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Jeep Grand Cherokee AWD Transfer Case Problems

18 messages,  Last post on Nov 27, 2012 at 3:15 PM

You are in the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee Forum.

What is this discussion about? Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep, Auto Repair

Messages Page 2 of 2

#10 of 18 Front Differential 2009 Grand Cherokee by husker52

Feb 09, 2011 (8:18 am)

I purchased a 2009 Grand Cherokee Limited brand new. After about 10 months and 9,000 miles the front differential went out, locking up the right front tire at 70 mph. Fortunately no traffiic around me so no injuries or damage to the body of the vehicle. Dealer replaced the front diff. under warranty. Exactly 12 months and 10,000 miles later, in year 2 the same exact thing happened again, only this time it didn't completely lock up right away and I was able to get off the road. Dealer replaced again, but Chrysler won't authorize any more work to determine the root cause and says it is "normal wear and tear". The dealer disagrees but it looks like I am screwed by Chrysler at this point. Has anybody heard anything like this before on these vehicles or does anyone have any suggestions as to root cause. I never pull anything with the vehicle and it has never been off the paved or gravel roads. Live in North Dakota so we deal with snow and ice on the road, but that is it. Dealer thought it might be the transfer case was engaged full time causing premature wear and tear on the front diff. Chrysler authorized them to pull some fluid and test. Claim everything is ok so now the dealer has been stonewalled.

#11 of 18 Re: Front Differential 2009 Grand Cherokee [husker52] by cherokee8

Mar 01, 2012 (3:39 pm)

Replying to: husker52 (Feb 09, 2011 8:18 am)
I would look into Lemon laws and possibly seek legal action

#12 of 18 Grinding While Turning by 00jeepgc1

Mar 21, 2012 (5:38 pm)

I have a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. When I make a slow, tight left-hand turn (like a u-turn, or in a parking lot) a violent grinding noise comes from under the car. It shakes all the way up into the steering wheel. I don't notice any leaks from either the transfer case or the transmission. I have replaced the transfer case about a year ago. After transfer case was replaced the grinding was gone for about a week, then slowly came back. I am completely out of ideas. It does not happen every time, but most of the time. It's as if some differential, transmission, transfer case is for that moment not having any lubrication in it. Right-hand turns never cause a problem, and I don't think I have ever noticed it while driving off road.

#13 of 18 Re: Grinding While Turning [00jeepgc1] by amandanabmagee

Apr 20, 2012 (8:05 am)

Replying to: 00jeepgc1 (Mar 21, 2012 5:38 pm)
If you off road check your track bar bolts and tie rods. If the bolt is loose it starts with the grinding and gradually over time will shake if not fixed.

#15 of 18 2005 Service 4 Wheel Drive System by pjsideas

Jun 03, 2012 (12:03 pm)

I bought my Jeep brand new, a GC Ltd. Had about 30,000 miles on it and was on a long trip, when the service 4 wheel drive system light came on. I called the service dept at my dealership and was told it was probably a sensor and would be ok till I got home, however if I wanted to find a dealer and run it by to have the code checked I could. I took it in when I got home and was told that nothing came up on the computer, and they reset whatever so the light would go off. It stayed off for months and then back on. Took back to dealer and they replaced 2 sensors at over 400.00 dollars. The light went off. After about 80,000 miles light back on. Dealer says it is the transfer case clutch. I never put my jeep in 4 wheel low as I live in the south and don't mud ride. They said it would cost over 2500.00 dollars to replace. I have done nothing and have had no problems with the jeep. I have had to have some axle seals replaced and other maintenance like brakes, etc. I take very good care of it and everyone is shocked when they find out it is an 05 because it looks so nice. Not good on gas and will have to replace soon as it now has over 125,000 miles on it.

#16 of 18 Re: Front Differential 2009 Grand Cherokee [husker52] by melm217

Jun 05, 2012 (8:38 am)

Replying to: husker52 (Feb 09, 2011 8:18 am)
I know your post is from back in 2011 but I'm having a huge issue with my jeep and it sounds just like yours as well as the 4wd light coming on. I have a 2006 Grand Cherokee Limited that I got back in 2009. When i first got it the 4wd light kept coming on and they said it was the sensor and changed it and it seemed to fix it for the time being. Maybe 6 months ago all the noise started, ive had to replace my tires twice so far since 09'. It was just in the shop for the grinding front end noise (this time it wouldn't go away as it had in the past), I was told it was going to drive like a brand new jeep once it was fixed, well........... $2,600 later (that including again, 4 new tires) I had my Jeep for about 2 days and it started making the SAME exact noise and vibration as what brought me to the dealership in the first place. I was told that they could not duplicate the issue. I had left my Jeep there a few days ago to have it checked AGAIN and now they are telling me its going to cost me another $1,800+ to have the problem fixed. I was lucky it didn't freeze up like yours did while driving, and to read that it happened again for you again is disheartening. I was told by the dealership that the problem is the clutches that are in the front axle differential case and that by driving the jeep with bad tires is what causes it or even if you use your spare full sized tire with your older other three this would cause it too. It now at this very moment is sitting on the lift still at the dealership, they are saying that it is now completely stuck now in this state and it can not be driven until fixed. So I now have to redo the loan I got less than 2 weeks ago. Not Happy!!!!!
I love my Jeep but I'm not sure if I love it this much . If by chance you know or have had any other problems with your Jeep could you message me back, please and ty

#17 of 18 Re: 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Grinding/Sticking While Turning [00jeepgc1] by laketahoegal

Sep 16, 2012 (11:26 am)

Replying to: 00jeepgc1 (Mar 21, 2012 5:38 pm)
I have the same problem with my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It grinds horribly when making a slow left turn and continues to grind when turning left even at higher speeds but not as loud. It was up on a rack at an auto store when they showed me that when turning the wheel left it actually sticks during the turn and then jumps back to where it should be when it gets past that point in the turn. I live in snow country and this explains why my jeep has be sliding instead of turning when I turn left on an icy/snow road.
 
I've been told it's the CV Boot, Boot Strap, Transfer Case, etc. How do I identify what the problem really is and what do you think the repair should cost?
 
Stuck in Truckee...

#18 of 18 2008 Grand Cherokee transfer case by whizzo

Nov 27, 2012 (3:15 pm)

I have 80,000 miles on an 08 Grand Cherokee (second owner) and am getting Service 4WD on the display. The error code is c1438. I am being told that the transfer case needs to be replaced. It shifts fine and I hear no clunks, grinding or whining noises. Is there a sensor or something else that should be looked at before replacing the transfer case?

Messages Page 2 of 2

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