This is a question for the drive train specialists. I have been driving 4X4s for years and never had this screw up before because all my previous trucks had the shifter on the floor. I have a 2002 Screw and I was leaving my cabin in a remote area, switched the 4 wheel drive button on to get out of mud and forgot to switch it off when I reached the highway. I drove about 65 miles, stopped for coffee and when I tried to back up to leave, the truck didn't seem to want to back up. I then noticed the 4X4 light, (It is not very noticable) and turned it off. I pulled forward and then everthing seemed to be ok. The driving was on a wet surface, (intermittant rain) for the 65 mi. Could I have damaged the trans or transfer case? Should I take it to the dealer for a check? It seems perfectly ok now, but I am worried I may have damaged something. Anyone ever do this? Thanks for the replys.

 

papadb10

I wouldn't worry too much about it. What happens when your in 4 wheel drive is the front and rear tires will cause a little bit of bind ( on pavement) when turning due to different wheel speeds of all four tires. This was probably the cause of your difficulty backing up. You normally don't feel that in slippery conditions because wheelslip will compensate and not cause that bind. Damage can be done by running it in 4x4 on dry pavement and making tight turns, but the damage is usually a snapped or very loose transfer case chain. Since you mentioned that the roads were wet and you said that it seems ok, you should be fine. If the 4x4 engages and doesn't make any noise (any more than normal) than I doubt there is damage. When a t-case breaks, you will know.

 

I don't think You hurt anything!