I have a 1996 Blazer LT 4x4x4 with electronic shift from 2HI to 4Hi / 4LO and the status lights do work when I push the buttons and I also hear a shift under the vehicle while I'm sitting in it. Without putting the vehicle on a lift I'd like to recognize by the feel of the steering wheel or something else that I'm in 2WD or 4WD. In my 1998 Chevy K1500 I feel a difference in the steering wheel when I'm in 2WD or 4WD and recognize right away by the feel of the vehicle which mode I'm in, although in the Blazer I don't feel this difference. I'd like to know what others feel or recognize in the difference in steering or handleing on asphalt when in 2WD or 4WD in a S-10 Blazer. I guess I can believe the idiot lights are working and that the shift did occure but I'd like to know by some other means that it did. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

 

if you are in 4HI, you won't notice a huge difference, some in acceleration and turning,but in 4LO, your turning radius is greatly shortened, and acceleration is faster, whines if you try to get it above 30 or so.

 

If you're on dry pavement and in ANY 4wd mode, when you make a hard slow turn in either direction you will get a crow-hop type feeling as I'm sure you do in your K1500. If you are not getting this the front axle is not engauging. The status lights only indicate that the transfer case control module has shifted the t-case into 4wd this doesn't mean that the front axle has been engauged. check under your battery tray, there is a front axle actuator that is supplied vacuum from the switch on top of the t-case, and in turn pulls a cable that locks the front axle together. any one of these componnents or vacuum lines could be the cause.

 

thanks guys, the 4HI and LO both work and now I do recognize the difference in feel when it is in gear...thanks for your help!