Still Having Transfer Case (?) Problems

[JohnHaggerty]

Brother Oil Burners,

I posted related to this problem over the years and didn't seem to get anywhere. I'm trying again.

I believe I have an issue starting with the transfer case.

Symptoms are:
1) Can run properly for months and thousands of miles.
2) Typically shows as putting the truck in drive and no movement.
3) Switching the 4wd selector switch and putting it in 4wd will allow the truck to move.
4) I've had this issue with being in drive on a hill and not being in gear and rolling.
5) Sometimes as I'm trying to get it to move, playing with the 4wd selector and column selector I hear a grinding noise coming from what I think is the transfer case.
6) Recently while having issues I noticed the 4wd indicator light flash as I was allowing the "glow plugs" to heat.
7) Recently the worse I've seen was an additional 4wd service light stay on and not being able to get it out of 4wd. I shut truck off with it being in 4wd, 4wd indicator on with second 4wd service light on. At that point I was thinking I'd never get it out of 4wd or if I tried to change the selector I wouldn't get it to move. During that event I shut it down and hours later started it and everything was normal with the truck in 2wd.
8) With this thing where I have to use the 4wd selector switch to get the truck to move, I suspect only the front wheels are driving movement. I say this because I've had hard bangs thru these trials where I believe while moving the rear is becoming in drive.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
John

 

[jkern]

I am by no means an expert, but i would say that the servo motor that is responsible for shifting the transfer case is not operating properly. The transfer cases do have a neutral position, so it is likely that maybe the T-case is sticking in neutral. You state that you feel that the truck is only powered by the front wheels...this scenario is likely under two conditions: 1. the truck will not move in regular 2WD, but will in 4WD...that is an indication of a rear driveline failure somewhere in or after the T-case. Placing the truck in 4WD is kinda a "limp" condition to get home where the front wheels will be powered but not the rear...however reading over your symptoms again, i would say that you have a servo (shifting)motor problem.

 

[sag2]

Not sure where you are and if you need 4wd or not but you can try this to confirm it is the transfer case or more likely the motor. Get it into 2wd and unplug the shift motor. You will get the service 4wd light but it should stay in 2wd. If it operates correctly you now know it is TC related, most likely the shift motor.

 

[DonFitzwater]

I don't believe you can have a condition in which the front axle is powered but the rear is not.

Have you had the tcase out? Has a pro checked it? Put the truck up on four jack stands and see what the wheels are doing.

 

[JohnHaggerty]

Where is the shift motor located and what does it look like? I'm going to try sag2's suggestion but don't know what I'm looking for.

Never had the transfer case out. Had it back to dealer but at that time it wasn't acting up and they found nothing.

Thanks

 

[sag2]

Without looking I think it is on the driver side of the transfer case, one connector with about six wires in it. I probably have a photo somewhere if you needed it. Neighbors truck isn't here today or I would snap another photo.