Front Axle Actuator
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Sierra, 2002 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2002 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The front axle actuator engages and disengages the front axle. The front axle actuator consists of a Permanent Magnetic (PM) motor, a worm gear controlled plunger, a front axle switch and an electronic control circuit. Whenever a shift to 4HI, or 4LO is requested, the transfer case shift control module engages the front axle by grounding the axle actuator control circuit through a current limiting driver. The front axle actuator also sends a signal to the PCM indicating when the 4WD is engaged.