Before testing the transfer case motor, prepare properly!
- Turn off the engine and take out the ignition key.
- Pop open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable.
Once that’s done, you’re ready to begin testing!
Park the vehicle on a flat surface
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface when readying it for the transfer case motor test. Make sure the parking brake is engaged and the transmission is in ‘Park’ or ‘Neutral’. All electrical components should work without interference, which could alter test results. Open all windows and doors for proper ventilation. Have any tools or replacement parts you need before beginning the test.
Engage the parking brake
To properly test the transfer case motor, engaging the parking brake is essential. This will prevent the vehicle from moving and avoid unexpected, hazardous incidents.
Put your car in park, and press and hold the brake pedal. Pull up the parking brake lever. Once it’s engaged, release the brake pedal to make sure it works properly.
Place the transmission in neutral
The transmission needs to be neutral when testing a transfer case motor. It’s important to do this, so the output of the motor can be checked properly. Keep the vehicle neutral for an accurate reading.
Find your vehicle’s shift lever and move it to the center position between drive and park – this is usually neutral. Push the brake pedal to ensure it is secure. The transfer case motor should be ready for its test run!
Disconnect the Transfer Case Motor
To test the transfer case motor, the first step is to disconnect it. It’s located near the back of the vehicle and is connected to the drive shaft. After it’s disconnected, the vehicle won’t be able to send power from the engine anymore.
Next, inspect the motor for damage.
Locate the transfer case motor
Locate the transfer case motor on the left side of the vehicle, behind the driver’s seat. It is made of gears and components like an internal valve and solenoid. Connect it to the transfer case with a flexible hose or tubing. Depending on your vehicle, it may also have electrical connections.
Disconnect any electrical connections to the motor. Detach all power wires from their terminals before continuing. Then, remove any rubber hoses or tubes attached to the motor. Lastly, detach any related linkage components before testing and removing the transfer case motor.
Disconnect the motor from the transfer case
Before testing the transfer case motor, disconnect it. Unplug the electrical connector. Unscrew and remove any nuts or bolts. Carefully pull the motor out – be careful not to damage either part.
When done, start testing following the manual instructions:
Test the Motor
Testing the transfer case motor is key when diagnosing it. This will show if the motor is working okay, or if it needs replacing. Here, we’ll go over some of the steps and tools needed for testing:
- Steps needed
- Tools needed
Connect the motor to a 12-volt battery
Connect the motor to a 12-volt battery. Figure out positive and negative poles. Connect two alligator clips (or spade connectors) to the corresponding terminals.
- Attach one clip to a 12-volt battery and one of the transfer case motor terminals (positive).
- Then, attach the second clip to the remaining terminal on the transfer case motor and the remaining terminal on the battery (negative).
You should hear a change in sound. Make adjustments to get the car running. Test the connections by inverting them. If you hear a change, apply new connections until the car is running.
Safety: Always wear safety goggles when dealing with high voltage. This includes wiring, high-power electronics, transformers, motors, and batteries with higher current levels than usual.
Test the motor for operation
Testing the transfer case motor is crucial. Without it, your vehicle won’t shift and won’t work. Follow these steps to test it:
- Turn off the engine and engage the parking brake.
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the motor. Connect it to a metal surface on the frame or body of the vehicle.
- Use jump leads or jumper wire to connect positive power to one side and grounded negative power to the other side. If unsure, consult your owner’s manual or contact a qualified service technician.
- Apply voltage. Check for small movements in connected gears. If they turn, the motor has power and is operating as intended.
- Remove battery power. Wait 5-10 seconds. Recheck for small movements with no jump leads connected. Both tests should be consistent. This proves no shorts exist.
Check the motor for any signs of damage
Before testing your transfer case motor, check it for physical damage or wear. Look for dents or deformations that could affect its performance. Clean off dirt and debris if the motor has been exposed to moisture.
Next, check if all the auxiliary parts are functioning. Fix any loose fittings or broken wires. Lastly, make sure the transfer case shift linkage is working well to avoid disruption when running tests.
Reinstall the Transfer Case Motor
To test the transfer case motor, several steps must be taken.
