There is a common problem with 1999-2001 Chevrolet Silverado where the service 4wd light comes on in the vehicle. The light is scary and led me to believe there were major issues with my four wheel drive, but it turns out its a quick, cheap, and painless fix by swapping out the 4wd selector switch. If you take it to a dealer they will charge you from as low as $180 to as high as $400. I’ll show you how to fix it for $50 in 5 minutes.
Update: Before step 1… make sure your transfer case fuse is good. On my truck it’s labeled ATC (Auto Transfer Case) and is located in the main fuse box under the hood.
Step 1: Remove the Dash Plate (to get the part number of your switch)
Pop off the dash. It’s simple and doesn’t requires tools. Tilt your steering wheel down and put the gear shift in 1st. Now using your fingers, pull the dash plate off. There are about a dozen points where it connects. Pop them off and pull the dash plate off.
Step 2: Pop out the 4wd Select switch
To remove the four wheel drive select switch there are little plastic locks on the top and on the right, hold them up and pull out.
Step 3: Get the part number of the switch
Turn the switch over and look for the part number on the back. Mine is a 2000 Silverado Z-71 Extended Cab. The part number is the longer of the two – 15709327. I believe they used this part for 1999, 2000, and 2001.
Step 4: Order the part
You can get the part either from GMPartsDirect.com or a dealer (who will probably charge you more). It was about $40 plus shipping from gmpartsdirect. There is a search box on the front page, punch in the part number you wrote down from the back of the switch.
Step 5: Put in the new part
Once the part arrives, use the steps above to remove the switch and replace the new one. Total repair time: 3 minutes (and I was a huge dork and took pictures).
Used your repair the 4wd instructions. They were great and the pictures were helpful. Time will tell whether that fixed it or not. Thanks for the help.
This is a very good way to fix this problem. I had the same issue and i actually fixed the old switch by soldering the broken solder joints on it. You will need a fine tipped soldering iron and some minor knowledge of soldering.
GREAT JOB!! YOU ARE THE BEST!! ITS PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE!! “OUTSTANDIG!!”
Thanks for the valuable information about replacing the 4WD switch. It was very helpful. I wanted to replace that switch since I first started seeing the “Service 4WD light on my 2000 GMC with 18000 miles, but wasn’t sure how to remove the dash until I read your instructions and saw your pictures. I just ordered new switch on line so hopefully it will elimate the problem.
thanks again
Paul
Thank you for the info. My husaband is having trouble out of his too. This should be a recall too many having same problem. I needed the part number for the switch. The website is updating the catolog so I could not get part number. Thank you so much.
Thanks. I think you nailed it. I also re-soldered the switch and it works like a charm.
Thanks for posting this solution, My dealer wanted over $100.00 just to check out the problem and I had to leave the truck for the day. Your posting got me back running in 15 minutes, thanks again.
Thanks for your post and pictures we have a 2002 silverado z71 truck and this helped a ton. we were able to get the part number on the back of our switch and order a new one online. Our model you had to work out with your fingers squeezing on both sides and then the number was on the back of the switch not on the metal just FYI. this part is about $90 at the dealership and way easy to replace by yourself for $40 online ordered part
Thanks a bunch. You really helped out a lot of people with the pics and instructions.
Thanks Man!
You saved me a bunch of $$$.
Simple fix cost me $52.00, which included the shipping.
GM had updated the part #.
I suppose so they can keep track of the bad ones.
It’s been in for over a month now, and I haven’t had the orange light hitting me in eyes!
Todd
You might not have to get a new one – I didn’t.
Thanks for this great tip and easy to-follow tutorial. I didn’t have to buy a new one – just opened it up after removal and saw all the cracked solder connections. I soldered them anew and put it back in place just as described above. Good as new so far. What was once flaky, is now 100% solid after a good 1/2 day of driving around. Status lights and changes are all on spot on.
Thanks!
Feel like a expert mechanic. Followed the directions, ordered the part, and it worked. Great.
Wow!! I am having the same problem with the 2000 Silverado I just bought! Im taking it back to the dealer to get it repaired, im glad to see that hopefully it is only this switch and not anything major! Thanks alot! This definitely should be a recall.
WOW and thanks a ton….I was worried I’d have an expensive service repair. The switch was acting flakey and the light was appearing. Took a trip to the Chevy dealer because I have to take a trip in 3 days. Charge was only $68 total so not too bad to have peace of mind. Thanks much for posting and the great pics!
