Chevy Silverado 4x4 problem?

[Theo]

I admit I am not an expert with how 4x4 systems work, that's why I'm here. I purchased a 2007 Silverado (new body style) this summer. We just got our first big snow storm tonight, and I backed out of the driveway and was stuck on the street in front of the house as cars drove by. I was able to roll down the window and crank the front wheels so I could see the tire and it didn't move even when locked in 4 high.

I assume that all tires should move at the same in that setting (4 high)? The light flashes for quite a while before locking into the 4 high setting. Is that normal? Any ideas on what the problem could be?

 

[chevypride0310]

well the front differential is just like the rear, both sides might not spin all the time, they'll be limited slip until they get locked in posi, if both sides stayed locked all the time then you wouldn't be able to turn, only time you see locked differentials all the time is on hardcore off-road vehicles that they don't use on the street just for off-road, when you get stuck you use 4LO because you need the extra TQ and low gearing to get out but normal driving in snow you use 4HI, but now you know to put it in 4HI before you start to move because then you wouldn't have got stuck, might want to have it in 4LO to get out of the driveway and then put it in 4HI to go where you need to go, and ya sometimes it will take longer than normal for it to get in 4x4, on my 98 Silverado Z71 it usually goes right in but it was a handful of times where it took a little longer than normal

 

[Chuck P]

If it's flashing your not engaged, you need to put it in 4 wheel drive and it usually takes a minute or so to engage and the light just stays lit when it is in gear. And yes they will all move when engaged.

 

[LS1]

turn the wheel straight and put the truck in neutral to speed the process of getting into 4 wheel drive.. however since you have a silverado 4x4.. you most definately have auto 4wd.. should be the very top button on your selection of 2wd and 4wd as it is on my new 09 silverado.. you don't want to drive on the road in 4 hi.. auto 4wd will do just fine for you