Question In Regards To AWD Reliability

CodeRed · 10-25-2009, 11:37 AM

So I've been looking around mainly at 4X4 Jimmys and Blazers for daily/winter driving

i'm currently working on a Jimmy 4X4 but it has issues with the vehicle not going into 4X4 and the A/C unit they said its due to some wiring issues which they will repair.

So I'm also started looking at AWD Bravadas one guy told me the AWD on the bravadas had issues.

Can anyone confirm for me the reliablility of the AWD system?

CodeRed · 10-26-2009, 03:32 PM

no one?

b1lk1 · 10-26-2009, 06:16 PM

I don't think it is any better or worse than the other systems on these trucks. These trucks are pigs and they like to have tons of maintenance. I'd say every 2-3 months something lets go or outright breaks. I still love my truck as I find it more reliable than most of the competition, but they are what they are.

NTL1991 · 11-01-2009, 02:32 PM

My 1997 Bravada has the "old-style" (pre-1998) transfer case. There is nothing electronic about it. The power is distributed 65% to the rear and 35% to the front. This percentage can be reversed depending on road conditions. This transfer case uses Dexron III ATF fluid.

The 1998+ transfer cases use electronics which engage the transfer case ONLY when there is slip detected. Basically, you are driving a RWD when you're in dry conditions. When slip is detected, the case engages. This case uses Autotrak II fluid. I believe it's blue in color.

I haven't had any problem with my Bravada when it comes to AWD. It still performs like it should and I haven't had any repairs done to it. There are no actuators, switches, vacuum lines, encoder motors, etc. like there are in the 4x4 transfer case.

The only problem that I've heard of on forums or in TSBs was a noise issue. If you drive in a tight circle and got a certain noise, (not a CV joint noise), it could be evidence of the wrong fluid being used in the case...

Nick

CodeRed · 11-01-2009, 03:42 PM

thanks for the reply but I ended up buying a jimmy 4x4

10-25-2009, 11:37 AM	#1
CodeRed Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 203 Location: Dayton Ohio User is: OffLine	Question In Regards To AWD Reliability So I've been looking around mainly at 4X4 Jimmys and Blazers for daily/winter driving i'm currently working on a Jimmy 4X4 but it has issues with the vehicle not going into 4X4 and the A/C unit they said its due to some wiring issues which they will repair. So I'm also started looking at AWD Bravadas one guy told me the AWD on the bravadas had issues. Can anyone confirm for me the reliablility of the AWD system?
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-26-2009, 03:32 PM	#2
CodeRed Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 203 Location: Dayton Ohio User is: OffLine	Re: Question In Regards To AWD Reliability no one?
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10-26-2009, 06:16 PM	#3
b1lk1 Dain Bramaged Age: 41 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 47 Location: Ontario, Canada User is: OffLine	Re: Question In Regards To AWD Reliability I don't think it is any better or worse than the other systems on these trucks. These trucks are pigs and they like to have tons of maintenance. I'd say every 2-3 months something lets go or outright breaks. I still love my truck as I find it more reliable than most of the competition, but they are what they are.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-01-2009, 02:32 PM	#4
NTL1991 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 208 Location: Rhode Island User is: OffLine	Re: Question In Regards To AWD Reliability My 1997 Bravada has the "old-style" (pre-1998) transfer case. There is nothing electronic about it. The power is distributed 65% to the rear and 35% to the front. This percentage can be reversed depending on road conditions. This transfer case uses Dexron III ATF fluid. The 1998+ transfer cases use electronics which engage the transfer case ONLY when there is slip detected. Basically, you are driving a RWD when you're in dry conditions. When slip is detected, the case engages. This case uses Autotrak II fluid. I believe it's blue in color. I haven't had any problem with my Bravada when it comes to AWD. It still performs like it should and I haven't had any repairs done to it. There are no actuators, switches, vacuum lines, encoder motors, etc. like there are in the 4x4 transfer case. The only problem that I've heard of on forums or in TSBs was a noise issue. If you drive in a tight circle and got a certain noise, (not a CV joint noise), it could be evidence of the wrong fluid being used in the case... Nick
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-01-2009, 03:42 PM	#5
CodeRed Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 203 Location: Dayton Ohio User is: OffLine	Re: Question In Regards To AWD Reliability thanks for the reply but I ended up buying a jimmy 4x4
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