Lots of clean grease on axle structure below the front axle booty
 

I managed fool my '04 ZR2's 4x4 system into going back into gear after being stuck in neutral. I pulled the ATC 20 amp fuse out; put it back in after 20 minutes.

The computer diagnostic indicated a bad encoder motor. However, I am not sure the whole transfer case and front diff are not cooked. Got under the truck, and noticed at least a handful of clean grease below the upper booty just behind the the left front wheel. Secondly, there seems to be a small leak in my gear box. I have noticed a little oil dripping on to the exhaust too far back to be engine oil.

Before I go and replace the encoder motor, I am not sure I whether to get a whole new transfer case and front diff.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The grease could be from a torn boot on the outer CV joint (pictures would help). Most auto parts stores have new, (not rebuilt) complete half shafts for ~$70.

DTC's never tell you that a part is bad or needs to be replaced. DTC's tells you what circuit is or was out of range. It's up to you to diagnose the problem. This link will help: https://blazerforum.com/forum/tech-a...agnosis-26408/

What cap said..
for instance, my truck throws a DTC "encoder motor fault" and I have narrowed it down to a bad TCCM.

wonkey

Thanks for the responses. Is the Dorman 600-901 encoder motor going to fit my '04 ZR?

If it's a 2004, NP8, NVG236, 4 button switch, and has 4 pins in the connector, yes, it will fit.

If the re-boot allowed you to shift out of neutral, I'd question the TCCM before the encoder though.

I have replaced my four button switch. The TCCM clicks away as normal but nothing is happening underneath.

When I unplugged my ATC fuse then plugged it back in 20 mins later I can hear the encoder motor whirring but not putting my truck in 2hi. It defaults to 4lo or sometimes 4hi. If I can get into 2hi, I will take the truck to the shop and avoid a tow.

Could be a problem with the TCCM not sending or receiving data from the encoder, or the encoder not sending or receiving data to the TCCM. What was the DTC that was in memory? There are several transfer case specific DTC's.

Carless
 

person wrecked this blazer on front-end on right side broke tie rod replaced cause no turn and would turn but is real bad tire rub on both sides and try to go in reverse it barely will move and feels like trying to crawl up itself and no 4-wheel drive blazer 2005 model LL asking for any help i can get thanks just started working on cars no expieriance