Anyone experienced transfer case issues?

[Artie]

2018 Navigator Reserve 4x4 and tow package.


I’m having an issue when I engage 4L. Once engaged it behaves like it’s not completely engaged and it immediately lunges and pops under throttle. I stop, disengage, move a little and engage again. After a couple attempts it works. Recently I’m experiencing a similar phenomenon while in regular 4 wheel drive. It’s clearly not engaging properly.

Any one had this issue before? I want any info I can get before I contact the dealer.

 

[scottdm]

If you run in 4 Auto, does it make any similar noises? If it's still noisy in 4 Auto, it may be your hubs acting up since the transfer case only engages when it detects wheel slip on the front axle when in 4 Auto. If it's quiet in 4 Auto, it would likely be the transfer case that you're hearing in 4High, or 4 Low.

 

[Fastcar]

2018 Navigator Reserve 4x4 and tow package.


I’m having an issue when I engage 4L. Once engaged it behaves like it’s not completely engaged and it immediately lunges and pops under throttle. I stop, disengage, move a little and engage again. After a couple attempts it works. Recently I’m experiencing a similar phenomenon while in regular 4 wheel drive. It’s clearly not engaging properly.

Any one had this issue before? I want any info I can get before I contact the dealer.

Might want to try it in the rain so it will slip a bit.

 

[JExpedition07]

On the transmission display is it lurching prematurely into 2nd gear when in 4L? We had an F-250 that used to do that. I think it was rectified with a computer flash….it’s been a few years though

 

[Artie]

Might want to try it in the rain so it will slip a bit.

It’s doing it on both gravel and the road.

 

[Artie]

On the transmission display is it lurching prematurely into 2nd gear when in 4L? We had an F-250 that used to do that. I think it was rectified with a computer flash….it’s been a few years though

So it’s skipping right out the gate way before making a shift. It’s clearly half engaged to the point that going any further sounds like it would cause damage.

 

[Artie]

I called the dealership today to ask about this issue and if it’s something they have dealt with and could it wait for my next service. The service manager actually told me they see this a couple times a month! This is at a small dealership in our town. Ugh.

 

[duneslider]

Kind of interesting, Hasn't this transfer case been used by Ford for like 100 years? I have always heard they are pretty bullet proof? I wonder what the issue is with them?

 

[shane_th_ee]

Kind of interesting, Hasn't this transfer case been used by Ford for like 100 years? I have always heard they are pretty bullet proof? I wonder what the issue is with them?

In most systems, 4H/4L can be pretty unforgiving if used on a surface without enough wheel slip. Just go look for the TFL truck video where they broke a drive shaft. 4L is great for pulling a heavy boat up a slippery ramp, but make sure you disengage it at the top of the ramp before you go driving around the ramp to the tie down area.

 

[Artie]

In most systems, 4H/4L can be pretty unforgiving if used on a surface without enough wheel slip. Just go look for the TFL truck video where they broke a drive shaft. 4L is great for pulling a heavy boat up a slippery ramp, but make sure you disengage it at the top of the ramp before you go driving around the ramp to the tie down area.

Agree with your ramp usage example. My main use is hilly forest service roads, especially where long stretches of down hill driving occurs. This allows for engine braking instead of actual brake pedal usage. I’ve done the brake pedal in the past and the binders just aren’t up to the task, especially if I have gear and my camper in the equation. Also, if paved surfaces are an issue for 4H it shouldn’t engage in ‘Excite’ mode.

 

[shane_th_ee]

Agree with your ramp usage example. My main use is hilly forest service roads, especially where long stretches of down hill driving occurs. This allows for engine braking instead of actual brake pedal usage. I’ve done the brake pedal in the past and the binders just aren’t up to the task, especially if I have gear and my camper in the equation. Also, if paved surfaces are an issue for 4H it shouldn’t engage in ‘Excite’ mode.

Have you tried just locking out all the higher gears save first? That’s what I usually do unless I’m on ice, which is when I’ll use 4L

 

[Artie]

Have you tried just locking out all the higher gears save first? That’s what I usually do unless I’m on ice, which is when I’ll use 4L

I’ve tired this but the shift from 2 to 1 is super rough. When I’m using 4L I’m going 30mph or less so downshifting with the paddles will work but 4L is a million times easier.

 

[Artie]

Updating this thread.

Vehicle was in for service and I had them look at this issue. They claimed it was a misfire in #3 that was causing the jumping skipping whatever it’s doing. Weird because it only does it while in a 4x4 mode and never in 2x. I asked if they drove and tested it, service manager said they did. Get car delivered at my house and drove it the next morning… sure enough it still has the flipping issue. Service manager wants to do a ride along with me next week. Hopefully, this thing won’t make a liar out of me. I’ll update later.

 

[Artie]

Drove around with service tech today. He thinks it’s a misfire again. No codes. They come and get it in a couple weeks.

 

[JExpedition07]

I’d think it would misfire when you are pulling your trailer if it’s a load related misfire. Dunno about the misfire prognosis but weird things do happen. The fact it happens in 4L maybe they should be draining the fluid and checking for metallic flakes. They do have a big fancy computer that does misfire counts, so maybe they are seeing something we can’t.