2014 jeep grand cherokee transfer case motor replacement

The transfer case of your jeep grand Cherokee is attached with the transmission located in the stout units. It connects the rear and front drives axles of your vehicle. It provides a different operation mode which a driver can control.

But, over time, some issues will build up with the transfer case. The chance of transfer case problems increases if you like to drive your jeep off-road. Sometimes you can easily fix the issue all on your own, or sometimes you need to replace it.

The article will help you identify jeep grand Cherokee transfer case problems and what you should do in such conditions.

How do you know if your jeep grand Cherokee transfer case chain is bad?

If you notice abnormal sounds like growling, grinding, or humming, it might be a sign of an issue in the transfer case. Also, the sound will change according to vehicle speed. The leading cause of this problem is fluid level or if you keep facing mechanical issues like bad bearings, loose chain, damaged gears, or bad bearings. 

If your jeep grand Cherokee transfer case has any issues, you might face the following issues.

1. Gear shifting issues

To operate the transfer case, your jeep Cherokee needs automatic transmission fluid. However, sometimes the fluid level can decrease. For this, you might face trouble gear shifting among gear ranges. Also, you might hear some grinding noise while shifting gears.

You need to refill the transfer case fluid at the right amount to solve this issue. Even if your transfer case has not faced any issue, it will be a good decision to change the fluid after every 30,000 miles. You can use the Mopar Two Quarts Fluid to get better results. You can check out this video below if you want to change your jeep transfer case fluid.

Also, sometimes the gear shifting issue occurs due to the bent or broken linkage. You also need to check the linkage, and if it bends or breaks, you need to change the part. You will get it in your local auto part stores.

2. Chain Stretch

The transfer case chain helps you to drive easily. It faces lots of stress. For the increase of stress, they will face the stretch issue, which means they start losing or skipping teeth. 

In most cases, you identify the issue by hearing loud popping or banging sounds. Also, it creates obstacles to moving quickly while operating in four-wheel drive. If the issue occurs, you need to replace the transfer case or rebuild it. 

3. Broken Housing

The issue most of the time occurs when you drive through off roads. The housing of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is made with a soft metal magnesium compound. If a rock or something hits the housing, the outer shell can break easily. 

It results in a hole or crank on the casing, leading to massive fluid leak and loss of working ability. For this, you need to swap the entire transfer case.

4. Grinding Sounds

You will hear some grinding sounds while you take off your car but operate normally after. Most of the time, it happens due to transfer case internal issues.

Also, The output shaft seal acts as a seal for the producing sound by the moving gear inside the transfer case along it keeping fluid inside. Sometimes the seal might be damaged, and the sound escapes out from the seal, which creates an unusual grinding sound from the bottom of your jeep.

Eventually, the issue leads the fluid to fall up, and when the fluid loss increases, the sound will tend to grow progressively. So, you need to refill the fluid and seal the output shaft to solve the issue.

5. Bad vacuum

The vacuum problem does not arrive for all jeep grand Cherokee. As fewer jeep grand Cherokee use the vacuum pressure to shift the transfer case into 4×4 mode. Over time the vacuum can crack or break. For this, it will fail to get into the four-while mode. You need to check the liner and fix it if you have any issues. 

Can I drive my jeep with a bad transfer case?

This is not advised. If the transfer case is bad, it will cause your jeep to be in a constant state of slipping. Also, if you continuously drive with a transfer case issue, you will create serious mechanical problems and destroy the whole transfer case. You can even damage your jeep axles, driver shafts, and transmission in this case.

What does a bad transfer case sound like?

If your jeep grand Cherokee transfer case faces any trouble, you will find unusual sounds like humming, grinding, whining, or growling noise. It is also possible for the vehicle to shake at idle, when accelerating, or when braking. 

You will hear the sound when shifting gears or taking off the jeep, but you will not hear any normal operation.

What happens if the transfer case is low on fluid?

If the transfer case is low on fluid, the transmission will not work properly, and you will notice limited gear shifting. The unusual sound is so common for a low fluid level. Also, you find overheating issues even wear out on internal parts of the transfer case due to low fluid levels.

How much does it cost to replace a transfer case?

You need to spend around $661 to $820 if you want to change your jeep grand Cherokee transfer case shift motor. The labor cost will be around $79 to $100, while you need to spend around $582 and $720 for parts. It will depend on which year grand Cherokee you are owning. It will take around 3 to 5 hours to change the transfer case.

Final Words

The transfer case can provide you lifetime service, but you will face several issues over time without taking care of it. The article would help you know which kind of problem you will face with the jeep grand Cherokee and some possible recommended ways to fix the issue.

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