Went to leave for work today was stuck, so I put the car into N and I pushed the slip-n-grip(Auto 4WD) and there's a loud BOOM under the passenger seat. Now I haven't had a chance to look at it had to get to work, but I know the transfer case is on that side.

When you push the 4WD button it will stay in 4WD but I don't hear the case click, nor do I feel it kick in. I don't have a 4X4 service light either.

Any ideas what it could be? I'm hoping it's an easy fix... I was going to buy a switch and stick it in, should I wait? Plus, I've never really worked on my vehicle before but always wanted to give it a go, would this be a novice thing to try?

It's a 2003 4D 4WD LS if that makes a difference.

 

Selecting the Auto feature only locks the front diff and no power is applied to the front wheels until slippage is detected so doing that in neutral shouldnt have any effect on the transfer case....investigation will be required.

 

Interesting is it possible I blew the front diff? Any idea where it's located?

 

Now that I think about it I may have been in Drive would that have mattered?

 

not unless rear wheel slippage is detected. Were you moving when you selected it or were you stopped ?....The front diff is between the front wheels just a little left of the trucks centre ......I would think if you blew the front diff there would be one hell of a noise while moving in 4 wheel drive, If you could put the truck up on 4 jack stands it may help you diagnose what problems you may have. if not in park select 4 wheel drive and jack up the right front wheel to see if you can rotate it.