my 4 wheel drive does not work properly?

1996 NISSAN PATHFINDER
160,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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LODOWIC
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every time i have my tires rotated or put new tires on. my 4 wheel drive does not work properly it will not disengage unless i stop and back up and it seems to be in a lower gear i had this truck from new and it always had this problem every time i changed tires most of the time it would just return to normal but this last time it sts still not working properly.thank you
Dec 15, 2007 at 10:36 PM
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2CARPRO JACK
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That is how the auto-hubs unlock. They have been known to stick on occasion, causing a locked up front wheel.
Dec 17, 2007 at 7:36 AM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
This happens when the transfer case actuator motor gets weak, here is the location of the motor and how to change it out.

Variations in tire size, even slight differences due to tread wear or mismatched replacements can create tension in the drivetrain, making it hard for the 4WD system to disengage properly.
Oct 30, 2024 at 6:12 PM
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