Pushing the transfer case shift buttons results in the lights blinking, the interior control unit clicking, the transfer case motor making noise... But the vehicle will not shift out of 4 high.

The actuator motor is new and whirring,

The control unit is clicking. (Passenger kick plate)

The control buttons are lighting and blinking.

Is the issue literally my transfer case not being able to shift? I tried shifting the unit manually with the motor removed: i can move the actuator all the way counter clockwise and the unit will not spin any wheels (neutral?) i can click it approximately 20 degrees clockwise and i appear to be in 4 high. I can not seem to rotate it further clockwise... Is this normal or have I identified my problem?

How easily should the transfer case be to shift manually?

Help? 2002 Blazer ZR2

 

When I bought my 99blazer had a similar problem wouldn't shift into 4lo or hi. When I went to shift it in with a large crescent wrench found it to be bound in 2wd. After about 20 minutes of off shifting it back and forth it loosened up, I could finally find all 3 position on case( no neutral on mine).I also took apart the encoder motor to see why it wasn't working turns out my bind made motor rip the teeth out of gear in encoder.

 

This is helpful I think. I will try more vigorously to move my shifting. I too opened the old encoder motor and all the gearing is intact. Trying to determine a method to power it outside the vehicle to test it.