tjsand33

Hey Everyone! I've been experiencing problems with what seems to be the transfer case here of recent. Basically, when the truck is in 4x4 and the front tires are pulling, I will get a squealing, slipping, grinding noise from underneath the truck which seems to be coming from the transfer case. It's difficult to explain because it doesn't happen all the time - if I'm in dry grass or dirt where the truck can get plenty of traction, it doesn't do it as much. If I am in snow, ice, mud where the truck breaks traction, it makes the noise more often. Noise sounds horrible and is accompanied with what feels like the 4x4 slipping. I'm hoping someone else has had this problem or know where to begin looking. I've posted a video below I took that highlights the symptoms/sounds fairly well below. The truck is a 2012 F150 Lariat EcoBoost 4x4. It has the automatic 4wd option if that helps in diagnosing. Thanks for any help!

FordService

Hi tjsand33,

It sounds like it's time for a trip to your dealership. How many miles are on the truck? I'll investigate some ways to help.

Crystal

MEZERR

Does it only do it when on the auto 4x4, or does it do it in 4 high also? (assuming you have the option of auto and 4high, i'm not familiar with the auto 4x4)

tjsand33

The truck has 105,000 miles on it. Thanks for your help.

tjsand33

My truck has 4 settings, 2H, 4A (auto 4x4), 4H and 4L. I've honestly never used 4A, but the truck makes this noise in both 4H and 4L. Thanks!

FordService

Hi tjsand33,

Thanks for the quick reply. When you make an appointment for diagnosis at your dealership, be sure to mention the circumstances under which your truck usually makes this noise. If possible, see if you can take the tech on a test drive and attempt to replicate it while they're in the truck with you. Keep us posted as things progress.

Crystal

MEZERR

Definitely sounds like the transfer case isn't engaging fully/properly. Might be as simple as the electric shift actuator not fully engaging. Those are fairly easy to replace I think. I've never done work on this transfer case, so I don't even know if this truck is that simple, but assuming from my other trucks that this could be the case.

tjsand33

Thanks for your help. I may start with replacing the shift motor as it looks to be a pretty straight forward procedure and the replacement motor is reasonably priced. Hoping this is all it is, could be why it's intermittent, motor halfway engaging or something?

Wtwilkes

It sounds to me like your traction control. Hold down the TC button for 8 seconds. It will disengage it’s to a point and quiet some of the ABS noise.

PerryB

You may be right about the TC, but the last post was over 4 years ago.