WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Lead Compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Lifetime Warranty
This item is backed by our limited lifetime warranty. In the event that this item should fail due to manufacturing defects during intended use, we will replace the part free of charge. This warranty covers the cost of the part only.
Returns: Parts with electrical components cannot be returned once installed.
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How to Replace Four Wheel Drive Actuator 2001-14 GMC Sierra 2500
Created on:
Tools used
15mm Wrench
Flat Blade Screwdriver
15mm Socket
Slip-Joint Pliers
1. Removing the Skid Plate
Remove the four 15 mm bolts that are securing the skid plate.
Once those are out, remove the skid plate
2. Un-plugging the Actuator
Using a flat blade screwdriver, pry up on the little latch and unplug the actuator.
3. Removing the old Actuator
Using a pair of large slip joint pliers, grab the bolt and unscrew counterclockwise. Once you've got it started, it should come right out.
4. Installing the new Actuator
Work in reverse of the installation process. There may be some grease that drips out-make sure you have a Teflon Coating, and that you get it straight in.
When pulling it in, don't pull too tight-you don't want to strip the plastic threads.
5. Replacing the Skid Plate
While holding the skid plate up, replace the four 15 mm bolts.
Tighten these bolts up to 30 or 35 foot-pounds so they don't go anywhere.
This video is brought to you by 1AAuto.com your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the internet.
Hi, I'm Mike Green, one of the owners of 1A Auto. I want to help you save time and money repairing and maintaining your vehicle. I'm going to use my 20+ years' experience restoring and repairing cars and trucks like this to show you the correct way to install parts from 1AAuto.com. The right parts installed correctly. That's going to save you time and money. Thank you and enjoy the video.
In this video we're going to show you how to replace the 4-wheel drive axle actuator on this 2002 Sierra 4x4. This is the same as a lot of different Chevy and GMC trucks and SUVs.
The only tools you'll need are a 15 mm socket and ratchet or wrench, a screwdriver and a pair of large slip joint pliers. If you're having problems on your GM truck, the dash switch says it's going into 4-wheel drive, but the front wheels aren't getting traction or aren't spinning, then it's probably your axle actuator.
First, you're going to remove the skid plate. Now, this is a 2500, so your skid plate may be a little different. These are 15 mm bolts.
Next, you're going to want to unplug the actuator you're just going to use a little screwdriver, pry up on the little latch and then unplug it.
Now, I'm using a pair of slip joint pliers, because it's an awful big nut. You just grab onto it and rotate it counterclockwise. Once it gets going, it comes right out.
Here's my original. Here's my new one from 1A Auto. See the one of them from 1A Auto is exactly the same. That's going to plug in the same and everything. Mount in the same.
Now in this truck this one is working fine, so I'm going to reinstall it. No need to waste a part when it's still working well.
Obviously, reinstallation is just the reverse. You can see there's some grease that drips out, so you want to make sure you have a Teflon coating. Make sure you get it straight in. Then pull it tight. You don't have to pull extremely tight you don't want to strip the plastic threads. Now we can put our skid plate back on. We'll fast forward through putting the skid plate on. Again, it's four 15 mm bolts. You want to tighten them up nice and snug, probably 30, 35 foot-pounds. Make sure they don't go anywhere.
We hope this helps you out. This video was brought to you by www.1AAuto.com your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the internet. Please feel free to call us toll free at 888-844-3393. We're the company that serves you on the internet and in person.
FWA72084
In Stock
Product Reviews
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4.57/ 5.086
86 reviews
5 Stars
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Excellent!
James
January 23, 2017
This actuator was easy to install and works great! Fast shipping as well as a decent price are always a plus in my book. I would recommend this part for anyone who needs one. I'm a very happy customer!
Works great perfect fit
GILBERT
January 24, 2017
Easy install one tool, 15 minutes. 15 minutes first time. If I had to do it again probably be closer to 5 minutes.
1aauto gives excellent service writes Kevin from Oregon
K
October 11, 2017
They expedite shipping their parts out to the customer so quickly. Great customer service. Easy ordering parts that match your vehicle. I havent fully resolved my 4wd issue yet but I know Im getting closer. Thanks for all your support.
P
December 3, 2017
Part arrived fast, easy install. But I am still at a lost to why my 4wd is not working. I changed the switch on the dash, actuator motor, and this part on this review. Even check the fuses, made sure I had good ground and still nothing
Works flawlessly, great price.
