A friend of mine has a 97 or 98 580 L that seems to be stuck in 4 wheel drive. The cab light turns green when it's depressed and turns off when released, but the machine still appears to be stuck in 4x4. He tested this by raising the back wheels and the machine still was able to drag itself when in drive with the 4x4 light and switch off. Any ideas what could cause this or where to start looking to diagnose this problem? All input is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
There is a solenoid towards the front/left side of transmission transfer case. This solenoid is controlled by button on right console that also involves a relay. You should be able to unplug solenoid at transfer case and be good. Something electrical is probally keeping it on, relay most likely. If it is not this the cartridge in case is hung or the sleeve/washer stuck internally on shaft. there is a pic of break down in transfer case. i cant find the solenoid/cartridge assembly. Let me know if unpligging it helps.
Nice piece of information Jeremiah, I will remember that one & pass it on to a buddy who has a 580 4WD but no computer.
Thank you for the fast reply! I'll have him try that tomorrow and report back if we're still have trouble.
Acually the four wheel drive is spring egaged and hydraulicly disengaged so it takes the 4x4 solenoid being energized for the front axle to be disegaged therefore you have to have power and ground to the solenoid and a good solenoid to disegage the front axle. Have him check if the is power and ground at the 2 pin connector at the solenoid with the switch in the 2wd position if there is then the solenoid is bad, if not then you have a wiring or relay problem. If you dont have power and ground you could run a couple of jumper wires to the solenoid and recheck to see if it disengages.
I hope it's ok to add a question? My 580SL series one definitely dis-engages but still feels "heavy". Some times it will clunk a short time after dis-engaging and then feel better, but it has definitely dis-engaged as I have checked it by raising the wheels and they are getting no drive power. Lately it feels like it's staying in the "heavy" mode longer. I hope that's described ok. Any advice? Thanks.