Out of Commision please help.

[n00b]

Hey everyone. I am pretty new here but mechanically inclined to a point. Anyhow here's the deal. I only have my explorer right now as my other is a bike. So ANY help is very very appreciated.

Basically here' the low down. I have driven my explorer for hte last two years with no problems ticks or noises. Well I had a routine service done today and they checked the transfer case. Well the fluid that ran out was honestly like a liquid silver color and very fine no chunks or particales. Well they drained it and put in fresh ATF. About an hour later I was testing out my 4x4 to make sure it was engaging after seeing the fluid earlier and and the lights light up but when I went to go the car wouldn't move at all. I tried 4HI, 4LO and Auto. I shifted through all the gears includiong reverse with no luck. Well every time I put it into park it makes a grinding noise now also but still doesn't move. It does go into park though I believe. Right now I got it towed and it's sitting outside.

Any ideas?

 

[n00b]

Update when the vehicle reads that it's in park it can still be rolled around. Also the transmission fluid looks liek a good pink color and doesn't smell burnt.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! You might have 2 problems. Either they messed up the shift linkage, the fluid might be low, or it could be a combination of both.

 

[n00b]

If the shift linkage got bumped wouldn't I have found a gear while rowing through the gears? Also what if it is full, what should I check next? Possible worn transfer case?

 

[n00b]

Helpful hints that tell you if your transfer case is bad:
The best way to check is to have your repair shop drain the fluid. Check for the following:
- Is there any fluid? *
- Does the fluid smell “burnt?” *
- Is the fluid silvery in color? *
- Are there metal pieces in the fluid? *

Mine was very silver in color

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you check the shift motor? Did they do any work to the transmission, or was the transfer case the only thing drained, and refilled?

 

[n00b]

Did you check the shift motor? Did they do any work to the transmission, or was the transfer case the only thing drained, and refilled?

It was just drained and filled.

 

[BrooklynBay]

This thread is a sticky on the top of the transmission section: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123542

 

[n00b]

Here's an update. I checked all fluids in the differentials and transfer case to make sure they are topped off. I tried pushing the car around in each gear and I could. I tried turning the driveshaft by hand under the car and the front and rear are still linked together. I tested 4LO, 4HI, and Auto. With the igition On but the car shut off I could hear the shift motor working while turning the selector. I noticed that when I shift the car into park from shifting through the gears that I hear a kind of gear grinding to a stop sound. However if I go from park to nuetral without trying the other gears it doesn't grind. The vehicle still isn't moving but can be pushed around even in park. I have checked fuses also. What's next? What does this sound like? Please help.

BTW I have the 4405 model.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Have somebody shift to 4H, 4L, and auto while you have it up on ramps, and check the position of the shift motor. The motor might turn, but it might not engage. The shift motor rebuild thread talks about a part which breaks, and could be replaced with a piece of rubber hose. It is a stop to prevent the motor from going too far I think. I haven't read that thread in a while.

 

[n00b]

would this motor make the car feel as if in nuetral though? keep in mind my transfer case fluid was silver also. thanks for the help

 

[BrooklynBay]

It might be stuck in an in between position which wouldn't let it engage.

 

[n00b]

so i should physically be able to see the shift motor turn from looking at it?

 

[BrooklynBay]

This is what you will see if you remove the cover:

 

[n00b]

Thanks. Your a great help. Which cover do I remove to see this?

 

[BrooklynBay]

 

[n00b]

so I need to take the motor off and then have them turn the selector and watch to see if the motor turns?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Don't remove the motor. Only remove the round cover to check the operation of the motor. Check this thread for more information: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123542

 

[n00b]

thanks ill check it asap!

 

[n00b]

Here's my update. I tested the motor and it does spin the dial. It is stuck pointing to the 4LO postion on the case. When I try to manually spin it, it acts like 4LO is the only position available everything else snaps back to 4LO when I let go. The motor can rotate the dail stop to stop though but always wants to go back to 4LO. What's next?