1999 Infiniti Infinity QX4 Transfer Case Issue (I think?)

Tiny
CALBERS28
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 INFINITI QX60 HYBRID
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 260,000 MILES
I was driving to work the other day, when I almost got to work, I experienced some clunking/hesitation in the car, it almost felt like I had a brake problem. I drove the SUV home paying close attention to what was happening. When I would slow down and come to a stop, there was some definite 'sticking' in the drivetrain, felt again like brakes were dragging, once it got rolling, it ran like a champ. I checked out the front end, brakes, cv joints, etc were all good. I ran the self diagnostics on the transfer case and have no errors. There is a technical bulletin on the transfer case clunking, but the lights don't do what they are supposed to do (blink 3 times and stay on). What does happen is on the dash, there is a schematic of the wheels and transfer case. When in 2wd, the rear tires are lit up, in 4wd, all the tires and transfer case light are lit up. Those lights now blink continuously depending on what position I have the drive switch in. I can't find anything that suggests what would cause those lights to blink. I am not sure if I just need an oil change, or if I have a significant problem. Although I have the service manual, it does not do much for diagnosing transfer case problems except if there is a sensor issue. Any thoughts? Do you need more information?
Thanks,
Chris
Wednesday, May 28th, 2014 AT 1:23 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Based on your description and the fact that the 4wd lights are flashing, I would say it is in 4wd. That will place a noticeable drag on the vehicle if you are turning and on dry pavement. Have you checked to see if that is the case?
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Wednesday, May 28th, 2014 AT 6:36 PM
Tiny
CALBERS28
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
It was not in 4wd at the time, there is definitely a mechanical issue. When I went to try and drive to work the following day, I couldn't make it the end of my road, I ended up backing up, but it would only go so far (maybe a hundred feet or so, had to shut it down, restart the engine, then I could back up a little more. I'm trying to trouble shoot this, but without any codes, I am at a loss.
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Friday, May 30th, 2014 AT 6:58 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
When it wouldn't go, was there something binding or was the engine cutting out?
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Friday, May 30th, 2014 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
CALBERS28
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Engine is running fine, I tried switching it back and forth from 2WD to Auto to 4WD and it got locked in 4WD LOW no matter what the position. I originally thought it was my duty solenoid, but I'm not getting any error codes. I figure I would change the oil and see if I get any parts falling out, or give it a good inspection.
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Friday, May 30th, 2014 AT 9:06 AM

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