PTU gone bad

[Wil Laura]

What's up guys, I have a 2016 Platium with just under 70K. Last weekend as I was parking, I noticed one of my front tires slipped. At first, I thought it was mud which as soon as I got out of the car, I notice a strong smell and after inspection, noticed a silver liquid dripping from the engine area. To be safe, I had the car towed to my uncle shop which he later told me I had to replace the transfer case.

Is this normal for our cars? Looks like I need to shell out about $1500 for replace and labor.

 

[peterk9]

That would be the PTU (Power Transfer Unit). The 5th gen Explorer doesn't have a transfer case as such. There are several threads/posts on the PTU failing. Had it happened a bit earlier, it would have been covered under the 5 year/60k mile Powertrain Warranty. It is the first time the liquid has been described as a "silver" colour. A failed PTU will produce a propane type odour.

 

[Wil Laura]

Thanks! My uncle works at a Chevy dealership, he was going to call Ford to get the exact part number to begin the repairs, really bummed out, I just detailed her that day to ensure a nice week.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Silver liquid is pretty curious. I have seen pretty metallic oil come out of bike transmissions after races due to people slipping the clutches waaaay too much and smoking the aluminum plates. It was still obviously black, but had a good sheen.

I’m not sure what color the PTU fluid starts life as, but most reports here tend to say it’s black when it gets changed or has failed.