my Dorman on Amazon). It sounds like you did a good job cleaning out the connector, my next step would be another actuator just to confirm you didn't get a faulty part.
 
firecadet613 said:
You could try a new actuator (I bought my Dorman on Amazon). It sounds like you did a good job cleaning out the connector, my next step would be another actuator just to confirm you didn't get a faulty part.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I bought the Dorman🤞
 
Ive experienced that issue. I went ahd and replaced it, which of course is kinda sorta tricky. You must put it in a certain way. Even after I replaced it, the error msg still pops up and the green 4WD flashes. So, upon that, I just ignored it, 4wd still engages, the error msg went away. Bottom line, periodically engage the drive, my lite has not come on since.
 
Unfortunately I installed the Dorman actuator and have the same issues with the Dorman. Any suggestions for next steps?
 
Here is what my scan pulled. I uploaded a youtube video to show the sequence of errors whenever I shift into any 4WD option (while in Park, in neutral, in drive...it doesn't matter). Thanks for your help!
 

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bhobs said:
Here is what my scan pulled. I uploaded a youtube video to show the sequence of errors whenever I shift into any 4WD option (while in Park, in neutral, in drive...it doesn't matter). Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Not sure what to think about all that, too many random things going on at once.
I would start by replacing the battery with a new, fully charged one, no matter what the tester says about the old one.
Then I would check the main ground connections and while at it, take a look behind the back seat for water intrusion, damage to the RF hub from water leaks.
Beyond that, shop or alldatadiy subscription, alfaobd and OBD2 interface.
 
kapinallinen2 said:
Not sure what to think about all that, too many random things going on at once.
I would start by replacing the battery with a new, fully charged one, no matter what the tester says about the old one.
Then I would check the main ground connections and while at it, take a look behind the back seat for water intrusion, damage to the RF hub from water leaks.
Beyond that, shop or alldatadiy subscription, alfaobd and OBD2 interface.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the ideas. I know I have water leak issues on the back window and the dealer has a plan in place to resolve it under the extended warranty.
 
kapinallinen2 said:
Not sure what to think about all that, too many random things going on at once.
I would start by replacing the battery with a new, fully charged one, no matter what the tester says about the old one.
Then I would check the main ground connections and while at it, take a look behind the back seat for water intrusion, damage to the RF hub from water leaks.
Beyond that, shop or alldatadiy subscription, alfaobd and OBD2 interface.
Click to expand...
Agreed. Try a new battery first.
 
I bit the bullet and took the truck to the dealer:
"Found DTCM internal driver to be burnt out causing actuator to not receive proper power. Replaced DTCM and 4WD was functioning properly but serive 4WD light illuminated due to internal brake of shift motor being weak. Shift motor replaced. Test drove and no issues."

It does work fine now. Hopefully it lasts. DTCM was part #68483994AD
Thank you all for your feedback. I hope this helps someone else.
 
bhobs said:
I bit the bullet and took the truck to the dealer:
"Found DTCM internal driver to be burnt out causing actuator to not receive proper power. Replaced DTCM and 4WD was functioning properly but serive 4WD light illuminated due to internal brake of shift motor being weak. Shift motor replaced. Test drove and no issues."

It does work fine now. Hopefully it lasts. DTCM was part #68483994AD
Thank you all for your feedback. I hope this helps someone else.
Click to expand...
Glad you got it fixed and came back to let the group know. Often these problem threads are missing the resolutions!
 
it’s been freezing temps here since Tuesday. I need to get on the road and want to use 4wd high. Now getting the service 4wd error. I hear the actuator trying to do its thing. The light will blink for like 10 min before getting the error.

Is there anything I can do to try and get this working before I leave? I have no replacement parts.

Thanks
 
silver billet said:
Ask your dealer to check the 4wd actuator plug/connection. It sits right below the oil filter and if the filter is tipped over when changing it out, oil can run into that harness and into the plug and cause electrical issues. Might just need to spray it out with brake cleaner and be on your way.
Click to expand...

rngzc said:
Just to update. Apparently this fix is it. I never have Serv 4wd issue ever since.

It seems I cannot trust dealership to do the oil change properly.
Click to expand...
 
I was able to get it to engage by tapping in the actuator. Guess it was stuck. Now it engages flawlessly within seconds.

Going to take it off one of these days and see if it can be greased/lubricated
 
bhobs said:
I bit the bullet and took the truck to the dealer:
"Found DTCM internal driver to be burnt out causing actuator to not receive proper power. Replaced DTCM and 4WD was functioning properly but serive 4WD light illuminated due to internal brake of shift motor being weak. Shift motor replaced. Test drove and no issues."

It does work fine now. Hopefully it lasts. DTCM was part #68483994AD
Thank you all for your feedback. I hope this helps someone else.
Click to expand...
Do you know if the dtcm had to be programmed? If not I want to I'd like to try a used one myself. How much it cost to have the dtcm installed? Mines doing the same thing. No battery voltage to connector and both my 4wd hi and low lights flashing at me. Says service 4wd and stabilitrack
 
bhobs said:
I bit the bullet and took the truck to the dealer:
"Found DTCM internal driver to be burnt out causing actuator to not receive proper power. Replaced DTCM and 4WD was functioning properly but serive 4WD light illuminated due to internal brake of shift motor being weak. Shift motor replaced. Test drove and no issues."

It does work fine now. Hopefully it lasts. DTCM was part #68483994AD
Thank you all for your feedback. I hope this helps someone else.
Click to expand...
Where is the DTCM located? I am having the same issue (replaced the actuator) and didnt solve the problem. I am thinking it might be worth looking at the DTCM BEFORE I head to the stealership.
 
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