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04 Suzuki Vitara Lx V6 4x4

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Offline omydread2

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04 Suzuki Vitara Lx V6 4x4
« on: December 16, 2017, 03:49:07 PM »
I recently purchased an 04 Suzuki Vitara Lx V6 4x4 I have a problem with my 4wd. It will only actually climbs a hill in 4Lo the 4Hi doesn't seem to work at all. Anyone has any ideas what could be the issue. I have checked for leaks in the vacuum system and found none and i've changed the vacuum pump. Please advise what else I could try......

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Online fordem

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Re: 04 Suzuki Vitara Lx V6 4x4
« Reply #1 on: December 16, 2017, 06:46:53 PM »
Please don't take offense at this, but the situation you are describing would appear to be almost impossible - the only time power is not directed to the rear wheels is when the transfer case selector is in the N position.

You haven't mentioned any problems in 2H, so I'm going to assume that there are none - if the vehicle moves in 2H, it's also going to move in 4H - the difference between the two is that the front output hub has been engaged, nothing changes with respect to the rear output shaft.  Selecting 4L engages a reduction gear system and drives the rear output shaft, which is still coupled to the front so power is again sent to both axles.

A couple of questions to try to narrow things down ...

What type of transmission do you have - manual or automatic?
What condition is the engine in?
How steep is the hill?

In theory, if the hill is steep enough, and the engine tired enough, or there is slip in the transmission, you might not be able to get enough power to the wheels to climb the hill, and the additional torque multiplication of the low range allows the vehicle to move.

By the way - there is no "vacuum" involved in the 4WD system on the Grand Vitaras - it uses positive pressure (vacuum would be negative pressure), and all it does is engage the front axle freewheel system, all the 4WD selection is mechanically handled in the transfer case
'98 SQ420 Grand Vitara
'05 JB420 Grand Vitara
'16 APK416 Vitara
'21 A6G415 Jimny

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Offline omydread2

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Re: 04 Suzuki Vitara Lx V6 4x4
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2017, 04:48:49 PM »
No offense taken. I'm just trying to gain some knowledge to fix this car before the snow comes and I get stranded. I have an Automatic Transmission. Ok here's the situation 2H works ok. The hill I test the 4H on isn't that steep. When using 4H only the rear wheels spins and when i shift to 4L that's when the vehicle starts to climb the hill then in the middle of the hill the rear wheels alone starts spinning out. The engine is in good condition has 140,000 miles on it. The hill is not steep nor is it a long hill.

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Re: 04 Suzuki Vitara Lx V6 4x4
« Reply #3 on: December 18, 2017, 03:30:03 AM »
First - does the 4WD light on the dash turn on when you select 4H or 4L?

If it doesn't, we need to fix that as step #1- it can be anything from a blown bulb or broken wire to a failure of the freewheel actuator - let me know and I'll walk you through some simple tests.
'98 SQ420 Grand Vitara
'05 JB420 Grand Vitara
'16 APK416 Vitara
'21 A6G415 Jimny

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Offline omydread2

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Re: 04 Suzuki Vitara Lx V6 4x4
« Reply #4 on: December 18, 2017, 04:30:08 PM »
The light comes on when I shift to 4H and/or 4L and is stable no blinking.

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Re: 04 Suzuki Vitara Lx V6 4x4
« Reply #5 on: December 19, 2017, 04:48:48 AM »
OK - let's get down to the basic tests.

Park the car, engine off, set the emergency/hand brake, transmission in park, transfer case in 2H and jack one front wheel (right front preferably) off the ground and secure the car with jack stands.

Reach under the car and try to rotate the front drive shaft (from the transfer case to the front differential - you should be able to turn it.

Next shift the transfer case to 4H and again try to rotate the drive shaft - this time it should not rotate.

Now switch the ignition on (you do not need the engine running), and select 2H on the transfer case - rotate the right side front wheel - it should rotate and the drive shaft should also rotate, next, select 4H, make sure the 4WD light comes on and try to rotate the wheel - this time it should not rotate.

Tell me which step fails.
'98 SQ420 Grand Vitara
'05 JB420 Grand Vitara
'16 APK416 Vitara
'21 A6G415 Jimny

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Offline omydread2

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Re: 04 Suzuki Vitara Lx V6 4x4
« Reply #6 on: December 24, 2017, 05:14:29 PM »
When in 2H the drive shaft from the transfer case doesn't turn when i jack up the right front wheel. When in 4H the drive shaft still doesn't turn.

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Offline Phase change

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Re: 04 Suzuki Vitara Lx V6 4x4
« Reply #7 on: December 24, 2017, 08:49:38 PM »
What about in 4lo?
2003 Suzuki tracker 4d 5sp 2.0 “piglet”
Deleted air 4wd system, Manual hubs, 2” lift, 235/75,

Old ride: 1997 X90 “jellybean” best lil car I’ve ever had

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Re: 04 Suzuki Vitara Lx V6 4x4
« Reply #8 on: December 25, 2017, 12:55:51 PM »
When in 2H the drive shaft from the transfer case doesn't turn when i jack up the right front wheel.

This suggests an issue either internal to the transfer case or the front differential, an issue, which by the way, is at variance with your first post as it suggests that 4WD is always engaged.

Repeat the test with both front wheels off the ground - if the drive shaft does not rotate in 2H, that would indicate that it is locked to the rear shaft - which would not be normal in 2H.
'98 SQ420 Grand Vitara
'05 JB420 Grand Vitara
'16 APK416 Vitara
'21 A6G415 Jimny

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Offline omydread2

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Re: 04 Suzuki Vitara Lx V6 4x4
« Reply #9 on: January 03, 2018, 05:06:51 PM »
Well I got stuck in the snow today and shifted into 4H nad 4L and only the rear right wheel was spinning out. But I can feel the vehicle trying to engage 4 wheel drive. It's like the differential is not locking up. What does you suggest i do at this point?

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Offline olija

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Re: 04 Suzuki Vitara Lx V6 4x4
« Reply #10 on: January 04, 2018, 08:27:31 PM »
I suggest putting it on jackstands so all 4 wheels are safely in the air, release the e-brake and figure out what is turning versus what you are asking to turn. Observe what happens when you shift into 4wd and back into 2wd. Use a notepad if necessary to collect all your thoughts so you can get your story straight when you come here asking for answers. It sounds like your front diff is not engaging. It uses an air diaphragm to actuate. The diaphragm can leak or tear. The air lines to the diff can get knocked off or leak. The compressor can fail. The electrical wiring to the compressor can rub through. There are many possibilities but you need to start with the basics.
97 Sidekick 4door 5 speed, 1.5 spacer lift, 2" body lift, CJ rims, locked rear, 31's, 4:1 low <SOLD>
01 Vitara 2.0L 5 speed, 2.5" Calmini lift, 2" body lift, Sidekick rims, locked rear, 31's, 4:1 low, 5.13 diffs <SOLD>
03 XL7 2.7 5 speed, 4.5" AE lift with OME springs, 2" AE body lift, 5.13 diffs, 3:1 low, 235/80R17 BFG AT's on Ultra 17x8 with 1" spacers, skid plates, Balmer Fab front bumper