Flashing 4x4 lights & loud cabin noise.

[FredS]

A few weeks ago I engaged the 4x4 mode as I had to drive off road. Back on tarmac again, I switched the dial back to Auto, and I could hear a clank sound as it swithed over (which I think is normal). The problem is that I could hear a grinding, 'howling' kind of sound and feel a vibration whenever the car was moving. (Even with the ignition turned off, freewheeling downhill) It almost sounds like a HarleyD'son from inside the car but normal from outside! It seemed to be coming from somewhere around the middle of the car. I assumed that it did not disengage out of 4x4 properly. About 3 weeks later I took it out for a longer drive on the highway, and the 4x4 and 4x4Low lights started flashing 6 times at few minute intervals. Also, the Engine light came on a few days before this. From reading this forum I know that the flashing lights is an error code. Would I be right in thinking that replacing the transfer cage would fix the problem? If anyone else has had similar experiences your thoughts / advice would be very much appreciated.

 

[my pos mounty]

I would hold off on replacing your transfercase. Try this thread: Rebuilding the shift motor
It sounds to me (and I am no expert, by any stretch of the imagination) that perhaps your t/case has not fully disengaged the 4WD and is in between gears.

Might also read this thread. Doesn't appear to be the same issue, but you can decide better than I.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the transmissions & transfer cases section. Check the sticky threads on the top of this section for more information.

 

[explorerguy89]

i say take shift motor off and visually check if its in 4h or 4l orin between and if its between just turn it yourself haha then replace or repair motor

 

[msilver]

have you tried to put in to 4x4 high and low since you have had the problem?

 

[FredS]

It sounds to me (and I am no expert, by any stretch of the imagination) that perhaps your t/case has not fully disengaged the 4WD and is in between gears.

(Thanks for the very helpfull link)

It sounds like it could be that. It definitely sounds and feels as if something is not engaging properly. It goes into 4x4L & back to 4x4H fine. But I can't figure out if it goes into Auto or stays in 4X4H when I turn the dial. I'm going to try the 'rubber mallet' remedy first...
One more stupid question: Can the car be driven like this or would it cause serious damage?
Thanks very much all your replies. It's a huge help!

 

[my pos mounty]

I wouldn't drive it in that condition.
It wouldn't take much time to climb under there and take the shift motor off the T/case and verify it is in 2 wheel drive. Theres a little stub on the t/case that the motor turns, you could turn that to the correct position, keep the shift motor off and rebuild it when you have time.
If the T/case stub is in the correct position, then you know that something else is going on. Come back and post here.