I’m having the same message on my 2005 Silverado. Would this be the same thing? The 4wd seems to work fine when I use it.
does this work if 4 high light stays on and change out to 2 hi or 4 low, with service 4wd light on still?
thanks! the switch replacement worked for me! i bought it directly from the local chevy parts house and it was only $76.
I also used your method to change out my 4 wheel drive switch on my 2000 pickup. Thanks for your help because I would not have ever tried to do it without your instructions.
I have the same problem with a 2005 Z71, Also I lost most power when I tried to accelerate. Anyone else have this happen to there fine piece of GM Tecnology?
Thanks for saving me a small fortune. I followed your directions and wahla~ no more 4 wheel drive shifting problems. Thanks again!!!!
Did your truck ever shift into four-low upon start-up. My service 4wd light has come on several times, not allowing me to engage the 4-low or 4-high settings. Twice, at startup, I have noticed that it shifted itself into 4-low.
Thanks for the instructions here on the switch replacement.
I saved a bundle of cash, by doing this myself, yippee!
I have a 1999 GMC Sierra and the with same problem as above, I checked out the manual and said to “check dealer”, I called the service adviser at the same place I bought the truck at for advice, and would only help me if I brought in the truck in for service. I went ahead and checked all my mechanical componants to see if I could find the problem, I was at the point of frustration.Thank you for the advice.
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH GM? This should be a recall issue.
just finished all i did was clean the inside of switch
with contact cleaner and the connections also works
like a charm cost me nothing
I am looking for info on this. My husband’s service 4X4 light is on, and 4×4 doesn’t work. he tried putting in a used switch, and this didn’t work. Do you have any other suggestions??
THANK YOU! I thought I had a major problem but after following your instructions, I fixed this on my lunch break. It only took 15 minutes to pop it out and $56 to buy one from a nearby dealer. And now it works great!
I had the same problem took out the switch and resoldered works like new. Thanks took about 20 min Dealer was 147 for new switch and an hour to install.
Hey- I also soldered the connections on the switch on my 2000 GMC Sierra. No more warning light problems, but now the backlight for the pushbuttons isn’t working. This really isn’t a problem except that the pushbuttons will be a little harder to find in the dark.
Thanks for all the great postings
I had the same problem on my 2004 Z71. I priced the part @ $83 through the dealer and $64 after shipping through GMpartsdirect. Instead, I resoldered the connectors inside the switch. 20 minutes start to finish! Works like a champ!
Thanks for the info. I resoldered the connections on my 2000 Z71 and it worked! The info and pix help a bunch.
Trey… my ’05 does sometimes shift into 4 Low at startup and is hard to get out of 4WL. I’ve had this problem since day 1. Took to dealership under warranty and they kept it for 4 days said no problem found. I finally paid $90 for a switch and replace it myself… no problems for about 6 months and then it came back. I’m at a loss. I just pulled my newest switch and am going to check for cold solder joints.
Hey guys… those of you that soldered the connections… did you remove the board from the plastic or just solder the exposed connections on top? Thanks
I bought a new switch from my local dealer for $61, listed for $76. The part number has changed to 019168767. It took me almost as long to remove the dash as it did to replace the switch. Works like a dream
I had the same issue and replaced the transfer case switch with a new onel problem solved for $60.00 vs. $200.00 plus for a GM technician to troubleshoot and replace it.
I’m 100%, three for three with that switch. It went bad on my ’99 GMC Sierra, ’99 Silverado and now my ’00 Silverado. I paid the big bucks for the part the first two times, now I’m heading for the soldering iron. Thanks to all.
resoldering the pin connections fixed the problem now the lights all illuminate appropriately, and all four wheel drive functions are normal. I just soldered the pin connections with the board still connected to plastic housing no problems thanks for the tip
Just wondering if anyone else encountered no change after reflowing the pin solder connections?
THANKS, this saved me big time as I’ve had the flashing light problem for years but also have problems from time to time getting to/from 4WH back into 2WD. I’ve been stuck in 4WL for over a day now, read this article and took the unit out, checked the wiring and sodering ect, put it back in and everything is working fine now. I was going to have to rent a car for a 5 hour drive tomorrow so this saved me BIG time!!!!
Follow this link to view pictures of the re-soldering pin repair to the GM AUTO 4WD switch.
Thanks, saved me a service call. Took the unit out, soldered the top connection on the connector, cleaned the contacts and reassembled. Took longer to find the soldering iron then fix the problem. Fixed the power steering pump last week now on to the power window that won’t roll down. I have to say I am dissappointed in chevy since these are known problems perpetuated for several model years. This web site is awesome…. and thanks for the tips…. Saved me at least a grand in repair bills.