D
December 6, 2017
Very easy installation with the videos. There are so many non-mechanical issues with a GMC 4wd system that you can easily address yourself with some research and Youtube. This fit the bill. Thanks 1Aauto.com.
fast delivery
robert
January 3, 2018
great price, easy to install, works great ,would buy it again when I need it.
Ez to install
J
January 18, 2018
Great product and so very ez to install. The price was great and the shipping was fast.
Just as described
John
February 14, 2018
The actuator was juast as describes with fast delivery. The videos are awesome help too.
Actuator
J
February 21, 2018
Recieved this actuator fast, it's on the front of the front axel. It took me 10 minutes to change it out. Works great. Exact fit.
4x4 front actuator drive
Adam
March 20, 2018
Fit and worked perfect right out of the box! Thanks 1a auto!
Perfect
LLG
May 1, 2018
Very happy with this purchase. Part was a perfect fit to OEM specs. Easy to install and best priced. Cant go wrong.
Not the problem :(
S
June 25, 2018
Turns out this wasn't our 4WD's problem either (most likely the encoder motor again), but we replaced it anyway since we had it. It fit perfectly and with the video was a snap to install.
Back Up
Dion
October 17, 2018
This item was purchased to replace the OEM actuator that became temperature sensitive (did not work when cold). Have not installed at this time, as truck is being used to close our remote Ranch for the winter and left in 4WD. Installation appears to be simple and straight forward. Plan to install later when vehicle is not in daily use.
Quality product
Denny
October 27, 2018
This actuator was exact replacement for my 2008 Tahoe. Great quality at a great price. I would recommend this part. My 4wd drive works great now thanks 1aauto.
Item as ordered
Dylan
October 31, 2018
Right part ordered, came in the mail quick, worked when installed.
100% love everything I have ordered
Robert
November 6, 2018
I have ordered from this site a few times now have been very happy with all of my orders ! the prices are unbelievable! I have told many people I know about 1a auto and will continue to shop threw this site ! Very satisfied with the prices , shipping and all my orders have arrived on time ! Sincerely your happy customer ??
Excellent company
andrew
November 20, 2018
Fast shipping great quality and everything fit as if it was factory parts. Would recommend this site to anyone.
Tahoe parts
joel
January 4, 2019
I have used 1A auto now for about 4 years and they are very professional and knowledgeable.
I am happy with all my purchases and will continue ordering and recommending them to anyone looking for parts when ever I can.
Shipping
Dave
January 11, 2019
Took a long tine to get the part in The past it has been very good I will keep purchasing products as I need them the website is very good Dave
4wd actuator
E
February 18, 2019
1AAuto parts that i ordered from them are good dependable parts,never had to return any bad parts to 1AAuto.
Problem solved
Christopher
February 18, 2019
Lost my 4x4 function and got stuck. Ordered this actuator and fixed the issue. 1aauto never lets me down
Fixed 4WD on 2010 Suburban
David
March 6, 2019
My 4WD drive stopping working during a snow and ice storm. I couldn't get out of my driveway because it wasn't engaging. I was getting a message on the dash as well as the shift light took many minutes before settling into 4WD. It didn't really go in though. I started reading and learned the actuator is a common problem. I watched the video from 1A Auto and price compared actuators. They actually had a fantastic price. Even if it was a little more I would have bought it because the video was so helpful. So I had the part in about a week. Luckily I have 2 other 4WD vehicles in the house. Part came and took no more than 5 minutes to swap. Next time I need to take it to the garage for something over my skill set, I will ask how much they would charge for that job. Thank you for helping so many people with your videos and for keeping the prices so low. Win-win!!
-Dave in Michigan
S
March 9, 2019
Easy to install great parts
FRONT AXLE ACTUATOR
B
April 12, 2019
The video of how to install was great it made the job so easy! The part worked and fit. Thank you.
Exact replacement linear actuator
Daryl
April 15, 2019
Exact fit for a failed actuator (which shifts the front differential in and out of 4 wd. Put some teflon pipe tape on the threads (it don't come with it as the picture shows), remove the old one and screw in the new one snugly. Don't forget to apply di-electric grease to the electrical connector, plug it in and you are golden.
Use large Channellocks to remove the old one but screw in the new one by hand until snug.
