Transmission spins while towing with transfer case in neutral

[Dirtman]

I still say it's a programming error where it's confirming neutral in the wrong position, combined with a system that doesn't allow for physical confirmation (meaning putting it in park and seeing if it rolls). As been stated other vehicles make you put the trans in park so you KNOW the second you move if the transfer case is in neutral whether it's a manual or electric shift. The Ford system simply doesn't let you do this which is idiotic for flat towing. Even if the transfer case is in neutral fluid spinning at high speeds can make the trans output shaft spin even though they are not actually connected by the splines. Transmission output shaft spins long enough with no fluid being pumped to it and boom....

I don't know what they are but there were transmissions that had not only a front pump that only pumped when the engine is running, but also a rear pump that pumped when the output shaft spun. These could survive being flat towed no problem because it was always being lubed.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I did purchase a Gladiator Rubicon last week and am very happy with it. I am much more comfortable with the manual transfer case!

I don't know why Ford is so bull-headed about manual transfer cases in anything.

That is a major perk IMO to mopar. Both the Gladiator and Ram 2500/3500 can have manual t-cases.

Ford gives you the wheel of fortune on the dash. Is it going to be a good day? Are you going to be under the truck laying in mud beating on the shift motor with a rock? Spin the wheel and find out!

 

[Dirtman]

I don't know why Ford is so bull-headed about manual transfer cases in anything.

That is a major perk IMO to mopar. Both the Gladiator and Ram 2500/3500 can have manual t-cases.

Ford gives you the wheel of fortune on the dash. Is it going to be a good day? Are you going to be under the truck laying in mud beating on the shift motor with a rock? Spin the wheel and find out!

Different market. We think that crap sucks but there are way more mall crawling luxury loving weirdos who want trucks like that than us who prefer manual options.... They want sales so they don't cater to us much

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Different market. We think that crap sucks but there are way more mall crawling luxury loving weirdos who want trucks like that than us who prefer manual options.... They want sales so they don't cater to us much

Most plain ol' 2500 Tradesman Ram's have a lever on the floor for the 4wd... one would think they would be competing with F-250's

 

[Dirtman]

Most plain ol' 2500 Tradesman Ram's have a lever on the floor for the 4wd... one would think they would be competing with F-250's

Fords sell man... They know who buys the most trucks and know how to build them for their market.

 

[wildbill23c]

This whole mess proves the point that a manual shift transfer case with manual hubs is the best way to go LOL.

Jeep has had this tow behind all 4 wheels on the ground for 20+ years in several models...not sure the new Grand Cherokee or Cherokee has it, but my 96 and 98 Grand Cherokee you simply shifted the transfer case to neutral and shifted the transmission to park to tow on all 4 wheels behind an RV. The Wrangler and now the Gladiator have always had this feature because they have a simple manually shifted transfer case. In manual transmission equipped Jeeps you leave the transmission in 1st if I recall after shifting the transfer case to neutral.

Even the manual for my 88 Bronco 2 says to shift the transmission to neutral and leave it there while towing, with manual hubs disengaged and manual transfer case in neutral. The previous owner decided to leave the hubs locked and tow it behind their RV, kind of cooked the transmission. So regardless, if its a new or old vehicle people still can make mistakes LOL. Compound that with electronics that can go awry in newer systems though HAHA!!!

 

[sgtsandman]

Well, they tell me the Ranger is fixed and the dealer I bought it from will pick it up tomorrow and make me an offer for it. I will make a decision to either sell it to them or sell it myself based on their offer. I am simply spooked with flat towing this specific truck. They really cannot adequately explain what happened so if I have to change, I want a manual transfer case.
I did purchase a Gladiator Rubicon last week and am very happy with it. I am much more comfortable with the manual transfer case!

I can't say I blame you. I would be gun shy too.

 

[RonD]

Was reading another post about what seemed like an unrelated issue
2020 Ranger that would randomly make noises when sitting in the garage, no key fob around and doors closed and locked

So looked for other references to that, found alot, lol, on all different models of Ford trucks

Google: 2020 Ford noises when off

Some describe "whirring" noise like electric motor or gear turning..................transfer case shift motor test?????

Could be totally unrelated but..................what's with the noises to start with, and what are the systems that "computer" is checking, could be ABS or maybe EVAP(but this should just be a click)

Anyway thought I would add this here

 

[Dirtman]

I keep telling you people... this is how Maximum Overdrive started...

If I walk into the garage at 2am and find my truck randomly activating motors and switches by itself, it's getting a bath in thermite and I'm heading off into the wilderness to escape the uprising.

 

[Blmpkn]

"Honey.... the ATM called me an asshole..."

Saw Steven King last week driving a black tesla actually.

But yeah the new trucks make random noises all the time. Mine does it.. not exactly a whirr... but more of a whine like a GM fuel pump or a crummy cell phone charger. I've read it's something to do with the fuel system.