2012 Ram 3500 transfer case

[Northwindtucker]

I am traveling. Had a slight noise in drive train. Checked transfer case fluid. It was full. Thought I’d drain a little out of bottom. (Not smart) To check for metal shavings. Fluid looked perfect. Accidentally dropped plug. By the time I got it back in I lost approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of quart. Tomorrow is Sunday so I can’t get to a dealer for borg Warner mopar 68089195AA fluid and I have 260+ miles to go. Do I get valvoline multi vehicle synthetic transfer case fluid at auto zone tomorrow and top it off ? Then do a complete change when I get home? Or suggestions???. Looks like transfer case is approximately 1/2 full.

 

[petersonj]

I didn't see anything in your post that says what you are driving. I am driving an 02 and if I was in your situation, I would add ATF to get me back to where I could drain and refill with the correct fluid. Or, I would finish draining the fluid and refill with ATF.

The transfer case really doesn't do any work unless you are using 4WD, and even then using 4WD on snow and ice still won't generate very much heat.

Just my 2 cents.

- John

 

[Northwindtucker]

Thanks. I will top off as you suggested with atf. It is a 2012 Ram 3500 4x4 with borg Warner transfer case. I can’t find an equivalent fluid listed. Driving in Michigan. Hopefully No lake effect snow so I can stay in 2wd. Thanks again.

 

[AH64ID]

Drain it all the way and add synthetic ATF. The BW fluid is just overpriced fancy ATF.

 

[Northwindtucker]

Thanks For all your help. . I found Amsoil multi synthetic ATF that Listed mopar part # 68089195AA on bottle. Topped it off. Took 3/4 of a quart. The mopar fluid that was in there was only 20,000 miles old. Probably drain it all when I get home and refill with mopar or Amsoil. The Amsoil was much cheaper at $14 a quart. Thanks again.

 

[Northwindtucker]

Made it home. Ran great. Might leave it as is Amsoil website said it can be used to top off as well. I’ll start another thread sometime on the noise I am hearing. Not urgent Yet. Probably in front driveshaft ? Thanks again.