4wd doesn't engage - crap!

Hello,
Could you give us a little more info on your truck? Is it a Trooper, Rodeo, Amigo(Rodeo Sport)? Also, what year is it. Where you moving, and if so, how fast. Post back, and I am sure someone will be able to assist.

Adam

Sure. It's a 2001 Rodeo. The manual states to drive under 60 mph while engaging, so I've ranged anywhere from 15 to 50 mph the numerous times I've tried to engage - all to the same results. I also checked my Haynes manual and there's virtually no troubleshooting information for the 4wd system.

Sounds like your shift on the fly (SOTF) actuator is rusted/seized. On the rodeos it's a small electric motor operated gear box that's attached to the drivers side front axle tube. They are prone to moisture contamination & will lock up if you don't "exersize" them. The only preventative measure I know of is you have to remember to engage & disengage your 4wd a few times a month to keep it lubed/freed up. I do it as I pull out of my driveway & disengage before I hit the street. Atleast that way you dont shock the drivetrain too bad. There is a very small gear lube resevuoir on the SOTF where it attaches to the axle, that should be okay for you since your truck is only a 2001. You either have to take apart & clean the SOTF actuator, or replace it.
G/luck
Joel

Joel,

Do you happen to know what the actuator looks like? Is it hard to remove for cleaning (i.e., do I have to remove a lot of other components?)? Thanks!

-Drew

Here's a pic of one already pulled off:http://www.planetisuzoo.com/data/articles/65/shiftmotor-me.jpg I have not had to yank one from a 1998+ rodeo yet, but it looks pretty easy. It's right on the driver's side front axle tube.
G/luck
Joel

As seen in: http://www.planetisuzoo.com/articles.htm/65

Wow, I was staring right at that thing yesterday and didn't know it! Oh well. I ended up dropping it off at Isuzu this morning to just let them fix it under my warranty. Would've liked to try to fix it myself but ah! no time this week. I'll post the end result. Thanks for the info guys!

Yep. The SOTF actuator should be covered under the 3yr/50Kmi isuzu warranty. It is not covered under the 10yr/120Kmi p-train warranty.
G/luck
Joel

Well it was indeed the actuator - it was shot. To my good fortune, they had a new one in stock and had me on my way by the afternoon. I'm 4wd'ing again!

Good deal! Remeber to turn the 4wd on/off every couple of weeks & you'll be good to go.
G/luck
Joel