4WD FINALLY FIXED | FRONT DIFF ACTUATOR BROKE AND FIXED

This video popped up in this morning's feed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLJY8mZ6GBA

I had a blast with the Texas TW folks doing some back roads and water crossings yesterday, so time to check my actuator vent lines!

 

Wiring Diagram:

 

Tip, Check functions at the connector.

I have seen soldering connections fail after ten years, but it's a heat/vibration/fatigue issue. So on anything newer than that I start looking elsewhere.

In the case of the actuator, it's most likely dirt/dust in the micro switches. So a good cleaning with an electrical cleaner (safe for plastics, doesn't leave residue).

Oh for the shop: 90% alcohol when cleaning electronics. 70% for wound care, but 90% for the shop. I use permanent sharpies for metalworking. 90% removes those lines when done, 70% doesn't.

I'm a bit OCD when it comes to electrical failures and I love digging into what really happens and why.

This was from 1992. My neighbors 1982 BMW had an odd idle of racing, then and cutting out the engine. Early analog Bosch Engine Controller, so it piqued my curiosity and down the rabbit hole, I went. Still impressed it is still on the 'net! Oh, we didn't have digital cameras then, so no photos. I'm older than dirt, but we had pagers!

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/repair_faqs/idle.html

 

CRC QD® Electronic Cleaner Instructional Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EybmBavV4M

Good video about electronic cleaner and dielectric grease.

His bad ADD could be cleaned up. Too time consuming for a dealer, but tip for use in a home shop is to plug it but not install it. With a friend switching back and forth watch observe the actuator and have them report on dash lights.

A little dielectric grease at the connector goes a long way. I notice on my 2021 there is NO dielectric grease used. Same reason why there are no zerk fittings, it cost money but you don't see issues for 10 years. So long out of warranty.

I'd love to crawl under a Lexus and see if they used dielectric grease as they take great pride in 20 year old vehicles still running with routine maintenance.

Way too many espresso's this morning!

 

Yeah, the CRC electronic cleaner works great. Used this on the Mass Air Flow Valve on 2 of my older trucks. Both were engine pinging pretty bad under load. Higher grade gas helped but did not eliminate the problem.

Cleaning the MAF valve fixed the issue on both. At least until the MAF finally dies in which case you replace it, but CRC will often keep it running fine for a year or more in case your funds are tight.