1994 grand cherokee missing transfer case fluid

[Apps]

I have a '94 GC with automatic trans., 5.2 liter engine and quadratrac. My transfer case fluid keeps disappearing. There really aren't any signs of leakage around the transfer case. I have noticed some drips coming off of the two transmission fluid lines that are just in front of the transmission pan. Does the transfer case fluid somehow go into the transmission? I really have no idea.

The other item I am wondering about is all of the information out on the internet about what kind (i.e. weight, anti slip, etc.) of lubricant to use in the differentials. The book says one thing however, I have read too many conflicting reports and others suggest using different weight and types. The jeep dealer said to use "247"....whatever that is. What about the transmission fluid?

Any information would be greatly appreciated,

[cbftbl87]

80W-90 in the differentials. ATF+3 transmission fluid for the transmission(or ATF+4 if you want to spend the extra money).

[Apps]

Any ideas on where the transfer case fluid is going or what 247 is?

[Apps]

I found out that 247 is the ATF from Jeep that is used in the transfer case. What type of synthetic differential lubricant do you suggest and what weight?

[98cam]

I have similar Jeep and unless the TC input/output shaft seals aren't leaking the fluid shouldn't leak out. Tranny fluid leak from the high pressure line at the radiator(the bottom line)is typical for these Jeeps. The quick press/slip connector can be replaced within 15 minutes. I would replace this or you'll spend more $$$ for fluid than what a connector cost. The same ATF is used for tranny and TC also should be changed every 10k miles. The front diff oil is 75W-90 API GL and the rear diff oil is 90W API GL-5 or if you have a limited slip diff use 75W-140 synthetic with(a must)friction modifier. I hope this helps.Peace.

[Apps]

Frustration!

I just checked the level in the transfer case after the dealer put a speedo sensor in and I am still low on fluid! I really have no idea where the t/c fluid is going. Could someone please help.

[JDPascal]

Hi Apps

If there are no external leaks, the only place it can possibly go is into the transmission.

Is the transmission level high or higher than it was??

Being the transfer case is lower than the transmission, the only possibilty I can think of is the lube pump flow in the transfer case is getting directed past the seal to the transmission tail shaft housing.

not too likely but possible.

other option - someone is trying to play with your mind.

JD

[Caribbean ZJ]

did the dealer actually replace the fluid?

[JDPascal]

good question Caribbean ZJ

[95Orvis]

Apps,

I have a 95 JGC with the 5.2L and had my transfercase rebuilt in 2000 for $2,300. The dealer told me that there was no fluid in it when they cracked it open.

It sounds like you may have caught yours early enough to avoid a rebuild. At the time I also had never noticed ANY leaks so I am still baffled today at where the fluid went. My thought as someone mentioned, was that maybe somebody screwed around with and drained the fluid. I doubt it but have no other possible ideas.

After that expensive repair, I began to have a leak in one of the seals about 2yrs later. Since the dealer had a VERY VERY difficult time finding parts for the transfercase and could not find a replacement, they said Chrysler no longer manufactures it, I have decided to not have anyone touch it. I leave cardboard under it in the garage and top it off with fluid every 2 weeks. I am scared to have someone open it up only to find out parts aren't available. If I knew, that it could be repaired for a reasonable amount of money, I would do it in a heartbeat because I love the vehicle but am not going to risk putting it on the lift to find out it has to be totalled.

Recently I started considering buying a remanufactured transfercase from www.drivetrain.com for about $750 and getting a local mechanic to do the job. I figure that the whole thing will run about $1,100 but I will essentially have a new xfercase. Given $500/month for a new car payment, the new xfercase might be worth the money.

Good luck and please post anything you find out as I am interested for my own situation.

Thanks

[Apps]

Hello and thank you for responding. I have checked all over the internet for the problem that I am having with the missing t-case fluid. In answer to some of your questions: I had an independent mechanic check the fluid before I drove it ~20 miles to the dealer. I was with the mechanic when he checked the level. Couldn't reach any fluid with his little finger so we dropped the drain plug on the t-case and only a half of cup came out. The mechanic added 1.5 liters to top it up and I drove it 2 blocks to get home.

