Your AWD or 4WD Dodge or any other car brand is probably one of your biggest investments. And you should take care of it properly so it can serve you for a long time. However, regardless of the routine car maintenance, car parts wear out over time, and you may have to spend on repairs and replacements.
A transfer case is one of the main components of your AWD or 4WD car transmission system. The component plays a key role in splitting and sending power to both the rear and front wheel axis, allowing the car to perform better in tough terrain or slippery conditions. Your car transfer case can go bad, and here are mistakes you’ll likely make when that happens.
How to Know Your Vehicle Transfer Case Has a Problem?
Dodge transfer cases are built to last for many years, but bad driving habits, impact damage, and mechanical issues can damage them. You can know that your transfer case has an issue if you notice that it produces an unusual noise when engaged. You can also find that the 4WD Mode is not engaging or disengaging or the 4WD drive mode can’t stay in position. Other signs include illuminated 4WD light on the dashboard, leaking fluid from the case, and trouble shifting gears.
Common Mistakes You’ll Like Make When Transfer Case Shows Signs of Damage
Please note that Dodge transfer cases and those of other brands break down when you least expect it. And that will force you to make the following mistakes;
Driving the Car When 4WD Light Illuminates
Many people decide to drive their car even when they notice symptoms of a bad transfer case. They assume the damage is not severe, and they must complete the journey before thinking of going to a repair shop or calling a transmission mechanic. For instance, you may see that the 4WD light on your car dashboard is on but decide to continue driving. But that is a big mistake. The problem can be minor, but driving the car in such a situation can damage the transfer case further and even the transmission system. And you’ll have to deal with more expensive repairs.
Attempting to Fix Case on Your Own
The transfer case can develop an issue when you are far away from the repair shop. And in such a scenario, you can attempt to fix the transfer case. But without the training and experience, you will likely make the case worse. You will likely damage the transfer case, pour out the transfer case fluid or even damage the other transmission system components.
Instead of attempting to fix the transfer case on your own, it is essential to call a Dodge transfer cases expert to come fix it for you. They will bring the right tools and even spare parts to fix your vehicle. Alternatively, they will advise you on what to do to get to the nearest car repair shop. This will help you avoid more severe damage.
Assuming the Problem Will Go Away
Are you that driver who doesn’t pay attention to minor noises or damage issues? If yes, you need to change and be more keen. When you notice that your car transfer case is producing an unusual noise or leaking, don’t assume that the problem will go away on its own. If you do, you will be in for a rude shock. The transfer case will damage most of its components, and you will have to replace it. To avoid that, don’t assume anything when you notice something wrong with your car transmission. Call an expert to fix the car or take it to a reputable repair shop.
Repairing Your Transfer Case When It Needs Replacement
Repairing your car transfer case is way cheaper than getting a replacement. Depending on your financial situation, you may decide to repair the case instead of replacing it. And that will be a huge mistake. When you do that, the transfer case will be developing issues more often, and you will spend more money in the long term fixing it.
Instead, you should visit a Dodge transfer cases shop, buy a replacement, and have it installed. You will spend more money, but you will address all the unending issues affecting your transfer case. And with a new transfer case, you will have peace of mind whenever you are traveling to areas requiring you to engage the 4WD drive mode.