Center Diff Stuck, transmission failure? (1 Viewer)

[FZJDoc]

So I might have a huge problem w/ my 02 w/ only 149k.

Has been running really well all summer, no issues. Went to the lake with some friends and on the way home decided to take a quick, relatively easy trail just off the main road we were on. Just before a steep hill w/ loose dirt/rock I pushed the CDL to engage. Seemed to engage just fine and I got up the hill no issues. I then turned it off (or thought I did because the light turned off) and completed the trail and got back on the main (pavement) road. Everything felt fairly normal until the first incline at which point the engine reved (would have red lined had I let it) and I didn't have any power to the wheels. I then smelled a burning smell and immediately pulled the car off the road. (Probably drove it 1/10 of a mile on pavement total)

I am pretty sure the CDL stuck and caused a failure somewhere. I would put it in drive and attempted to get it out of lock but could not (this was all in the grass on the side of the road). Even went to 4L then 4H numerous times w/ no resolution. And of course pressed the CDL button off and on numerous time. THen I attempted to reverse and this is what I don't get, it kept creeping forward when I gave it gas.

I used my ultragauage and got a pending P0770 (SHIFT SOLENOID E MALFUNCTION) code that I cleared and it didn't come back.

I didnt want to dig my hole any further so I got a tow to the dealer and am awaiting to hear its going to cost me $5k for a new transmission or something. I will probably end up taking it to another mechanic but on sunday evening there aren't many options.

I haven't used the CDL or 4L for about 5-6 months now but it worked perfectly well then.

Any ideas? I'm not a mechanic so I'm probably giving a terrible description. Could I have seriously screwed up my transmission? It seems like a transfer case problem to me. I'm prepared for the worst. Any cruiser mechanic recs in Central Arkansas? Anyone used Donnie's Foreign Car Service? Or The Cruiser Company on Colonel Glen?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Bomar]

I would use a dealer. I know the guys at Orr in Hot Springs. Also post up in Razorback club forum.

 

[TheForger]

Cruiser Co. on Colonel Glenn is a great choice, they specialize in Cruisers only (mainly older models) so they know what they're doing and could probably do it a little cheaper than a dealership. However, Landers Toy. is where I sent my hundy when I sank it and I give them credit for bringing it back to life, even though it did cost a little more. Orr Toy in Hot Springs is also where the previous owner on my truck had all of his service done. They're all great choices and I recommend getting at least 2 different opinions from different locations. Happy hunting!


Official Jeep Recovery Vehicle

 

[Muddy Bean]

Your center diff wasn't necessarily stuck. It might have disengaged just fine. If your tranny took a dump, then it likely was unrelated to a transfer case issue and more likely just your tranny taking a dump.

 

[FZJDoc]

^This is what I'm afraid of. Guess it could be coincidental timing and I'm one of the lucky few with a fubared transmission.

It's at Landers to start. We'll see what they say. I appreciate the recs. No experience with Donnie's? The reason I ask is because I met the guy that runs Donnie's a few weeks ago and he is a 100 series driver himself.

 

[FZJDoc]

Transmission gone. All diffs and locker apparently just fine. Tech thinks it's just a terrible coincidence of the timing and everything $3600 parts and labor.

 

[maxse01]

Ouch, sorry to hear that.

Through Toyota? Reman or new trans? Warranty?

 

[cardyjones]

Rig build date? My 02 just hit 190k. Your post sent shivers through my tranny. Thought 02 failures were pretty uncommon


...via IH8MUD app

 

[FZJDoc]

I'll get the build date for you a bit later.

I'm still going to get a second opinion. Espcially after reading this thread. https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/tranny-just-crapped-the-bed.440074/
Similar symptoms. Although mine will not go into Neutral, Park, or Reverse so it wouldn't surprise me if transmission is the cause. But the loss of power/feeling like I was in second or first and the engine revving up hills seems a bit similar.
Plus, the dealer just said they rec a new tranny basically because it won't go into P, N, or R and b/c trans fluid "smelled burnt."

That price is for a toyota reman w 1 year/unlimited milage warranty. Not including a 10% off deal they have so I guess around $3300 plus tax.

 

[FZJDoc]

Had transmission replaced at dealer with factory reman. Got it done in 4 days and gave me a loaner. That sucked but I was prepared for way more $$ and the dealer made it smooth. Couldn't get the cruiser specialist in the area to call me back. Anyways, I still can't believe the transmission went out in this very well maintained 02 with immaculate service records.

How do I figure out build date from VIN?