May 04th, 2022 0 Comments

Signs of a Bad Transfer Case & How to Fix It

Vehicles with an all-wheel drive system or four-wheel drive commonly have a transfer case. Transfer cases send power from the engine to the front and rear wheels to improve handling, and it is essential to have a good one when you are desperate for traction. In the case of towing or traveling over difficult terrain, a transfer case can be useful, as they allow you to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Some transfer cases are even fitted with specific gears for use off-road, but they shouldn't be used in normal driving conditions. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for proper usage instructions.

Signs of a Bad Transfer Case

It's important to know the signs of a failing transfer case so you can get it repaired as quickly as possible. Here are the signs of a bad transfer case:

Unusual noises: A bad transfer case can cause unusual sounds to come from the transmission or under your car. These sounds could be clicking, grinding, or chattering. Any of these may indicate a malfunctioning transfer case. You should get your car into a repair shop right away for an inspection and repairs before the problem worsens.

Difficult shifting: Transfer cases can experience this problem, whether they are automatic or manual. When the transfer case does not shift at all, it means that there is a major problem, and you need to call a mechanic.

Four-wheel drive randomly engages or disengages: There could be a problem with your transfer case if your vehicle's four-wheel drive does not stay engaged. Contact your mechanic right away.

Fluid leak under your transfer case: In the event that fluid leaks from the area around the transfer case, contact a repair shop to make sure it is safe to drive there. To prevent further damage, they may recommend that you have your car towed to the shop.

Burning smell: When the transfer case has low fluid levels, there is excess friction inside the transfer case. A burning fluid smell is obviously present when this occurs, and you don't want to ignore it. Visit your mechanic right away.

Check engine light or service 4WD light: When your transfer case is damaged, it can cause high internal temperatures, which will trigger your engine computer to turn on the check engine light. Your mechanic can determine the cause of the problem.

How to Fix a Bad Transfer Case

Whether a transfer case is repairable or not depends on how extensive the damage is.

If your bad transfer case is repairable: By replacing any damaged or defective components, as well as replacing the seals and adding new, fresh fluid, a mechanic can repair or restore the vehicle. The final step is to test the transfer case for proper performance, and your transfer case is ready.

If your bad transfer case is unrepairable: Transfer cases that have been remanufactured can be installed by a mechanic and are as reliable as new ones. They may even include a warranty.

When you notice any of these symptoms, do not wait until the problem worsens and causes further damage to your vehicle. The staff at Best Western Transmission is experienced in diagnosing and repairing transfer case problems. We will work quickly and efficiently to get your car back on the road and running safely. Give us a call today!