Transmission or Transfer Case?
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Transmission or Transfer Case?
Ok, I'll do my best to describe the symptoms since my wife was the one driving and telling me about it. Our 2002 Ford Expedition with the 5.4 liter motor with 151,000 plus miles, was engaged in 4x4 (snow covered roads) driving down the road with no problems. She parked at a local business for a few minutes and drove away noticing the truck was making a "howling" noise from the transmission area. The speedometer was showing approx. 60 mph and the rpms were a tad over two grand. It should be noted she was driving around 20 mph at the time. She placed the truck in AWD and the symptoms continued. She pulled over, turned the truck off, back on and drove down the road with the same issues. She then heard a clunking noise, and the rpms and speedometer were showing correct again. She drove straight home (about a mile) without any further issues. Time for a transmission rebuild or transfer case? Much appreciate, thanks.
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Nope, just happened.
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From: Southern Illinois
I'd say transfer case and from the clunking I'm thinking that possibly 4L engaged? That's the only "clunk" I'm aware up that's normal when going from in and out of 4L. But, that shouldn't happen unless the truck is in neutral. My other thought is that the shift motor might need to be looked at and/or replaced. Cold weather, snow, ice, moisture in general will play havoc on electrical systems.
My only other thought is the transfer case fluid (trans fluid) itself. When was the last time it was changed? Maybe low on fluid?
I'm sure others will chime in with a different opinion but that's where I'd start. Check your tranny fluid in the meantime as a precautionary move.
My only other thought is the transfer case fluid (trans fluid) itself. When was the last time it was changed? Maybe low on fluid?
I'm sure others will chime in with a different opinion but that's where I'd start. Check your tranny fluid in the meantime as a precautionary move.
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I took it for a test drive and she drove just fine. Drove her in 4x4 high and low. Noticed she kept the correct speed when in 4x4 low. The fluid levels are fine, clean and did not smell burnt. I change the transmission fluid every spring. Since she's due for an engine oil change, I'll have the tranny fluid and filter (including transfer case) changed tomorrow as well.
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Well, when goofy nonrepeatable things like this happen to me I check what I can and if it looks good I don't worry about it unless it happens again.
This may not be the best method, but it has worked for me many times.
This may not be the best method, but it has worked for me many times.
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I certainly wouldn't jump to the conclusion that you need a t-case or trans rebuild.
I agree with the others in that she inadvertantly ended up in 4lo. Cold and snow can and do mess electronics and moving parts.
I too would just drive it until something fails. I kind of doubt you will have further trouble though as the weahter improves.
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Thanks guys. I'll give my update to complete this thread.
Took the Expy to the dealership today and described the above incident. They questioned if something electrical went crazy. They changed the tranny and transmission fluid and everything looked fine. Checked, but didn't find any fault codes. Dealership wonders if the electronic shifter on the transmission moved between gears for what ever reason. Guess so far I've dodged the two thousand dollar plus bullet. If something changes, I'll let you guys know.
Took the Expy to the dealership today and described the above incident. They questioned if something electrical went crazy. They changed the tranny and transmission fluid and everything looked fine. Checked, but didn't find any fault codes. Dealership wonders if the electronic shifter on the transmission moved between gears for what ever reason. Guess so far I've dodged the two thousand dollar plus bullet. If something changes, I'll let you guys know.
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