Transfer case motor symptoms?

[Jimdevx5]

Was wondering what the symptoms of a failing or failed transfer case motor are? My 4x4 light is on and after the car warms up I get a bang or bump somewhere in the drive train, at low speeds like in bumper to bumper traffic???

[EODguy]

Yes that's the servo motor. It can sometimes feel like when someone bumps into you at a stoplight. #12

Although since you're there anyway change the classification resistor and clean all the other contacts putting dielectric grease on before closing everything up. #3

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[wpoll]

Sounds more like the typical 2-1 slam from the gearbox, not the transfer case.

If it only happens as you slow down to a crawl from higher speeds, like when traffic piles up at an intersection, then it's likely like the common harsh change down from 2nd gear to 1st gear. It can be avoided by altering your driving style a little (not slowing to a crawl before stopping but stopping smartly and cleanly) but fixing it requires a proper diagnosis, as the cause can be software, fluid or component wear etc.

*edit* - oh yeah, the 4x4 light is not related to the gearbox issue (usually) - it may be a number of things but the easiest to check is the transfer case gear (assuming your case has xDrive). Listen for a clicking under the car immediately after you turn off the ignition.... A sharp clicking might indicate the transfer case actuator gear is stripped. Repair is easy - lots of threads on here about it.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by EODguy

... Although since you're there anyway change the classification resistor ...

This is likely to do more harm than good....

The classification resistor is calibrated to each specific transfer case in the factory - you can't just simply replace it with some random part.