'05 transfer case... anybody replace one?

[fz1dave]

I may be wrong but I believe the wife's Mountaineer has a transfer case problem. It will shift into gear fine but as soon as you get to about 15-20 MPH there is this grinding/slipping thing going on and the message center says check transmission.

Rather than get reamed I'd like to attempt this repair myself. Any tips on where to get a decent price on a good refurb?

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

If you're getting a notification for "Check transmission" I'd be reluctant to start with the transfer case. Does her Mountaineer have AWD or 4WD? Either way, there really isn't much for diagnostics on the transfer case. There is quite a bit of diagnostics built in to the transmission though.

I'd suggest you start by finding someone with a scan tool that can read transmission codes and check what diagnostic codes are being set. Maybe you'll find the solution is as simple as a speed sensor issue or shift solenoid. The standard scan tools like you'll find at most of the parts stores will not be able to access the transmission diagnostic codes, it will need to be a professional scan tool. It may cost you $100 to have a shop pull the codes, but if it keeps you from replacing the engine transmission, that would be money well spent.

-Rod

[fz1dave]

Thanks Rod!

It's AWD. I think what I'm gonna do first is drop the drive shaft and see if that eliminates the problem. From what I've read that seems to be the easiest way to tell if the problem is in fact with the transfer case.

[shorod]

I'm not sure about this, but since with AWD it's more of a VCU than a transfer case, dropping either driveshaft may result in a vehicle that won't move.

-Rod