Hi,

I have a '00 Tracker and I htink I may have a 4WD problem. When I drive with 4x4 on, the light goes on like normal, but then as I drive, the light is on for a while, then goes off for a second. I'm not sure if this is normal because I rarely use 4x4, but I think it may be a problem... just wanted all your opinions before I ask a mechanic.

The lamp lights to show that the air operated clutch in the front axle has engaged.  If the valve opens, or the switch in the transfer case opens, the lamp goes out.  It could just be an intermittent electrical connection, but it would probably cause momentary front drive disengagement, which might be inconvenient, and probably cause extra wear on that clutch.

The lamp lights to show that the air operated clutch in the front axle has engaged.  If the valve opens, or the switch in the transfer case opens, the lamp goes out.  It could just be an intermittent electrical connection, but it would probably cause momentary front drive disengagement, which might be inconvenient, and probably cause extra wear on that clutch.

While I won't disagree with you, because I kind of figured the same thing myself... wouldn't  Ifeel a clunk or hear a noise from below if the front wheels arnt getting power anymore? I've accidentaly changed into 4WD while moving at like 20 MPH when I first got it last year, and that made a noise to the point where I sure as hell won't do that again...

... wouldn't  I feel a clunk or hear a noise from below if the front wheels aren't getting power anymore? I've accidentally changed into 4WD while moving at like 20 MPH when I first got it last year, and that made a noise to the point where I sure as hell won't do that again...

No; remember the transfer case gears are staying engaged,and the clutch in the axle is virtually noiseless.  Because the axle shaft continues to be turned by the wheels, the clutch should go in and out quite freely and without noise.  It does on mine - I have fitted a switch to control the clutch, to have the convenience of 2WDLo, and I can switch front drive in and out on the move without noise.

Anyway, the TC is fitted with a synchro device, so you should be able to change from 2WD to 4Hi on the move without noise, and the vehicle is designed for you to do that.  What you must not do is change from Hi to Lo without stopping- was that what happened to you?

my 4x4 light does the same but it doesn't seem to affect the 4x4 at all.  it's been doing this for a while and actually does it once every 9-10 seconds not moving in neutral, does this consistantly.  i will be bringing it by the great dealership i go to in order to have it looked at since it's still under warranty for the rest of 2007.  if you don't figure anything out bring this up again to remind me to post the results.

Quote from: sevenones12 on April 07, 2007, 09:57:51 AM

... wouldn't  I feel a clunk or hear a noise from below if the front wheels aren't getting power anymore? I've accidentally changed into 4WD while moving at like 20 MPH when I first got it last year, and that made a noise to the point where I sure as hell won't do that again...

No; remember the transfer case gears are staying engaged,and the clutch in the axle is virtually noiseless.  Because the axle shaft continues to be turned by the wheels, the clutch should go in and out quite freely and without noise.  It does on mine - I have fitted a switch to control the clutch, to have the convenience of 2WDLo, and I can switch front drive in and out on the move without noise.

Anyway, the TC is fitted with a synchro device, so you should be able to change from 2WD to 4Hi on the move without noise, and the vehicle is designed for you to do that.  What you must not do is change from Hi to Lo without stopping- was that what happened to you?

No.. When I go from 2WD to 4high while moving, first the clutch was pretty hard to push out, then when I did it seemed to make a clunk. I know to go from 4hi or low you need to push in the clutch first.

No.. When I go from 2WD to 4high while moving, first the clutch was pretty hard to push out, then when I did it seemed to make a clunk.

I can't understand why the clutch should be harder to push because you want to move the transfer shifter instead of the transmission shifter.  How would the clutch know which shifter you're thinking of moving? The clunk should not happen.  My guess is there is a fault in the Transfer Case.  It could even be the same fault causes the 4WD switch in the case to open sometimes.

When you said

I know to go from 4hi or low you need to push in the clutch first.

you do appreciate that to move into and out of low you need to be stopped?

Quote from: sevenones12 on April 08, 2007, 08:58:36 PM

No.. When I go from 2WD to 4high while moving, first the clutch was pretty hard to push out, then when I did it seemed to make a clunk.

I can't understand why the clutch should be harder to push because you want to move the transfer shifter instead of the transmission shifter.  How would the clutch know which shifter you're thinking of moving? The clunk should not happen.  My guess is there is a fault in the Transfer Case.  It could even be the same fault causes the 4WD switch in the case to open sometimes.

When you said

Quote

I know to go from 4hi or low you need to push in the clutch first.

you do appreciate that to move into and out of low you need to be stopped?

Not the clutch is harder to push, the shifter for the 4WD is. And yes, I know to stop before going into and out of 4LO

my 4x4 light does the same but it doesn't seem to affect the 4x4 at all.  it's been doing this for a while and actually does it once every 9-10 seconds not moving in neutral, does this consistantly.  i will be bringing it by the great dealership i go to in order to have it looked at since it's still under warranty for the rest of 2007.  if you don't figure anything out bring this up again to remind me to post the results.

Since it repeats so regularly, I'd suspect an air leak - when the pressure drops enough, the light goes out and the pump has to run to restore it.  Try listening with the engine off but the ignition on.  You should hear the pump cycling.

Apparently i needed a new axle pump... I need to test it out to make sure it works properly again.