Emergency vacation help!!!

[kloadman97]

Hopefully someone sees this in time for me to get some help before the situation becomes worse.

Driving from Ohio to Virginia today (on our way to the Outer Banks) I had a somewhat serious issue with my Explorer ('97 XLT). Going up, down, and around the mighty hills of West Virginia I had the cruise set at about 75 (speed limit of 70...I need smacked for driving so slow I know)...coasting down a fairly major hill (with the cruise still on) my car suddenly kicked itself out of gear and made a horribly loud 'whizzing' noise like the drive shaft was spinning but the fly wheel wasn't catching it again. I didn't have my foot on the gas nor was I applying the brakes. I was hoping it was an isolated incident, but I was not so lucky. For the remainder of the trip, anytime I violated the ratio (speed was too high and I let the RPM's drop too low) it did it again. As soon as I even tapped the gas it stopped.

It seemed to accelerate fine, and there was no horrid 'clunk' that one would think might go along with a major transmission issue. We stopped and let it cool down for the suggested 30 minutes and then checked the transmission fluid level, which appeared fine.

I'm curious to know if others have had a similar experience, and what it ended up being. If not...does anyone have any thoughts about what might be the cause of my pain and how painful is it going to be to fix?

 

[vervepipes]

Bump for a guy in need

 

[je5]

Hopefully someone sees this in time for me to get some help before the situation becomes worse.

Driving from Ohio to Virginia today (on our way to the Outer Banks) I had a somewhat serious issue with my Explorer ('97 XLT). Going up, down, and around the mighty hills of West Virginia I had the cruise set at about 75 (speed limit of 70...I need smacked for driving so slow I know)...coasting down a fairly major hill (with the cruise still on) my car suddenly kicked itself out of gear and made a horribly loud 'whizzing' noise like the drive shaft was spinning but the fly wheel wasn't catching it again. I didn't have my foot on the gas nor was I applying the brakes. I was hoping it was an isolated incident, but I was not so lucky. For the remainder of the trip, anytime I violated the ratio (speed was too high and I let the RPM's drop too low) it did it again. As soon as I even tapped the gas it stopped.

It seemed to accelerate fine, and there was no horrid 'clunk' that one would think might go along with a major transmission issue. We stopped and let it cool down for the suggested 30 minutes and then checked the transmission fluid level, which appeared fine.

I'm curious to know if others have had a similar experience, and what it ended up being. If not...does anyone have any thoughts about what might be the cause of my pain and how painful is it going to be to fix?

Your transfer case has failed. If you can make it to Roanoke, VA on I81 I can replace your TC this weekend so you can continue your trip. Try to not back up if at all possible because you will be losing reverse soon. Wishing you well. If you have internet access PM me and I will give you my cell number.

 

[Gatorblazer]

Your transfer case has failed. If you can make it to Roanoke, VA on I81 I can replace your TC this weekend so you can continue your trip. Try to not back up if at all possible because you will be losing reverse soon. Wishing you well. If you have internet access PM me and I will give you my cell number.

ATTA BOY!!!!!

 

[dogfriend]

Your transfer case has failed. If you can make it to Roanoke, VA on I81 I can replace your TC this weekend so you can continue your trip. Try to not back up if at all possible because you will be losing reverse soon. Wishing you well. If you have internet access PM me and I will give you my cell number.

The ratcheting noise is the big clue.

See also:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66666&highlight=transfer+case

 

[gijoecam]

Yuppers. Transfer case issue. This is popping up a lot more now that the 2nd gens are getting up there in age. Stay in the gas going forward and it'll run, but decelerate against the engine (compression braking) and she grinds. Shift fork and/or shift shaft issues for sure.

-Joe

 

[je5]

I just had to fix one with the same problem.

 

[je5]

Well, I don't know how to contact you. Hope it goes well.

 

[je5]

Got to work on another vehicle now. Hope you get 'er done.

 

[kloadman97]

Thanks to all who replied. As it turns out the pump inside the transfer case broke, and that pretty much shot everything to hell along with it. Aamco replaced it for me, and the drive home to Ohio was incident free, although now I am totally paranoid of every little tick, bump, and noise I hear while driving, thinking it is coming from the transfer case again. It was a quick way to double the cost of vacation.

 

[timmyt]

Mine did that 2 years ago and I needed a new transmission. Same year and style. Sorry.

 

[kloadman97]

Stuff happens I suppose...just a real kick in the teeth when it happens well outside the friendly confines of your hometown.

 

[je5]

Glad you got back OK. Hope they gave you some warranty.

 

[kloadman97]

je5 - thanks. They gave me 90 days...although if something went wrong in that time frame I'm sure it would take an act of Congress to get Aamco to pony up the dough to pay for a new one.