Newbie questions...

[Deacon]

How do I check transfer case fluid? Or does checking the transmission fluid accomplish the same thing? I have the famous "4wd lights are flashing" problem and need to start eliminating factors. '97 XLT, never use the 4wd option.

Thanks,

Deacon

 

[stubborn1]

Checking tranny fluid has nothing to do with your t-case.

Remove the top fill plug - reach inside and feel with your finger, you should feel fluid very close to the top of the hole. If you can physically look in there, go for it - I'm not that agile.

If its been over 30k miles since the last change, I would just replace the fluid instead of checking it. Takes a little over 2 quarts if I remember correctly.

 

[Deacon]

Thanks stubborn1...I inherited this thing from my wife and know nothing about Explorers. But I thought I knew enough about 4x4s to know that they are two separate systems....

 

[Deacon]

I got the transfer case fluid replaced...happy to find out there was still some there

I still have the blinking 4wd lights, and the dealership tells me he *thinks* it is just a wiring harness gone bad. He cleaned some connections and thought he had it fixed, but on a final test drive it started acting ugly again. Bummer.

 

[Opera House]

I had problems with my 97 when I bought it used. It was low on fluid, growled on low speed turns and lights were flashing. Last owner even put in a new shift motor. Changed the fluid and reset the computer by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. That flashing light dropped a lot of money off the price. Wonder how they would feel if they found out all they had to do was disconnect the battery. No problem for two years.

 

[Deacon]

I forgot about the battery disconnect thing....have to go try that...thanks!

 

[JDraper]

Check out this website for info on xfer case problems and solutions.... Dead Link Removed

 

[Deacon]

Disconnecting the battery after I had the TC fluid changed and the connectors cleaned of all the corrosion seems to have done the trick. 2+ days of no problems. Thanks Opera House...you probably saved me a lot of both time and money in repairs and rental cars.