4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: 4WD service light on 2004 suburban, chevy suburban, sensor error


Question
The service 4WD light came on in my 2004 Chevy Suburban, the vehicle will not go into 4WD when the light in on, the dealer told me that it will generate a code in  the computer to let them know what if anything needs to be repaired.  When I took the vehicle in to have it checked out they told me there was nothing in the computer to indicate a problem.  Is this scenario correct or do I have a dealer that does'nt know what they are talking about?

Answer
Steve,

The first thing that I would do, is to purchase a Chilton's, or Hayne's repair manual for your Suburban.  That way, you can check out some of the basics yourself.  

I have heard of some of the newer transmissions, and transfer cases having problems when there is a bad ground.  This is due to most of the shifting done electronically, and the sensors not receiving the proper voltage.

If there is a computer, or sensor error, then the dealer's scan should have shown a fault code, especially if the service 4WD light is on.  

If the manual doesn't work out for you, I would take the Suburban to another reputable shop, (possibly one that specializes in transmissions and 4 wheel drives) and have it scanned again.

A knowledgeable dealer would have a complete shop manual which should give them a list of errors that would cause this light to come on.

Carl