Fix or repair bi-monthly is better than fix or repair daily... Or Found on Russian Dump..[sm=icon_stickpoke.gif]

 

We had a state of apathywith GM lately over the work vans rear ends going out. If you fix all the bugs, you can keep it on the road for a while longer.
As long asI continue to fix the small bugs that come up on mine, its still cheaper than buying something else.

 

I'm not really sure of the terminology you are using for the 4x4 actuator and sending unit... Is he talking about the Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM) as the sending unit? Or is that the transfer case encoder motor? Is the actuator the front axle vacuum diaphram/cable? What is the 4wd system doing? What do you have for a 4wd system - Auto4wd? If not Auto4wd, then you can check the error codes from the TCCM by following the DIY article.

With the clicking in the dash, that can mostlikely be fixed for under $20 by replacing the hazard switch. If you activate, then release the hazard lights or just giggle the hazard switch around, does it get better or worse?

For the windsheild wipers, if they just don't want to work sometimes, then this is mostlikely caused by cold solders on the circuit board inside the wiper motor. If they start spuratically, then it is mostlikely in the multifunction switch. If it is the multifunction switch, and you replace it, then it will solve the clicking in the dash as well.

On the right front axle seal, well, how bad is it leaking? Is it something that you can just keep an eye on and fix at a later date, just keeping the diff full?

Sounds to me like your mechanic is taking the shot gun approach to repairing your vehicle, all at your expense. Not cool in my book.

 

I feel your pain...just bought a 96, havent had it on the road yet cause the frickin' brake lights don't work.
I cant figure out how to get at the turn signal switch. I'm thinking of removing it with a 9 iron.

 

Its alright i felt the same way about mine I put like 1000 into mine the first month i had it,but now i like it and havent had to do anything to it since.

 

It's always been my experience with dealers that they take the shotgun approach. I've delt with Chevy, Land Rover, Ford and Nissian...all of em wanting to replace an entire system rather than diagnos a part.

 

I have been feeling the same way recently. I went to go replace my shocks (which needed it at 136k miles on the stockers) then get new tires. Want to get the truck aligned and find out the ball joints need to be replaced first. Finally got the ball joints done myself but busted the axle seal doing it. then had that done at the shop, they busted the balljoint boot (so now I got to talk with them and get that fixed, thank god for warranties). Also when replacing the ball joints I now need a new front drivers side hub assembly, maybe the passenger side too. I had my truck up in the air yesterday to replace the transmission fluid and filter and of course got the wrong filter and they were closed last night. I still need to replace the exhaust and need tofix the drivers side seat handle. I think thats it, but I am sure something is going to pop up eventually.

 

Alot of times the dealership will give a simple problem job( as assumed by the service writer) to a rookie tech and then thats when the shotgun comes out. If I have to go to the dealer to get something done I am specific on what I need done and that I also tell the service writer that I want to meet the tech thats going to operate on my truck.That way I know it will be in good hands to take care of something simple that I can't do because I don't have the tools.

 

Yeah this was at a local shop that I have great respect and trust in. They have always worked on my parents vehicles when my dad and I aren't working on them. Now we do a lot of the work ourselves, so half of the stuff above was stuff I did. But I figured that the shop would know how much grease and how to properly put a balljoint back in when taking them apart to fix the axle seal. I don't know stuff happens, but thats the end of my ranting.

 

My 4x4 switck is acting really weird. I start the truck and it goes in 4wd LO. Then it's a pain in the A** to get back into 2wd. What do you guys think that could be?