2000 Cherokee Classic automatic w/242 TC. During the winter I usually keep it in 4wd full time. However this morning it was 50 degrees, no snow, and so on my way to church I slipped it into 2wd. It didn't go and I really didn't notice it until I almost got to there. It seemed to be stuck in 4WD part-time. I drove it this way for 20 miles at highway speed.

After church I went out and could smell burnt fluid, not good.

After fooling around with it I finally got it into 2wd and drove home with no issues.

1. I assume I toasted the transfer case?

2. Am I ok to drive it in 2wd until I get time to swap it out?

Thanks!

 

Change the fluid and adjust the linkage so it shifts properly. If you still have problems you'll need to open it up and see what's wrong and repair or replace as required.

 

Will I be ok to drive it this way until I get time to replace/repair it?

 

I wouldn't drive it much until you check things out but that's just me.

 

The 242 is known to get 'spline lock' when run in 4wd for extended periods.
To remedy, shift transmission to neutral, shift transfer case to 2HI, shift into reverse and back up 10 feet or so, this should 'unlock' it.

Driving pavement in 4Part-Time will overheat the fluid quickly. Once overheated, fluid looses its lubrication properties.
Drain it, refill it, as soon as possible.

 

Changed the fluid today. Besides the drain bolt not wanting to budge, no issues. But holy cow that fluid was black and nasty. I'm still scared to try out 4WD though!

 

Then don't drive it in 4WD for awhile. Run it in 2WD for awhile, then change te fluid again. See if there's any metal in the drain pan.

Fill'er up and run around in Full Time to see how it goes.