4x4 inop sounds like transfer case motor is trying to engauge in low no 4x4 in high

It depends on what is wrong , is the 4x4 light flashing ? Are you aware of the complexity of the 4x4 system ? Has a electronic control module , has the ability to set an store DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes !
Transfer Case The four wheel drive system is an electronic shift 4X4 system that allows the operator to choose between three different modes. The operator can switch 4X4 HIGH modes at any speed. To engage or disengage 4X4 LOW the vehicle speed must be less than 5 kph (3 mph), the brake depressed, and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
The shift motor sense plate, an integral part of the electronic shift motor, informs the generic electronic module (GEM) of the transfer case shift motor and contact plates A, B, C and D position.
The digital transmission range (TR) sensor is located on the LH side of the transmission, and informs the GEM when the transmission is in the NEUTRAL position.
The electronic shift motor is mounted externally at the rear of the transfer case. It drives a rotary cam which moves the mode fork and range fork within the transfer case between the 4X4 HIGH, 4X4 LOW and 2WD range positions.
When the GEM verifies the completion of the transfer case shift from 2WD to 4X4 HIGH (reading the contact plate positions), the GEM will then energize both pulse vacuum hublock (PVH) solenoids (supplying ground for 45 seconds). The PVH solenoid will allow a HIGH flow of intake manifold vacuum to the "wheel end hublocks", engaging the wheel end hubs to the front differential and transfer case to achieve four wheel drive.
Here are just a few DTC'S the system can set an store in the module !
P1804 4WD High Indicator Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1806 4WD High Indicator Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1808 4WD Low Indicator Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1810 4WD Low Indicator Short to Power GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1812 4WD Mode Select Switch Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1815 4WD Mode Select Switch Circuit Short to Ground GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1820 Transfer Case CW Shift Relay Circuit - Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1822 Transfer Case CW Shift Relay Coil Short to Power GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1824 4WD Electric Clutch Relay Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1826 4WD Low Clutch Relay Short to Power GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1828 Transfer Case CCW Shift Relay Coil Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1830 Transfer Case CCW Shift Relay Coil Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1838 Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1846 Transfer Case CONTACT PLATE "A" Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . Now are you sure you really want to mess with this ? You would need a factory diagnostic scan tool to check this out before you start replacing parts !
Here

What type of vehicle is this? I'm assuming you have a part time transfer case with the 4h,4l and 2h selector switch.
Without knowing the vehicle I can't be certain, but the problem you are describing sounds like the Encoder Motor on your transfer case has gone bad.
Can you hear any noise when you try to select a gear range?

This not a fuse problem. When you switch to A4WD or 4HI, do the indicator light for those positions stay on solid or do they blink and then return to 2HI position? If so, then there is probably a problem with the transfer case actuator/motor.

it has to be running and in neutral to engauge the 4x4. shift to neutral,then push the 4x4 option that you want. 4wheel high you can use almost any sensible speed.4wheel low is only for low speed 15 to 20mph is best for 4wheel low,otherwise will damage engine or transfer case. when you take it out of 4x4 it has to be in neutral also. thank you for choosing fixya.com

I HAD A BLAZER WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS REPLACED THE TRANSFER CASE MOTOR AND SOLVED PROBLEM. TRANSFER CASE MOTOR SHIFTS FROM HIGH TO LOW GEAR IN THE TRANSFER CASE AND TELLS THE FRONT ACTUATORS TO INGAGE FRONT HUBS . MOTOR WON'T MOVE TO 4 HIGH AND GRINDS WHEN TRYING TO MOVE TO 4 LOW, TRANSFER CASE MOTOR FAILING . CHECK VACUUM LINES AND ACTUATORS ON FRONT DIFF THEY FAIL, CAN CHANGE TO CABLE ENGAGEMENT INSTEAD OF FAILURE PRONE VACUUM ACTUATORS.

Electronic Shift On the Fly (ESOF) Operation
The ESOF system is an electronic shift 4x4 system that allows the operator to choose between two different 4x4 modes as well as 2-wheel drive. The operator can switch between 2WD and 4WD HIGH mode at speed. To engage or disengage LOW Range, the vehicle speed must be less than 5 kph, the brake depressed, and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL.

The transfer case is equipped with an electromagnetic clutch which is located inside the case. This clutch is used to spin up the front drive-line when shifting from 2WD to 4x4 High mode at speed. When the control switch on the instrument panel is turned, the generic electronic module (GEM) recognizes that a shift has been requested and activates the electromagnetic clutch and the relays which power the transfer case shift motor. When the shift motor reaches the desired position as determined by the contact plate position inputs to the GEM, power to the shift relays and motors will be removed. When the transfer case front and rear output shafts are synchronized, the spring loaded lockup collar mechanically engages the main-shaft hub to the drive sprocket. Finally, the front axle collar is engaged and the electromagnetic clutch is deactivated.