Best place to order parts
Jerome
May 3, 2019
1a auto has been a lifesaver for me since I stumbled across this website about a year ago. Best prices & quick delivery hands down.
nicholas
May 12, 2019
Put this in my 2006 silverado Z71 in about 5 minutes and it solved my service 4wd light issues right away.
Four wheel drive actuator
R
September 2, 2019
Part was GM oe fit perfectly cleared CEL.
Excellent service and perfect fit
V
September 3, 2019
Excellent service, received the items quickly. A1 has YouTube videos showing how to replace the parts that you buy. Parts fit perfectly and were easy to install.
I would buy from A1 Auto even if they were more expensive (which they are not) because they make the installation easy.
quick shipping
David
September 18, 2019
Item arrived surprisingly quickly
Simple install made even easier by 1Aauto Youtube video
Bentley
October 6, 2019
I determined my actuator was defective by visual inspection. I watched the 1Aauto repair video on YouTube and realized it was a straight-forward installation. I ordered the part from 1Aauto (out of appreciation for their video) and received the part quickly. The part installed just as shown in the video and my 4WD is now functioning correctly.
great company to deal with
D
October 28, 2019
great parts would recomend to any diy .great customer service very helpful.
perfect fit
Douglas
November 8, 2019
Great product. Fit perfectly and works like factory. Video was very helpful
Easy
Christopher
December 1, 2019
Shipped fast easy install back up and running thanx
J
December 25, 2019
Great price.. will purchase more
perfect customer servive
SCOTT
December 28, 2019
great service and people
Bunch of junk
C
January 26, 2020
If you order this just go ahead to local parts store and get another because with any and I repeat any amount of force this junk will come to pieces
Replaced factory 4x4 actuator
Victor
February 8, 2020
Just like factory part. Identical and installed easily. Good packaging and the product was as described. Good shipping.
Exact fit and on time
randy
May 8, 2020
I recieved the part on time it was exact fit , easily installed , it took about 30 min. , I have bought other parts from 1a , same thing , the right part on time , I would recommend this particular part and 1a auto to my friends
Gmc 4x4 axel actuator
T
July 10, 2020
Product fits perfect and works great !!
Worked fine
E
September 5, 2020
Easy install, Id buy again if I had too.
2002 z71 4wd actuator
John
October 6, 2020
I noticed the transfer case would switch, but the light on the 4wd button panel kept blinking. It changes to solid, when the 4wd is locked in, which made me think it was the actuator. Ordered one from 1A Auto, and it fixed the problem! Part was an exact match! Took 15 mins with hand tools.
1a auto parts
J
November 4, 2020
I honestly will recommend to buy from this auto part company they sell good quality products I have been a customer for few years and i have no complaints the prices are really affordable I'll keep purchasing items from 1a auto definitely.
Perfect Fit
Robert
November 8, 2020
Perfect fit, great price, and works great in my 2012 Suburban LT 4WD. 1A Auto does it again, Toe big thumbs up!!!
Very pleased
Travis
November 19, 2020
They had the correct part i needed to get my 4wd working properly at a fair price. It was delivered very quick. Also had a video of how to replace the part online. Will definitely order from them again.
Received as expected
H
February 1, 2021
I ordered a 4wd actuator solonoid for my 08 Silverado, it arrived as expected, the price was very fair, as most everything I have previously ordered from 1A, I'd recommend them to anyone not in an emergency rush, who's looking for cost-effective parts
Perfect fit
F
February 1, 2021
The actuator that I purchased was a perfect fit for my Chevy Silverado. The part was identical to the actuator that I removed. The part arrived quickly and on time.
Actuator for my Tahoe
Keith
February 21, 2021
Good service good shipping bolted right on as advertised works great
Front wheel drive actuator replacement
Kirk
March 10, 2021
The product was easy to install original fit pricing was great nice job for 1A Auto
Fast Shipping
I
March 11, 2021
Item was as described, shipping was fast and an overall satisfying purchase.
Unfortunately for me I replaced the actuator and now is leaking oil from the electrical connector.
And that is no suppose to be happening.
Whe I removed the old one the connector was dry.
It was probably a defective part.
1A AUTO
TIMOTHY
August 20, 2021
EXCELLENT SERVICE
Don
October 8, 2021
quick delivery and did the job. Thanks 1AAuto
Cheap plastic
Daniel
November 25, 2021
It broke putting it in. No I didnt over tighten it.