- Disconnect the motor from the transfer case.
- Reinstall it and check that it is secure.
- Make sure it is in proper working order.
Let us look at the steps needed to do this.
Reconnect the motor to the transfer case
Reinstalling the transfer case motor? Take precautions, like disconnecting the battery and using an approved electric torque wrench. This will help reduce the risk of injury during assembly.
Attach the mounting bolts with a little lubricant. Then, tighten each bolt in a clockwise motion using the electric torque wrench. Alternate around the mounting plate; this helps spread out any stress.
Start the vehicle and test. Shift between low-range drive mode and high-range four-wheel drive mode. Make sure there are no binding or grinding noises coming from the gearbox area.
If it all looks good, congrats! You have successfully tested and serviced your transfer case motor.
Reengage the parking brake
Before reinstalling the transfer case motor, it’s important to reengage the parking brake. This ensures the transfer case stays in place and the pressure from the transmission is evenly distributed.
To do this, check all components of the parking brake for wear and corrosion. Replace any parts that are damaged.
To reengage the parking brake:
- Identify where each cable/cable housing assembly attaches.
- Connect them, and tension each end until it’s firm.
- Follow your vehicle’s learning documentation.
Place the transmission in the park
Reinstalling the transfer case motor correctly is key for your vehicle to work properly. Put the transmission in the park before attaching it. Clean and inspect all parts of the mechanism and check for any loose parts or wear and tear. Press down on each part with your fingers and reinforce with a locking tab, if available. Tighten all bolts or screws for improved performance.
Mount the motor back in place using nuts and bolts or screws, depending on the car model. Tighten according to the manufacturer’s specs to prevent future damage. Lastly, reconnect all electrical connections such as ground wires and power cables for proper operation.
Test the Vehicle
Before trying the transfer case motor, test the car. Ensure all of its pieces, like the battery, starter, and alternator are working properly. Look for fluid leaks and check the fluid levels. Put the vehicle in either neutral or park, and make sure the parking brake is on. This will help ensure an accurate result when testing the transfer case motor.
Start the vehicle
Testing the transfer case motor is important for maintaining your vehicle’s four-wheel drive system. You can do this at home with the right tools and knowledge. Here’s how to test it:
- Gather safety equipment, such as glasses and gloves, as well as the needed tools. Start the vehicle and park it on a level surface. Let the engine run for a few minutes.
- Check fluid levels and look for leaks from the motor connections or any other part of the four-wheel drive system.
- Test shifting. With your foot on the brake, shift into 4L (low range) and back up. Go through all shifting ranges between 4H (high range), 2H (high range part-time), N (neutral), and P (park). Listen for grinding or sliding noises from the motor connections.
Engage the 4-wheel drive
Before testing the transfer case motor, park your vehicle in an open, level space and switch it off. Ensure all four wheels are on a stable surface, like asphalt or concrete. Put the gear selector lever into a 4-wheel drive (4H or 4L). This activates the motor to shift power from the front axle to both axles. Make sure you can feel the switch.
Move all four wheels together. If they move smoothly, it means the axles are properly linked/locked. If any tests indicate an issue, get it checked by a qualified mechanic or technician. Regular maintenance helps your vehicle run better for longer.
Test the vehicle for proper operation
Test the vehicle before the transfer case motor. Check everything is working. Test the parking brake – secure all four lines. Look at the fuse and fusible links – no broken or corroded parts. Examine headlights, wheel bearings, suspension, and brakes. Fill up the fuel filter, air filter, and oil levels. Everything must be up to standard. Then, you can test the transfer case motor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools are needed to test a transfer case motor?
You will need a multimeter and a 12-volt power source to test a transfer case motor. You will also need a wiring diagram for the vehicle.
How do I test the transfer case motor?
First, connect the multimeter to the terminals on the motor. Then connect the 12-volt power source to the motor terminals. Record the readings on the multimeter and compare them to the wiring diagram. If the readings are within the specified range, then the transfer case motor is functioning properly.
What should I do if the transfer case motor is not working properly?
If the transfer case motor is not working properly, then you will need to replace the motor. Make sure to disconnect the power source before replacing the motor.