Shift Between 2WD and 4x4 HIGH:
Shifts between 2WD and 4x4 HIGH can be made at speed. Listed below are the inputs and outputs needed by the GEM to execute a change between any of these modes.

Feature Inputs:
*4WD Mode Switch (Various resistances).
*Contact Plate Position Inputs A, B, C, D (grounded when closed, open circuit when open).

Feature Outputs:
*4x4 Shift Motor Relay Outputs
*Transfer Case Clutch Relay (grounded when relay is on, open circuit when relay is off).
*4x2/4x4 Vacuum Solenoid (grounded when activated, open circuit when deactivated).
*Cluster Indicators (ground when activated, open circuit when deactivated).

Shifting Into/Out of 4WD LOW:
When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW, the GEM requires that the vehicle speed be less than 5 kph, the brake is applied, and the transmission is in NEUTRAL.

Feature Inputs:
*4WD Mode Switch (Various resistances).
*Contact Plate Position Inputs A, B, C, D (grounded when closed, open circuit when open).
*VSS Sensor (Sinusoid Signal: 0.7V-20V, 2.2 Hz/mph).
Brake Input (battery voltage when brake is depress, open circuit when not activated).
*Transmission Range Sensor (grounded when transmission is in NEUTRAL, open circuit otherwise).
8Start/Clutch Depressed Input

Feature Outputs:
*4x4 Shift Motor Relay Outputs
*4x2/4x4 Vacuum Solenoid (grounded when activated, open circuit when deactivated).
*Cluster Indicators (grounded when activated, open circuit when deactivated).

4WD Mode Switch
A rotary switch allows the vehicle operator to choose between 2WD, 4WD HIGH, and 4WD LOW modes of 4x4 operation.

GEM Module
The Generic Electronic Module (GEM) controls the operation of the 4x4 system

Vehicle Speed Sensor
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS), mounted in the rear of the transfer case, informs the GEM of the vehicle speed.

Transfer Case Shift Motor Sense Plates

The shift motor sense plate, an integral part of the electric shift motor, informs the GEM to the positions of the transfer case

Transmission Range Sensor
Located on the left side of the transmission, this sensor informs the GEM when the transmission is in the NEUTRAL position.

Electric Shift Motor
The electric shift motor, mounted externally at the rear of the transfer case, drives a rotary cam which moves the mode fork and range fork within the transfer case to select between the 2WD, 4WD HIGH, and 4WD LOW positions.

4x4/4x2 Vacuum Solenoids
These two solenoids are attached to the upper RH side of the engine compartment dash, and alternately route vacuum to the vacuum motor which engages/disengages the center axle disconnect collar in the front axle assembly.

4x4 Shift Motor Relay
A module containing two relays which under the control of the GEM, shift the transfer case shift motor between the 2WD, 4WD HIGH, and 4WD LOW modes.

Transfer Case Clutch Relay
An electromechanical relay is used to activate the transfer case clutch within the transfer case.

Good luck and hope this helps,but start with the simple and check the fuses and wire harness. Both white/light blue stripe wires should have 12V in run. The GEM will ground the left side (closest to engine) solenoid to disengage the front axle. It will ground the the right side solenoid (closest to fender) to engage the front axle. If the GEM doesn't see Neutral it will not let the truck come out of 4Lo. If the GEM had water leaking on it it may well be the root of the problem. The shift motor only has power when the GEM sends it a signal to move the shift lever. Once the shift is completed the motor shuts off. There are 2 wires that control the shift motor. A yellow and an orange. The GEM alternates between 12v and Ground to these wires to control which way the motor turns. The GEM uses the transfer case shift relay module to control the power to the motor. There are contact plates inside the shift motor assembly that indicate the position that the shift lever is in. This is what the GEM used to know what the T-case is doing. Any one of these components can fail.

Encoder motor located on the transfer case is usually the problem. It is the motor that shifts the transfer case.

the 4x4 don't use vacuum. the front is auto lock when the transfer is engauged with the button. if the light don't which when pressed into 4hi or 4low. the motor on the transfer case maybe hung up. they have to be used at least 4 times a year not to go bad. the motor is on the back side of the transfer case. best of luck.

I have found that when you are going to engauge 4x4 high, it is best to only be going about 3 miles an hour. Not faster, not stopped. It likes some movement to help it mesh. I've had perfect shifts since I started this. Hope it helps. Wade.

I had the same problem with my 98 sierra 4x4. Turned out that the electrical activator on the transfer case was not working. It will still go into 4 low but not 4 high. Replace the electrical switch on the transfer case and it should work again.