05 GMC Sierra Actuator
Lance
January 26, 2022
Exact fit for my 05 GMC Sierra 1500. Works perfect. Time will tell how it holds up, but very pleased with the product thus far.
Tod
January 27, 2022
Good product... Would definitely recommend both the product and the company
excellent
Tony
February 6, 2022
works great and got it fast
Gary
February 15, 2022
Just the part I needed, and thanks to the 1aauto video, it was an easy and quick replacement.
Thanks yet again 1aauto!!
I am very impressed so far.
Brenda
February 28, 2022
It was very easy to order and shipped fast. Very pleased so far. I would recommend this to everyone. This is my first time ordering and I am very pleased.
Actuator
eric
April 9, 2022
This item was great
Great product!
Michael
April 10, 2022
Nice product. Built well & works perfectly, problem solved! Thanks 1A Auto for a quality product!
Truck repair
allen
April 20, 2022
Came fast and fit perfectly
Michael
May 20, 2022
Excellent Quality Replacement part
Excellent
Brian
August 25, 2022
this was a quality part with the right fitment.
It works flawlessly!
Melvin
October 1, 2022
Works great, but remember to put plumbers tape on the treads or it will leak!
Works fine. Easy to install.
Dan
October 17, 2022
Works fine.Easy to install.
Carl
November 5, 2022
Exact replacement been used for awhile and no issues
Tired
GERALD
December 13, 2022
Im getting to old for this
Actuator
Scott
January 2, 2023
Installed it in my truck plowed for 2 days 3rd day 4x4 didn't work took it out the whole thing was full of water would never buy this part ever again
Larry
January 16, 2023
fit perfectly
Michael
January 17, 2023
Cheap plastic housing
Worked like a charm!
Steven
February 6, 2023
After trying to change the switch, I changed out this part and it worked flawlessly. Immediately solved my 4wd issue
The way it should be...
Rich
February 11, 2023
I ordered a part, recieved it, installed it, and it broke, some plastic was brittle, and it just broke. 1A immediately replaced it, and I was a happy guy. Thanks 1A Auto...
Poor Quality Part - Recommend finding a new provider 1A.
Michael
April 30, 2023
1A has always provided quality parts until this one! This is a poorly made part that leaks. It fixed my problem but left a big puddle of gear oil on my driveway. It leaks where it is riveted together.
No issues now
Chad
May 7, 2023
Woeks great. I saw other reviews saying the plastic case broke while installing it others said it worked ar first then stopped. If you over tighten it the case is going to break. The issue I had was old codes still in the computer. I cleared those out and it works great. Probably didn't need to replace the actuator but it didn't hurt.
Great product
James
May 29, 2023
Fixed the 4wd service issues, when you're installing the actuator it does fit snugly but will thread all the way down. It is recommended to replace the 4wd switch as well.
Fixed my 4x4 issue
Derek
June 27, 2023
Great fit and great videos from 1A Auto on how to install the parts you buy. This fixed my 4x4 issue on my 2003 chevy truck and was a quick fix.
angel
August 23, 2023
Fit perfect
Works as intended
Cory
November 10, 2023
My front wheels weren't engaging in 4wd and after some research found these actuators are a common failure point. Replaced my actuator and works now! Don't forget pipe tape to keep it sealed.
Antonio
December 1, 2023
It's what I needed to make my four wheeler work, thanks
Excellent
Thundor
December 19, 2023
Precise, efficient, easy to shop....
It cracked and broke
David
February 18, 2024
It broke within a week
Charles
April 25, 2024
Works Great
Easily Snapped Part
Jeff
September 3, 2024
I'm not writing off 1A Auto, as I've received good parts from them before, but this was not it. I could not even seat the actuator to the front differential before the whole part snapped in half. Customer service was great and refunded the part immediately, no questions asked. For this part, I don't think any aftermarket options were a good idea. I tried a Dorman actuator after this one and it did not work properly either. I ended up biting the bullet and spending more on the oem AC Delco part and now it works as intended.
It works
ANTONIO
October 14, 2024
Working well.
Terrible
Cody
November 11, 2024
It broke in half 1 hour after I installed it
Customer Q&A
What size thread is it on 4x4 actuator?February 8, 2017
Justin W
10
I don't have the exact measurements. Our parts are designed to be exact replacements for what came with the vehicle, so as long as your year, make, and model match up with our listing, these will definitely fit and function just like the original. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
February 11, 2017
Alex P
Does this actuator control both 4H and 4L? Mine will shift into 4H but not 4L.June 19, 2018
Marvin L
10
Yes. This actuator shifts into 4H and 4L on my 2007 GMC Sierra 1500.
