Questions and Answers

Chevy S-10 Blazer Has No 4WD Q. I have a 1988 Chevy S-10 Blazer with a 2.8 liter fuel injected engine. It has 145,000 miles on it with an automatic transmission. Has P/S, A/C, and cruise control. The other day I pulled onto some ice and stopped. When I tried to go the only tire moving was the right rear tire. I then engaged 4WD LOW and the only tire moving was the right rear.

I then tried to shift from LOW through NEUTRAL to HIGH and when I hit NEUTRAL the gears started grinding and I couldn't engage HIGH . Also, when I have it in overdrive and either reach speeds of 60+ or start up an incline the transmission downshifts which causes the engine to accelerate. This goes on until I either slow down or I start down the incline. With the transmission in DRIVE there are no problems with speed or inclines.

Thanks,
Dan

A. The problem you describe with the overdrive sounds normal to me. This trans is very busy because of the 2.8. They have no power! As for the 4x4, it will grind if you try to shift from 4 LOW to any other position. The car needs to be in park to shift into or out of 4 LOW. You have no front axle engagement.

This could be caused by the transfer case vacuum switch not working or the vacuum servo under the battery tray not pulling the axle cable. These cables tend to seize if battery acid gets into the cable. Unfortunately, you need to remove the battery and tray to see this servo. Check for vacuum to this servo before taking it all apart.