97 Jeep Cherokee 4wd - 4wd Won't disengage

"Earle Horton" wrote

On my build sheet it's called "DHRS - Quadra-Trac "On Demand" 4WD System"

Where? My selector shows only 4H, N, and 4L. Haven't seen a "full time" and "part time" position or switch.

Thanks, Vito

Happy thots )c: AFAIK it's always in 4WD as it has no 2WD poition. Dealer said the transfer case had a unit similar to a 'posi-traction' between front and rear that allowed enough slip or differential action to be driven on dry pavement but ???

Ahh, the quadratrac system, right?

I have heard of issues with the coupler between the front and rear driveshafts, but....

I really do not know if this is normal or not with that system. I don't know what kind of split the front/rear has for power.

If you hear a click or a thunk when put in gear or when put in reverse, then suspect the front axle ends for wear, other than that maybe someone else here has that type of system and can chime in about the slow turns?

Mike

Vito wrote:

Vito,

I don't have one of these systems, but one of the symptoms, that you might expect from a posi-traction unit, that needs the fluid changed, could be grabbing similar to what you describe. Hopefully, what you are seeing is just a sign of deferred maintenance. I would start by making sure that all the fluids are of the proper type, clean, and at the proper level. In practice, with a used vehicle that you have just bought, the only way to know for sure is to change everything.

If you can contact the previous owner, that might shed some light. I have had people contact me regarding vehicles I have sold or traded in, and I didn't mind.

Earle

Ouch! Picture worth 1000 words!

Seahag

Thanks. No clunks so far.

Thanks anyway. Changed fluid, doesn't seem to make any difference. Maybe this is normal. Who knows?

Well, at least now you have clean fluid. ;^)

I do not believe that this is considered normal. You most likely have a sticky differential or center coupler. The problem is to decide which one it is, and whether it is worth fixing.

Earle