June 19, 2018
James M
10
Yes it controls all 4wd functions. If this doesn't fix problem there are only 4 components. Actuator (reasonably priced), transfer case motor (pricey), dash electric control switch (very reasonable and easy to replace), and finally computer 4wd modular control (very pricey). Mine would jump from 2wd to 4wd on its own. Repair shop couldn't determine the cause. So I started replacing parts front to back. Luckily I found the problem at the dash control switches.
June 19, 2018
GILBERT C
10
I would say no and advise you look at the gear box on back of the transfer case.
June 20, 2018
R O
10
no it doesn't. that just engages the front drive shaft. you will need to look at the shift motor on the transfer case or the tranfer case itself.
June 20, 2018
Matthew V
10
Yes, this part control both 4H and 4L. We are unable to diagnose your problem because there could be multiple reasons why you're experiencing this particular difficulty. We suggest you take your vehicle to a reputable shop close to you to identify the problem.
June 20, 2018
Elesban A
10
Yes it control s front axle
December 25, 2019
J M
10
Yes
January 26, 2020
C R
Do Ye ship to canada, the provience of Newfoundland and is it free shipping?January 27, 2019
Richard M
10
We do ship to Canada but the shipping does come at an additional cost outside of the continental US.
January 27, 2019
Emma F
4 wheel drive always shifts back to auto 4 wheel drive instead of staying in 2 wheel drive would this be the problem?June 2, 2019
I R
10
Yes it is very likely however I would see if you have any trouble codes first.
June 2, 2019
S O
10
No I dont think so. This is just a solenoid that is controlled by the push button switch. My actual problem was a bad ground wire under the dash. Good luck
June 2, 2019
Kurt S
10
There could be multiple reasons why you're having this particular problem. We suggest taking your vehicle to a nearby reputable shop to identify the cause. Once you know the cause, we'll be happy to see if we carry the parts and how-to videos needed for your repair.
June 2, 2019
A C
I am trying to rewire a 4wd actuator on a 1999 chevy 3500. the wires from the switch fried and I can't get a new one at the moment. Can anyone find me a wiring diagram for this part?July 22, 2019
King G
10
Thanks for your inquiry. Written and video installation instructions are found on the product page under the "How-To & Tools" tab.
We're constantly adding new installation video instructions. If we do not have one for your vehicle on the product listing page, please check again at a later time or check our Video Library to see similar repairs here: https://www.1aauto.com/videos
July 23, 2019
Emma F
Will this fit in a 01 2500hd 6.0 with the nvg 263 np1?December 4, 2019
Thomas S
10
Yes, according to the information you provided, this part will fit your vehicle. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
December 5, 2019
Curtis L
03 Tahoe, will go into 4lo, won't go into 4hi, actuator??December 29, 2020
Walter S
10
There could be multiple reasons why you're having this particular problem. We suggest taking your vehicle to a nearby reputable shop to identify the cause. Once you know the cause, we'll be happy to see if we carry the parts and how-to videos needed for your repair.
December 29, 2020
T I
10
I spent a lot of money only to find out on my own that the battery cable on my 2011 Tahoe was causing the 4WD fuse to blow, not letting my truck go into 4WD, a loose ground can cause this as well. Try cleaning the Battery cable first. I bought this and it worked fine but it was NOT the problem. Took the truck to a mechanic only to have it happen again after 1000.00 "fix" I noticed the battery cable was corroded by coincidence I cleaned it and replaced the blown fuse...Been fine ever since!...GOOD LUCK! Hope this helps you!
December 29, 2020
Mike C
who makes the part for them is it like the dorman ones?November 27, 2021
F W
10
DIY solutions brand parts are manufactured by various aftermarket companies specifically for us and built to your vehicle's exact OEM specifications.
November 27, 2021
Ricale A
Is this actuator also known as gear shift forward actuator? This is what is says when I read the code on my OBD.August 9, 2022
John D
what is the functions of 4H and 4L? when are you suppose to drive in 4H or 4LSeptember 17, 2022
Tony H
Customer service
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GMC is a registered trademark of General Motors Company. 1A Auto is not affiliated with or sponsored by GMC or General Motors Company.See all trademarks.
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