I replaced the switch and that apparently isn’t the problem. The light is still on and the selector switch does not work. Now what?
This has driving me nuts, service 4w drive indicator pops on after a few miles, I spend $400.00 to service the 4wheel drive; Just to go about 10 miles and have the indicator pop on again. The service people just scratch their heads and say they will have to look into it. I re-soldered the connectors and it shifts perfect. Thank YOU, Thank YOU.
I put a new switch in but I’m pretty sure i need a new T-Case cause, now its just stuck in 4High, witch isnt bad if you use it alot.
On more than one occasion my transfer case would stick in 4 high or 4 low before I fixed the switch. But after… that’s not a good sign.
Make sure your transfer case fuse is good. On my 2000 silverado it’s labeled ATC (Auto Transfer Case) and is located in the main fuse box under the hood.
i had the problem selecting 4wd hi and lo, i soldered the broken spots and now it works without any problems!
thanks all!!
This was excellent help! But instead of buying a new switch, I used a soldering tool to resolder the connector pins. Take the box apart, use a magnifying glass to see the cracks in the solders and remelt the solder. Worked for me.
My service 4 wheel drivw light is popping on randomly every week or so. In 4 low my transfer case is locking on and off untill I get to 10 mph. I have replaced the accuator on the front differential and other things as well. Do you think the switch will solve all my problems.
my 2003 silverado 1500hd seems to have a bad 4×4 switch. the service 4wd light has came on serveral times and is making me nervous. upon startup a few times i have noticed it has shifted itself into 4hi or 4low. can someone leave me instructions on resoldering the connectors on the 4×4 switch.
replaced that part still no 4wd. just replaced the 4wd acuator and it is still not working. but i can hear the acuator trying to engage. Any tips on what else it could be?
Thanks
My chevy truck was stuck in 4wheel drive. I thought I had checked everything, but when I read your article I realized I hadn’t checked the fuse in the ATC. The fuse was bad, I changed it and now my truck is out of 4 wheel drive. Thank you so much.
Read all the comments here, and decided to pull my switch, and see if re-soldering any solder joints would help. I pulled my switch, soldered the back of the connector pins that come through the board that contact the vehicles electrical plugs (Only points on the board that my soldering iron was small enough to do, and the only ones that looked bad. I did not remove the board from the backing plate). Everything seems to work perfect now! From reading this, to being completely fixed took me under 20 minutes! No point in buying a new switch, easiest solder job ever!
I think GM really needs to recall this problem. For about a year the service 4wd comes on, and I get it reset. I had a friend hook it up and it says there’s no problem! Well a few days ago my husband asked me why I had it in 4wheel low. Well of course I didn’t put in there. Then it happened 2 more times. I read Bobby’s comment and I to have the same problem. 2005 Z71. Go figure. I will try this solution. Less than $100 is better than what I was told. I was told the censor was the problem and it could cost approx. $1,000. Thank you for the input. Will post results.
Thanks for the information. It enabled me to fix the 4WD light problem and intermittent 4WD engagement that has bugged me for several years. I had even taken my 2000 GMC Sierra to the dealer where all they did was reset the service 4WD indicator, but it came back on shortly thereafter. So, I just lived with the problem, anticipating sometime having to spend hundreds or thousands to fix it.
After viewing the information here, I pulled the switch, found the bad solder to pin joints, resoldered them, and it now works fine. I did notice that the solder didn’t completely flow around the pins even after a thorough cleaning and resolder. I suspect there is a metal reaction problem with the pins. So, if the problem reoccurrs, I will try to find an newer model switch; hopefully they will have gotten the pin problem fixed by now.
Thank you very much for the straight forward instructions. I purchased a used 99 Silverado from a friend. 4wd Light kept coming on, and I couldn’t select drive modes. Since I was sure it was only the switch, tonight I found your directions, and replaced it. I believe it was stuck in 4 hi due to severely limited turning radius. Was ginger with it until I was able to replace the switch. Your instructions helped make is a snap (no pun). Anyway (sorry about the joke, couldn’t resist), replaced the switch, can now select drive modes and works like a champ. Like a rock! Sincere thanks from Cleveland, OH. Thank you very much.
My switch totally died so I ended up having to go the local GM dealer for mine but Thanks to your post I had it changed before I even pulled out of the parts department parking lot!
