Transfer Case Motors

[Jimmiee]

Being in the transmission field I see a lot of transfer case motor problems. A lot of these problems can be prevented!

Most all new 4X4 trucks nowadays have electronically controlled transfer cases. As you know there's a motor involved in the system that shifts the gears instead of a shifter on the floor. These electronically controlled transfer cases need to be cycled every so often to keep them from freezing up. If you live in an area where you use your transfer case regularly this is enough but if you are like most people with SUVs, you may not use your transfer case but once a year or less.

Here's what's happening. Your transfer case makes very fine metal as it's breaking in and throughout it's life. This very fine metal usually settles to the bottom of the transfer case and sticks to the magnet. This has never been a problem before and many transfer cases have gone the life of the vehicle without an oil change.

Now add a motor into the picture. The motor is also a magnet. Some of the fine metal finds it way into the motor and if the motor sits for a year or so with no use the fine metal can get into the contacts. Then when you really need 4 wheel drive you push the button and nothing happens.

To prevent this from happening to you, cycle your transfer case motor every 3 months or so and service your transfer case every 30K. I know the manufacturer may not recommend frequent servicing but that's because people want vehicles that are maintenance free and the manufacturers advertise maintenance free to sell cars.

[Z71_guy]

good post, preventative maintenance is your friend