1996 geo track 4x4 issues

TimA82 · 10-24-2008, 12:21 PM

I have a 96 trcker 4x4 5 speed I put new hubs on this summer and thought the 4x4 was working, I went to use it today and its not. The AWD light comes on and the transfer case ingages, it also ingages in 4 low but does not lock in the front tires. Is it possible the hubs are not installed properly? Or what else can I check? Thanks for the help.

jtgh · 10-24-2008, 02:00 PM

oops AWD ?

no idea on that.

TimA82 · 10-24-2008, 02:26 PM

I did the manual locking hub test and both sides lock the cv shaft spins when the tire spins. Also the front drive shaft will spin when they are locked. Like I said before the AWD light comes on and when its in 4 low it is definately in low gear but the front tires will not spin. Is there anything else I can do other than a new transfer case? Something electrical maybe?

jtgh · 10-24-2008, 02:34 PM

lets start over.
my 96 FSM shows NO AWD
so its not Sidekick OR you are off the north amercian contenant?

exactly what is this car.
AWD != to 4WD ( the are not the same)

do you have the std. Suzuki Trasfer case?
if yes, it is not electric
the lamp only shows the position of the lever on the transfer case.
a totally passive device.
but with AWD , that is another thing entirely with a center Differential.

what you got.

jtgh · 10-24-2008, 02:46 PM

the switch on top of XFR case is 4WD ,
the switch on the right side is 4LOW .

they can lie.
but i would be all over the linkage first.

see titty 22 , to 5 , damage.
see special bolts 30 , they have locking tips ,that fail.

this failure causes the shifter to spring up and dislodge and kill 4wd.

it is common. so is 10-14 parts breaking (this is the shift detent mechanism)

now your next question next.

jtgh · 10-24-2008, 02:51 PM

96 1.6L 5speed , 4wd Right? Auto or manual locking hubs, what do you have? I see a later post and it implies manual locking.

You did the below and the front prop shaft spins so... (shifter is bad) { cross fingers}

below is the test, that you did.
one tire off ground front (you have limited slip so one tire only)
transmission in 1st gear. hubs locked.
only 1 tire. off ground.

4wd engaged, H or low , try both really
grab CV, if it turns, the Xfr case is failing. (assmues 3 wheels on ground and trannylocked to flywheel.)
cant turn it , then go to other side and repeat the test 3 wheels on the ground.

if automatic tranny I am not sure how to do these tests. (park locks front .so....)(for others, maybe some one can tell me...?)
yours is 5sp.

Jay in Oregon · 02-16-2009, 09:57 PM

did we ever find out what the problem was? I have a transfer case problem like this one 95 sidekick 16v1600 slushpump, I have searched this site high and low and can't find a good schematic or any info on repairing the transfer case the best I could find was someone who cleaned thiers and gave very good instructions on what you need and that it would be better left to your mechanic, unfortunately for me, my mechanic is me, I guess I better buy a book any sugestions? I am really cheap ( lack of funds) so best bang for the buck would be helpful, and I thank all of you for your help. also I have a 5 speed with a good transfer will some of the parts fit?