SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 1999 - 4WD WILL NOT ENGAGE

Hi there LT, when replying to some one's answer hit the "post follow up" tab on that certain reply other wise unless the person that posted an answer to you actually checks your original post they wont know you have replyed. When you reply by using "post follow up" tab it sends them an email with your reply and/or a further question you may be asking. Not having a go at you just helping you out so you hopfully solve the problem. One thing I always do is try out the 4wd system prior to going off road just at home. Doesnt matter how old or new some thing is it can fail. Yes it could still fail even when you get to where your going but at least you wont feel like a dill for not trying it out. See this all time specialy with boats. Flat battery time and time again. Takes 30 seconds to flick the key at home and make sure its all ok.You only need to try it for 100metres you will feel the difference if it engages or not. Dont forget also once you get it working that some times you may have to reverse the vehicle once going back into 2h as to release the locking mechanism. I think it tells you in the log books for memory or even on the drivers sunvisor cant remember where I read it when I had my vitara. Hope you find the problem. Regards Steve M

Grand Vits don't have vacuum hubs. They use normal flanges so the CVs etc are always rotating even when in 2WD. The Jimnys have vacuum hubs though.

I don't need to worry about it as I have converted to manual hubs.

LT and Ben,

Even though the GV does not have vacuum hubs - I know of at least one example of a manual hub GV seizing up and that was when it hadn't been in 4x4 for about 6 mths.

I would try driving it in 4x4, see if that can relubricate the hubs (as mentioned below) and if that doesn't work then get the hubs checked.

It is a relatively cheap compared to other problems that it could by a symptom of.

zook

As far as I know GVs never came out with manual hubs from the factory. I and a few others in the Suzi club have replaced the flanges with manual hubs to save the CVs due to increase tyre sizes etc.

I tend to lock my hubs in once a month and drive it for a day to relube everything.

But it would be best to take it to a mechanic regardless but my guess it might be the diff or air pump.

Hi Stephen,
Thanks for your tips....I'll be sure to give everything a go you have suggested and hope it is a quick fix. I'll keep you updated.
LT

All fixed...2 problems
1) Internal piston in diff was seized needed 40psi to free it
2) Air pump that supplies 5psi to engage 4WD, was supplying
-5psi The airlines had been reversed? Maybe the previous owner had removed bumper bar and pump was replaced incorrectly ???

HI LT glad to hear you have fixed the problem. Going by the sounds of it wouldnt have cost you too much in the $$$$ department. Gotta love little fix's like that. Good on you. Regards steve M