My RWD VX :-(

[JKeopka]

Hey everyone,

I purchased my VX a couple months ago and haven't really challenged it much.
Today I got stuck in the snow trying to pull into a parking spot, a few people gathered around and watched. I the VX into 4L and to my surprise, only the rear wheels spin. According to my TOD lights, it is in 4WD mode... but it isn't.

I have also come to the realization that my TOD doesn't work at all, even when in standard AWD mode. I am always in 2WD. I really love my VX, and have already put a lot of work into her. I am not getting any error lights or anything like that. I am thinking the previous owner knew about this and failed to mention it.

So any ideas where I should start troubleshooting this? The nearest Isuzu Dealership is Columbus (like 60 miles away), I might drive there and drop it off when I find the time, but i would love to find a cheaper and more local solution.

[Ldub]

I'd start at the front & work your way back...

Are there manual locking hubs on the front axle?
Are the half shafts intact on the front axle?
Is there a driveshaft from the transfer case to the front axle?
Is the wiring harness properly connected to the TOD computer?
Is the fuse for the TOD system blown or removed?
Any suspect switches in the interior, that might be a manual TOD cut off?
(I suspect not on the last two, since the indicator lights up)

Maybe search the VIN in the members list, to see if you could get some info from the previous owner(s)

[VX-157]

Ummm i did not think that there is a fuse for the tod...i could be wrong.

I am feeling that when my vx is in 4l i am not getting power to the front as well...could be just me though...

As Mr L suggested start from the front and work back.

Check your diffs vacuum hose as well.

[VXR]

Is the fuse for the TOD system blown or removed?
Any suspect switches in the interior, that might be a manual TOD cut off?

X2 I was thinking some kind of TOD cut off..

[Riff Raff]

I am thinking the previous owner knew about this and failed to mention it.

You're damn right he knew about, and it's probably the primary reason he sold the VX to you.

[JKeopka]

Thanks for all the suggestions, it looks like I have lots of places to check now. Over the next week or so I will try and figure this out. I will be sure to post the results.

[Ldub]

Thanks for all the suggestions, it looks like I have lots of places to check now. Over the next week or so I will try and figure this out. I will be sure to post the results.

Please do...I'm curious.....

[VX crazy]

Hmmm, anyone that sells you a 'Dragon Ironman' is probably not being entirely honest about that vehicle since there was no Ironman in the Dragon color.

[Mile High VX]

Hmmm, anyone that sells you a 'Dragon Ironman' is probably not being entirely honest about that vehicle since there was no Ironman in the Dragon color.

This may be the VX from Indy that the guy said was an Ironman and it started out White and someone painted it Dragon Green (including the cladding IIRC). Said he was selling because it was too small for his growing family...

[WormGod]

This may be the VX from Indy that the guy said was an Ironman and it started out White and someone painted it Dragon Green (including the cladding IIRC). Said he was selling because it was too small for his growing family...

Sounds like the TOD decided to stay back with that growing family.... Dragon Ironman.... don't make me laugh.

JK, definitely post any findings. That is a pretty new one around here, as many folks would actually LOVE to have a RWD VX, heh. Good luck.

[tom4bren]

Hmmm, anyone that sells you a 'Dragon Ironman' is probably not being entirely honest about that vehicle since there was no Ironman in the Dragon color.

I noticed that my insurance company has mine listed as a Proton Ironman. I tried to get them to correct it but I don't think they ever did.

[nfpgasmask]

That's crazy that you guys can't feel it in 4Lo. When I shift into 4Lo in my VX, I can idle up the side of a mountain. Meaning, I can FEEL the extra pull from the front end. If you can't feel that, there is definitely something wrong. Looks like everyone has got you on the right track though.

Bart

[SlowPro48]

Thanks for all the suggestions, it looks like I have lots of places to check now.

Well if it's RWD when you've got it in 4L you can skip the electrical/TOD stuff and concentrate on something mechanical - like the first three items on Ldub's list. Drive shafts don't ordinarily go missing but CV Joints are a weak spot - so you might want to start there. Hopefully that's all it is and not a broken chain or some other internal prob with the transfer case...

Just out of curiosity - when you put it in 4L, did that gear it down? It should still go into low range (about 2.5:1) even if power is not making it to the front.

[AlaskaVX]

My money is on a CV gone bad.
Unless you do have manual locking hubs or are missing a front driveshaft

[Triathlete]

Just to be sure...
Are you certain NO front wheel is spinning when in 4Lo? Your front diff is open and even when in 4Lo only one wheel will spin.
Yes, "4 wheel drive" is not "4" wheel drive! One of the biggest marketing lies out there...