myf16
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- July 22, 2012
- Messages
- 151
- Reaction score
- 16
- City, State
- northern California
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 96 Explorer XLT 4WD
I recently replaced the VSS driven gear and it got chewed up within 250 miles. So I belatedly checked the transfer case fluid. Nothing but black powder inside the fill plug. When I drained it, the "fluid" was thicker than molasses and there was less than a pint of it. Holy crap!
I plan to redrain and refill it at least once in the next 1000 miles. Based on other reports, sludge is very common. Like others here, I never noticed any leak. Maybe the fluid takes up less space as it turns solid?
Anyway, I'm hoping that the slow and erratic switching to 4WD will improve now that there is actual fluid in there. And maybe my next VSS gear won't get chewed up.
Don't delay. Check that fluid and change it now. Regular Dextron III ATF, although I used Valvoline import synthetic since that's what I had on hand..
I plan to redrain and refill it at least once in the next 1000 miles. Based on other reports, sludge is very common. Like others here, I never noticed any leak. Maybe the fluid takes up less space as it turns solid?
Anyway, I'm hoping that the slow and erratic switching to 4WD will improve now that there is actual fluid in there. And maybe my next VSS gear won't get chewed up.
Don't delay. Check that fluid and change it now. Regular Dextron III ATF, although I used Valvoline import synthetic since that's what I had on hand..
