Reader: I have an '00 GMC Jimmy with a bunch of pushbuttons that control the transfer case. From what I have read, the encoder motors in these transfer cases are known for going out at anytime as I just experienced. I am currently stuck in two-wheel drive and have no way to shift into four-wheel drive. Does anyone make a rebuilt encoder motor for these units? Or is there any way to convert it back to a floor-shifter shift?
M. Moore
Gainesville, FL
Editor: As far as we know, all New Venture Gear transfer cases that are shifted with an encoder motor can be shifted manually in an emergency. Simply pull the encoder motor off the side of the transfer case and twist the shift shaft with a pair of pliers to select any of the four ranges. You should be able to convert your transfer case to a mechanically shifted case by swapping in a new shift shaft and adding a lever to the floor of your Jimmy.
To start things off I'm sending this month's tech tip letter of the month writer a copy of the new DVD "Roll Models" by BFE films. It has a bunch of footage of wild antics and rowdy off-roaders, but should be just fine for our underage correspondent Joe V who writes:
Reader: Hey, guys, 'sup? Last spring I got a fullsize '87 Bronco for 10 bucks, which is now sitting in my parents garage because I'm 15, and don't have a driver's license yet, and because it has a few problems, which is why I'm writing. First, it has an electrical problem(s). It won't start on its own battery power, although once jump-started it runs fine on 9 volts. Second, it won't shift into four-wheel drive, and when I tried it made a grinding noise, and spat ATF. Third, I'm doing this on a $300-a-year budget. I'm 15 and don't have a real job. Anyway, any advice you have is welcome.
Joe V, Wisconsin
Editor: Excellent job, Joe. You finally learned to throw away those little kid toys and join the ranks of us cheap-truck challengers. I'm 32 and I don't have a real job either, but that doesn't stop me from trying to play with trucks. I still have one sitting in my parents garage, so don't worry about that. Now before you go any further, grab yourself a shop manual for that bucket of yours, because your going to need it. In fact, spending part of your $300 on some tools and a book about your year truck will be very valuable. Plus you'll learn to read and follow instructions, which is a great skill for any young man.
First issue sounds like either a battery problem and/or a charging issue. I called the guys at Bronco Graveyard in Brighton, Michigan, and their vote is battery. Pull that battery out and get it tested and charged up at a local garage or by some neighbor who has an automotive battery charger. If it's fine, then next you need to get the alternator tested. Most auto parts stores will test them for free, or you can test it yourself with a voltmeter as per your shop manual. Again, a voltmeter can be purchased within your $300 budget, but better yet, borrow it from your neighbor, local cheese farmer, or dad. Your alternator's job is to recharge your battery as well as supply the charge needed to run your truck, and since your gauge is only reading 9 volts, one of those two may be having an issue.
As for the grinding when engaging four-wheel drive, you didn't mention if it is a shift-on-the-fly that uses a button and a motor on the transfer case, or manual shift that has a lever. If it is shift-on-the-fly, the motor on the transfer case may be dead, and with the manual you need to be at a stop when shifting into 4x4.
The ATF leakage is a tough problem, since both the automatic transmission and transfer case in that truck use ATF lubricant, and if they are leaking and grinding, it's starting to sound expensive, which brings me to part 3 of your letter.
Your budget may be a bit low for your goal, so start looking for odd jobs to raise some funds. Since you're from Wisconsin, the land of cheese, I'd assume some dairy farmer up there needs extra hands milking Guernseys. My dad is a farmer and I am always quick to recommend farming as a great part-time job for young folks that want to go four-wheeling. You will learn to drive off-road on a tractor, fix just about anything with next to nothing, stay physically fit, and if you're really lucky find a private wheeling area in the back 40. Plus, you'll get some cash in your pocket so you can get this pile of yours ready for the trail. Then next year when you get that license you can start wheeling.