The next day, I took it to the dealer. The Jeep mechanic told me upon his check of the t-case, that there wasn't any fluid in it. I told him that I had just had it filled (as I watched it being done) and only drove it ~20 miles to get there to the dealer. He checked out the problem and told me that it was the speedo sensor and installed a new one. The mechanic also stated (and all of this is in writing on his diagnosis) that he also put pipe sealant on the threads of the drain and fill plugs of the t-case. Then he took it for a ride (until t-case got hot), brought it back and said the problem should be fixed.

Well.......upon my ~20 mile drive home, I could hear the t-case making noise again. H-m-m-m-m....I'm thinking....yea....bologna.....you fixed my problem! I checked the t-case level today and it is empty again.

So....since I am not into throwing my money away for no reason, I'm going to take it back to the independent mechanic in a couple of days (why spend the money on the dealer.....it seems that they just supply a bandaid to the problem, get their money and say "oh well...got another one").

As I stated in my earlier post, the only place that I see any "trans fluid wetness" is in the area in front of the transmission pan where the two trans fluid lines cross from the drivers side of the trans pan to the passenger side and then disappear up towards the battery. I don't know, maybe one of those lines has a hole in it? I don't do any off roading so nothing is smashed, bent or broken in that area. I don't see any fluid leaking near the input or output seals. I don't see any leaking on the t-case at all. I have checked the rad. fluid and don't see trans fluid in there. Someone suggested that I check the vacuum line to the transmission to see if there is something coming out of there as that would indicate the shift module is not good (guess the independent will have to do that as I don't know how). Someone suggested that maybe the high pressure line at the bottom of the rad. is leaking (another check for the independent).

I will let you know what I find out when I take it in a couple of days (that's the first that the independent can see me) as it is all driving me crazy! AND...I will never buy another jeep or chrysler product again!!!

Oh....and one very wonderful site that I found on TSB's that I would like to share with everyone is: http://home.sc.rr.com/janet. It seems that no one wants to give up the information on how to get info. on TSB's however, this one does and I thank you!

Apps

[Apps]

Get this! I checked my transfer case this morning and my transfer case is FULL of fluid! I called the dealer that I had put the speedo sensor in and told them of my findings i.e. that I checked the t-case 5 minutes after a 20 mile drive and how I couldn't touch any t-case fluid through the inspection plug. Then this a.m. (after Jeep sat all night), the t-case was FULL!!!!! The Jeep mechanic stated that during operation, the fluid is up, in, around and through the t-case (similar to a vehicles engine oil) and after if cools, it collects back to the t-case. This doesn't seem right to me as I don't know how all of that fluid could disappear in such a small area as the t-case. Does this make sense to you. I can understand the engine analogy however, not the t-case. Any ideas now????

I wonder if this is normal operation for the t-case? It seems to me that it is not being properly lubricated as the t-case is noisy when it warms up.

Thanks for listening....Apps

[JDPascal]

there is a pump that circulates lube to the upper end of the case.

It may be that the there is enough oil held up there to drop thelevel below what you can reach with your finger.

try the 5 minute check again with a wire that will go down 2 inches or more to see how far the level drops.

The oil can't get out of the t-case except for an external leak or past the input seal into the transmission.

[Apps]

What is the name of the pump and is this "normal" operation for a transfer case to fluctuate in lubricant levels?

I am afraid to drive the thing today so when I take it to the independent tomorrow, I'll have him check the level. Is there any website I can look at so I can aquaint myself with the transfer case, where the pump might be and how it all works? I like to be educated. Thank you

[JDPascal]

Hey Apps

Its the lube pump and its located on the output shaft.

It circulates oil to the upper shaft and bearings. Every transfer case has one. at least the ones with a chain drive.

the oil that circulates should drain back fairly rapidly and five minutes should be lots of time but.................

as for how it works, I don't know of any specific site that shows the lube pump but howstuffworks.com has a section on how 4wd works in their "autostuff" section.

though the pump design is different, it works the same as the lube system in the engine - just no filter to change: you drain the dirt when you drain the oil.

as for driving it, if you have oil in it in the morning there should be no problem.