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Won't go into gear after transfer case swap

39K views 30 replies 16 participants last post by  mandozladybugzfoofoo  
#1 ·
Hey guys, Transfer case went out on a 1999 GMC Sierra 5.3L V8 4x4. I bought and installed used 246 GM transfer case matching the broken one on craigslist. It will start in either park or drive but when put into reverse, drive or 3, 2, 1 it doesn't move. The rpms drop slightly when I move it from neutral to a drive gear such as reverse and drive. Changed out all three speed sensors from old transfer case and nothing still.
 
#5 ·
follow the instructions in your owner's manual.

It says, and I quote:

"Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
To shift out of NEUTRAL:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular
brake pedal.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn the
ignition to RUN with the engine off.
3. Press the button for the desired transfer case shift
position (2HI, 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 4LO).
4. After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL
the red light will go out.
5. You may start the engine and shift the transmission
to the desired position."
 
#16 ·
Our experience with the exact same situation, since noone will answer my post with even a possibility I will give you my experience.

1. Installed u joints, preventative, auto zone u joints were wrong for the truck (after researching on moog website). Threw u joints the next day, destroyed drive shaft and was told transfer case. Cracked adapter housing.
2. Went to wrench a part, matching np246 with RPO numbers and adapter housing, pulled it, put sensors from original case in new one, installed it, filled with oil drove off in OD and stayed in first, manually shifted to 2nd and thats all I got. Pull over, fluid leaking through small crack we did not see in case. Uninstall take back.
3. Find another with matching RPO pull and install in truck still no shift and ABS and BRAKE lights are still on. Uninstall
4. Open original case to find nothing but beautiful shiny gears, bearings, chain. Turn by hand...perfect. Put back together, gasket, seals, Install...same thing. All transfer cases worked perfect in 4 hi, 4lo, auto 4x4, 2wd. Throws no codes. Checked wheel sensors with a/c test and both good, ohm test on sensors and all wires. Wires read 4.5 except the speed sensor on right side of tailshaft read 17.6 ohms and thats got me scratching my head.
5. At least we are back to original transfer case and working sensors so that the shop can run check tomorrow. It is a pain but on a lighter note my son and I could be on a 4x4 pit crew...uninstall and intall in less than 1.5 hours.
I dont know if that helps at all but I had to share. Any questions just ask and I will tell you what I learned.
 
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#26 ·
What red light are you guys talking about because I'm having this same issue right now and the o it red light I see is the e brake light but mine is grinding going into park after I changed the tc adapter plate but my truck is stuck on the side of the road in Oakland and it won't last long it's already been here for 3 weeks but I need help like asap