My 2000 Chevy had and issue were the switch light on 2H would go out and the service 4×4 would come on, this would be the issue most of the time. Some times the light would not go out and the service light would come on. Just did the re soldering and works great through all the ranges. Great post, thanks. Brent
This worked on my 2005 Z71!! Only a $100 part…thank you!! Also found that reversing the truck and then putting it in neutral and then pushing 2 wheel drive when it’s barely rolling will kick it out of 4 wheel.
Thank you about the update about the fuse. I had read about the bad switch and ordered one when my 4wd would not work at all and the light would blind me at night. I go the part put it in and it still did not work I was now worried I would be spending a lot of money to get it fixed. I found your update when right out to the truck checked the fuse and now I can rock and roll in this North Dakota winter that seems to be slapping us in the face right not. Thank you again.
Awesome post. Thank you very much. My 1999.5 Z71 had the
Service 4WD drive light for 2 years. So this last weekend I was on
my way up to Yosemite and knew I needed this fixed. Found this
post, got the part from the dealer, and the next day I was 4
wheeling in 2ft of snow up in Yosemite.
Thanks for the great advice. My service light came on
today. I checked with my local dealer and they couldn’t get me in
till later next week. I figured I could limp by with no 4 wheel
drive I thought it might have been a fuse but looking at the manual
and nothing jumped out as 4 wheel drive. Searching the web I cam
across your site. With the insight about the ACT I was check it in
the dark and cold and find a blown fuse. It works great now. Thanks
for your input.
is it difficult to replace the 4wd actuator? where is it
located?
THANKS FOR YOUR HELD
Thinking about buying this 01 chevy tahoe Lt 5.3L with 107xxx miles $8600 looks good from this small car lot. Have’nt had a chance to go drive it yet and check it out. The guy said he drove it for 6 months and it runs great. But he did say the service 4 wheel drive light pops on sometimes. A friend of mine has a scanner that he will hook up to the truck for codes. What do you think about the price? The truck looks great!! After reading issues with 4 wheel drive I dont want to get screwed…. Thanks
I forgot to add to the post he wanted $8995 but he said he will take $8600 for it..
I purchased the switch on ebay for 35.00 including shipping. I don’t know if the problem was solved yet, however it was so easy I can’t believe it. Probably took less than one minute.
thanks for the post.
Thanks for the information. I did swap out the selector switch (about $65 with shipping). All looked good after replacement, however, today the service light came back on so its on to more troubleshooting. I wouldn’t have even tried the switch replacment without your posting..so thanks.
Bob
thanks my wire olug was just loose. very easy to fix, thanks again
Thanks replaced mine today problem solved. found the part on ebay for 37.00 free shipping
My 2001 Chev Z-71 did this to me yesterday, we had about 3″ of fresh snow the night before and I went to get back in our driveway, which is steep, with the pick-up in auto 4wd and nothing, I tried about 3 times so I backed it back up to our shed a little ways away into a area that has not been plowed for awhile and was stuck. None of the indicator lights were on just the service 4wd one. Checked all the fuses, there is a 4wd one on the drivers side of the dash also and they are fine, so I disconnected the battery to reset everything and it is working for now but don’t trust it. Since I had no 4wd at all could the problem still be the select switch?
Hello all,
First,what a great job in explaining how to fix this problem. I not only had the “Service 4WD” light, but intermittently (mostly on), my ABS and brake lights would both come on at the same time.
I took out the 4WD selector switch and sprayed some contact cleaner on it, put it together and it works like a charm (so far). As an added bonus (I Hope), my other light problems went away. Not sure how they could be connected, but they seem to be.
My local chevy dealer wanted $96.00 for the part. It cost me $5.95 for the contact cleaner and I have enough left in the can to clean another 10,000 contacts.
Thanks again. I had no idea just how easy it was to take the dash off. Kudos to you!
My 1999 Silverado would change in and out of 4 wheel drive. After turning the ignition switch on and off for 15-20 minutes it would finally kick in.
I ordered the part from Ebay for about $40. The installation was simple. If you can plug in a lamp, you can do this. Took less than 5 min.
Hit the switch and immediately it made the change
Thanks
I took my 2005 silverado back to the dealer i bought it from and told them about this problem i was having so they switched out this part and a week later it kept happening. i dont think it has anything to do with this switch.
Hi,
I had the dreaded yellow 4×4 check light going on and off for 2 years. The lights on the switch would sometimes work and sometimes not. It would get stuck in 4wd or 2wd at the most unfortunate times. I thought the switch might be bad or even the actuator. I found your site and re-soldered the 4 pins on the back of the switch and presto! The lights on the switch all work and the truck shifts throughout the 4wd ranges and 2wd with no problems.
