About 1000 miles ago, I did one drain and fill on the Aw4. Filled to the 'Max' mark (ok, Maybe a little more) but figured it wasn't too full. No leaks or problems that I could tell.

Fast forward to yesterday. I was on a trip to Annapolis (about two hours). I park at the mall off Rt50 and wanted to check how much oil she leaks after a long trip. Well, I found a few drops of transmission fluid almost immediately after stopping. I couldn't tell where it was coming from so I checked my transfer case to make sure it wasn't leaking and decided to baby it home.

Checked the dipstick on the transmission today and it was down to just above the 'Ok' holes.

TL;DR: My question: I think I traced the leak to this hole. Is this the vent hole?

 

*Sigh* I'm sorry. I failed to search properly.

This thread explains my problems perfectly

 

Don't be sorry. I do not have any leaks but be assured I am going to crawl under my Jeep before I go to work just to see if I have that plug in place. If you did not post this I would not know it existed. I drive the Jeep very little and could be missing it and still not notice a leak.

 

That's what I'm worried about. If it was ever there, it just fell out? And my transfer case might grenade because of this little thing? I read on another Jeep forum where guys have rtv'd, fashioned other permanent plugs, etc. and I think I'm going to do the same.

 

If you have links to those postings where the guys fashioned up more permanent plugs could you post them. I probably could find them but if you have them handy. Might be something worth doing even if I do have the plug in place. Imagine that. Blow a transfer case for lack of a $4 rubber plug.

 

Just a couple of mentions of some rigs here
I purchased the plug but will probably put a thin layer of rtv on it to make sure it stays this time

 

I am hoping one of our esteemed and knowledgeable cohorts will warn us of the dangers of perma-plugging that hole, if any.

 

This is kinda strange. No plug. No hole. Maybe I am missing it but pretty sure.

 

Driver side transfer case next to shift linkage?

 

Mine doesn't have the plug there either. Is this an optional part or something that's just notorious for falling out on its own? This summer I was maybe 1/3 quart low...hadn't added any fluid since I did my SYE back in 2011. So if it is leaking from there, it's a very minor amount.

 

That is where I looked. Solid metal.

Wait a minute. Do you have a Command Trac or a Select A Trac. Was looking at the link you posted when you said you answered your own question. Guy is talking about a Select a Trac

 

Yep I have the np242. You guys must have the 231?

 

Just checked my dad's 231 (if I'm saying it correctly. The one without part time 4) and there is no hole

 

Yes sir I do. That would explain everything. Still now I know that 242's have a plug.