Transfer case screeching/grinding noise

I suspect this is just lack of regular exercising of 4HI which regularly lubricates the case and gears. I personally wouldn't ever drive when my t-case is making that grinding noise and it'd be an absolute last resort.

The only advice left is to go to the dealer and get it looked at. I wouldn't tell them what you did. I would just tell them that you attempted to shift into 4LO and got that message and that now shifting between 4HI/4LO/2HI is inconsistent.

 

Appreciate you all! Got it back from the dealership, nothing was damaged, still under warranty. Worked like it was designed to. They said most likely it was the actuator (4lo,4hi) not being engaged for a while. Damn computers!!!

 

Good to hear there was no damage.

Side note: you can engage 4H any time below (I think it’s 69mph, don’t quote me on the speed, but it’s pretty fast). I go to 4H several times a month on a straight stretch of pavement when headed to work.

I also hit 4L and the rear locker at least once a month on a trail, even if the trail conditions don’t warrant it, the actuators seem to be engaging more reliably than when new.