Tranny problem
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 70
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Tranny problem
This is not a Ford truck question , it's my daughters 97 Geo Tracker 4wd. It will only move when it is in 4wd and the transmission works fine. When I put it back in 2wd it seems like it"s in neutral and won't even go in park. I'm not sure but it sounds like a switch or something like that. Any Idea's ( I'm asking because it was me who drove it last ooops!)
Thanks
Gary
Thanks
Gary
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 2
From: In my House
I would still have to say a transfer case issue. I would thinkmaybe a broke chain inthe transfer case. Thats why when your in 4wd it works, because its just the front end thats engaged and driving you around. The rear output shaft is not working.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Isn't the Geo Tracker a FWD vehicle?
If so, what has happened is one of the front axle shafts have broken. When you put it in 4x4, the rear axle is now doing the work. Sort of opposite of post #4. I would check the pass. side axle first.
Lift the vehicle completely off the ground in the front and see which wheel turns freely.
It should go into Park. The reason why it rolls is an axle is broken, so there is no force to hold the other axle in place so the diff spins. The tang should still engage in the tranny. The reason it does not roll in 4x4 is the back axle is holding the vehicle in place and it can't spin with the tranny locked.
If so, what has happened is one of the front axle shafts have broken. When you put it in 4x4, the rear axle is now doing the work. Sort of opposite of post #4. I would check the pass. side axle first.
Lift the vehicle completely off the ground in the front and see which wheel turns freely.
It should go into Park. The reason why it rolls is an axle is broken, so there is no force to hold the other axle in place so the diff spins. The tang should still engage in the tranny. The reason it does not roll in 4x4 is the back axle is holding the vehicle in place and it can't spin with the tranny locked.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
It's a rear/4wd. A broken chain wouldn't cause problems like that.
I would jack the rear end up, and with it in the park position, spin the rear tires. If the tires spin and the driveshaft doesn't, it may have a damaged ring/pinion or carrier assembly. Very likely this time of year is a broken axle. That vehicle has a drop-out carrier like a Ford 9", so it can break an axle and not loose the wheel, and if it breaks in the center section where the splines are (weakest spot), it may not even tip the tire at all.
I would jack the rear end up, and with it in the park position, spin the rear tires. If the tires spin and the driveshaft doesn't, it may have a damaged ring/pinion or carrier assembly. Very likely this time of year is a broken axle. That vehicle has a drop-out carrier like a Ford 9", so it can break an axle and not loose the wheel, and if it breaks in the center section where the splines are (weakest spot), it may not even tip the tire at all.
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: In my House
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