It feels like the brakes are stuck on but they are not?

Tiny
BWARD1977
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 JEEP WRANGLER
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 178,000 MILES
If you turn the key on and don't start the engine, shift to N it rolls free, but when you start the engine, it freezes up. I drove it 80 miles today. It feels like brakes are holding it back but no not brake smell. Any ideas I'm lost.
Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 AT 5:23 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

Does the vehicle move freely in neutral if you have the engine running? Does the transmission seem to be shifting properly? Also, after driving, walk around to each wheel and see if there is any excessive heat coming from a wheel or if all feel excessively hot.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 AT 8:04 PM
Tiny
BWARD1977
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
No, it sounds moves freely in neutral if engine is running. The transmission shifts as it should has a little delay between 1 and 2. After my 80 mile ride I felt the front calipers and back drums they weren't hot at all.
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Thursday, February 9th, 2023 AT 3:49 AM
Tiny
BWARD1977
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  • 7 POSTS
Don't move freely.
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Thursday, February 9th, 2023 AT 3:50 AM
Tiny
BWARD1977
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  • 7 POSTS
When it started it was only when cold after about 10miles it would stop and would move freely in neutral but has got to the point of stays held back no matter how long I drive it.
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Thursday, February 9th, 2023 AT 3:54 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
If it isn't a brake-related issue, then it has to be in the drivetrain. Have you checked all fluids in the differentials and the transfer case? Also, are there any sounds that may indicate an issue with a universal joint binding?

Joe
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Thursday, February 9th, 2023 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
BWARD1977
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I put it on a lift today put in neutral with key on all tires turn running rear locks up. I took the driveshaft out on lift engine off everything turns including transmission yolk running wheels turn with driveshaft out transmission yolk locked up. Would torque converter do that or is transmission shot? All fluids were changed about 2 months ago.
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Thursday, February 9th, 2023 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
When you say transmission yoke, are you referring to where the driveshaft connects to the transfer case? See pic below. Is it the output shaft that locks or the yoke?

If it is the output shaft on the transfer case, chances are it has nothing to do with the transmission. Instead, it is likely related to the transfer case. Also, a torque converter wouldn't cause this to happen.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
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Thursday, February 9th, 2023 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
BWARD1977
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes, where the driveshaft connects to transfer case.
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Friday, February 10th, 2023 AT 2:35 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Okay, it sounds like the problem is the transfer case and not the transmission. There are two different transfer cases used. The NV231 and the NV241 were used.

On the side facing the rear of the vehicle, there should be a round steel label identifying the transfer case model. Could you check that and let me know which one you have?

Also, let me know if the transfer case fluid is clean and full.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, February 10th, 2023 AT 9:02 PM
Tiny
BWARD1977
  • MEMBER
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It is a 231 the fluid is full and clean. The fluid is about 2 months old.
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Saturday, February 11th, 2023 AT 2:43 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
By chance, did you try scanning the can-bus? CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, the different modules are tied together via a few wires. If there are any codes stored, regardless of the module storing them, this will retrieve them.

Here is a link showing how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

This truly is an odd one. This would be my next move. Also, am I correct this only affects the rear wheels?

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, February 12th, 2023 AT 7:39 PM

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