this is a blazer forum, but i seen some bravada talk in here i thought maybe someone could help me. signed up today because i bought a project bravada for 300 cash. it wouldnt start. so they let it go CHEAP. found out, fuel pump fuse in the wrong spot. runs and drives good however, like the title says, i cant get my AWD to work. its the smart track bravada. it has the capability of being awd because all 98 models do, from what i have researched. anything that would keep it from working? i checked all small fuses, but not the LARGE ones, i dont know how. i really want the 4WD/AWD, it would be awesome. any and all help is appreciated!!! thanks in advance guys!

I dont have a push button or anything on the inside that says AWD or anything to lock it in, there is a hole next to the vents in the middle of the dash (left sdie of vents) where i would imagine this *button* or whatever it is, should go.

 

There is no selection for the NV136 transfer case. It does the transition from RWD to AWD on its own when slip is detected by the TCCM. A viscous clutch inside the transfer case can vary the torque delivery anywhere from 100% to the rear to 50/50 F/R (fully locked in).

What exactly isn't your truck doing? Do you have a 'service AWD' light on? Have you checked or serviced the transfer case fluid (use GM Autotrak II fluid ONLY)?

 

i was stuck in the snow and was completely flooring it and both rear tires were spinning but the front ones wouldnt even begin to spin. i dont know what to do, but i need to have AWD lol anyway to get it to not be computerized or switch it to push button or something? no light and i havent had it serviced yet, how should i go about doing that?

 

You cannot switch things to the push button style without a LOT of work. The first thing to check is that all of your fuses are in proper working order. Do not just look at them, test them for continuity. Also, remove the passenger side kick panel and make sure that all of the connections to the TCCM are clean and corrosion free.

To service the transfer case, pull the fill plug (large plug on the back of the transfer case about 1/2 way up). Then pull the drain plug (same size as the fill plug, but located at the bottom) to drain the t-case. You will need 2 qts of fresh GM Autotrak II (dealer only) to refill it. It will only take around 1/2 to 3/4 of the 2nd quart to fill it.

 

the only thing i can think of is if it is clean or whatever if it still doesnt work, then what? is there a relay or actuator or something like this i can swap?

 

You really have to have it diagnosed to determine what the actual problem is. Well, that is unless you like to throw parts/money at a problem without a clear indication of the cause.

You should check over the entire system to make sure that a previous owner hasn't done something incorrectly. Like for instance, if someone swapped in a regular 4wd truck (non-AWD front axle), the problem could be caused by the front axle being disengaged. The AWD front axle is solid from the diff housing out to the passenger side CV shaft (i.e. it does not have a disengagement mechanism) and because it is solid, there are no provisions to engage/disengage the common 4wd front axle.

A faulty TCCM could cause the system to just hard fault and not illuminate the 'service AWD' light on the dash, but other problems (such as an encoder fault or a problem with the transfer case itself) should cause the light.

 

I have the same problem with my 98 bravada. i have a family member who used to own a 99 and his problem was the front diff needed replaced and they are EXPENSIVE. The funny thing with my smarttrack is that taking off from a light on a dry road i can feel the front tires pulling but in anything like mud or snow the front axle refuses to engage