I also had to do the soldering trick on the display panel…the indicator lights would go out…sometimes the entire display…re-soldered them and works like new. Thanks again for the site.
Bridger
Thanks for the advice. We are looking to buy a 2000 silverado with this exact problem. We are hoping this is all that is the problem. It assures me that if this is the only issue we are getting a good deal (assuming it’s only a $50 fix). Thanks so much!
I bought the new switch on Amazon for $35. It is working perfect and the issue seems fixed.
Thanks for the great information
Thanks for this info!! I changed mine and it works great!!
Had this problem for months was glad to see the broken connections when i took it apart. If anyone is still having problems after fixing the switch it could be a worn 4wd actuator an the front diff. easy to unbolt and check for wear.
Thanks for the advice, you saved me a lot of time & $!
Don’t think it’s dorky to take pic’s of steps involved. Too many times steps are forgotton.
Thanks again.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE GREAT ADDVICE!! Soldered the connections and it works like new!!
thanks for the info 1st time it was under warrenty this time im going to soder it my be this will be the last time thx again
Just bought a Silverado -00.
When I drove home from the seller, the 4WD Service showed up..
After 5min with google, I found this site.
Seems that this is a peace of cake to fix
Thanks alot for this page!
Best Regards from Sweden.
The P/N for the transfer case selector switch on my 2004 Suburban was 15164520 which is now obsolete.
The new P/N is 15136039 for 2003-2007 vehicles.
I just ordered my 4WD switch Chev 2005 #19259313 thank you for the information
SD Ohio
Just want to say thanks for the article. What I thought was my 4wd messing up ended up being solved with replacing the switch. Thanks again!
My 2001 Silerado will not transfer from 2WH to 4WH (will not go into 4 whl drive) I push the 4WH button and it just flashes and goes back into 2WH, I took the Switch out of my truck and put in my Tahoe and it worked FINE, so its not the switch, I checked the ATC fuse, it was fine as well, I pulled the wires and cleaned them on the Tran-case, still wont go in the 4WD, any suggestions? PLEASE HELP…Thanks Jon
THANKS, it took longer to find the soldering iron than it took to take the switch out and solder three pins and reinstall the switch. So far it is working great. I agree that it sould be a GM recall.
Just wanted to say big thanks to all my light kept coming on all the time and shifting in out of 4wd i replaced the switch and havent had a problem again thanks to all for the help saved alot of mony this way.
Okay so I have a 2000 silverado 1500 z71 and my 4×4 panel seems to only stay in 2 HI, I can’t switch it to any other thing. When I start up the truck, only a few of the lights light up. I try pressing others like AWD etc. but the light still is lit up under 2 HI…Is my problem the switch like it is stated here or something major? By the way if it helps it says service 4WD and that comes up after about 5 minutes of driving.
The service 4wd light in my 2006 silverado z71 was on, and the indicator lights for 2wd, 4wd, neutral, auto would come on at random. Seemed the truck was in 2wd. I bought a new switch at the dealer, $100, I didn’t want to wait for gmparts.com, paid $25 more, but got it that day, put it in, and the problem seems to be solved. The parts guy said they sell a lot of those switches. BTW, most of the switches I found on ebay were used. I wouldn’t put in a used one !
Thanks for your instructions. I too was getting the “service 4WD” coming up on the dash. I ordered a replacement on Amazon (less than $40 – non OEM). Seems to have fixed the problem, only time will tell. Thanks for saving me $$$.
Oh yeah, I have a 2005 GMC Yukon.
I just changed out my switch with a new one. The Service 4WD light is steady on and no lights come up on it. Any suggestions?
My 2000 chevy silverado had the Service 4wd light on, i replaced the encoder motor and switch and still the light was on, looked at this website and I went and checked the ATC fuse it was blown, Thank You Soooooo Much for the info!!
I have a 99 silverado. All the lights on 4wd selector switch were off and couldn’t get it to shift. Checked the fuse in engine compartment labeled ATC, and it was good. So I figured it was the switch itself. Decided to work on it on a saturday, and all the dealerships were closed. So I decided to tinker a little and maybe try to reset it by pulling fuse and battery. Before I did I decided to look at the fuse cover of the inside of the truck, and low and behold there was a 15amp fuse labeled 4wd and it was bad. Replaced it and everything is back to normal. CHECK THE FUSES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING!