Not going into 4wd until it's warmed up

Hey all. My 2010 DC 5.7 is having a hard time going into 4wd. It started back in September with 4 hi flashing after driving on a rocky road in 2wd. After driving on the highway, the light went off and I didn't think much of it. Now that we've been getting some snow, I'm noticing it not going into 4wd until it's "warmed up." 4 hi will flash continuously until it seems to be warm enough. If I'm trying to get out of 4wd when the truck is cold, same thing. 4 hi flashing until warm? It seems the to have no problems when the truck is warm. Truck has 150,000 miles, I have exercised 4wd as I should. All maintenance is done on time. Truck has an Icon lift, 4.88's and 35's if any of that could matter. I have searched...I found nothing definitive in case the question comes up. Thanks in advance!!

 

Sounds to me like you didn't mess with it for 3-4 months. Correct or am I not comprehending your initial statement?

 

Kinda. The flashing light went off after being on the highway for about 30 minutes. It has come on randomly a couple times since the first episode. Took it to my mechanic no codes. He told me to "exercise" the 4wd every so often. I did with no problems until it became cold. For example...I ice fished 3 days this weekend. Friday, 5 degrees. Took about 10 minutes for 4 hi to stop flashing then went in and out as normal. Saturday... same thing a little warmer. Yesterday, same temps, never stopped flashing and didn't go in to 4hi. Back to 2wd on the switch, stayed flashing the whole way back on the highway. 30 or so miles light went off. Today, 20 degrees and snowing, went right into 4hi no flashing no drama. I'm perplexed.

 

We're you doing the "exercises" before you were told by the mechanic?

 

For the most part. I can't even remember a month that might have gone by without me putting it in 4hi for some reason or the other

 

Well it does have some years on it, it is a mechanical or electromechanical system. There is a reason replacement parts are marketed. You get where I'm going, at least I think you should. I think a new actuator is a few hundred bucks. Probably brand options though, plus those silly protection plan options too.

 

I do. It seems there are some reach arounds for the actuator, but to really replace it seems to be a big deal. It's gonna be a while for me to get skids off and take a look. Still hoping there's a magic bullet or something someone else has dealt with. At least somewhere to start looking.