What is a transfer case?

[dvernon]

I own a 2002 Explorer with 4-wheel drive. It has the buttons on the dash in order to engage and system. I have used this feature about 12 times in all the years I have owned this thing. Now it doesn't work! It does not engage the 4x4 high or low feature when the buttons are pushed. I was told by a local mechanic that the problem is the transfer case. How does this break? Shouldn't it be a bit more durable? I'm sure it costs more to repair than the vehicle is worth at this point. I would appreciate any input or advice.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the transmissions & transfer cases section. A transfer case is a gear box which is connected to the rear of a transmission for enabling the front wheels to turn (all 4 wheels have driving power instead of just the rear wheels). It's possible that the control module might have a problem, and not the transfer case.

 

[FireZapper]

It couple be a number of things associated with the tcase.

Fuse.
Control module.
Shift motor.
Wiring short.
Tcase itself.

Does the lights flash when pushed? Does it make any noise when pushing the buttons? Does it make any noise while normal driving?

Do a search and I bet it has been discussed here.