Posted by FELIX on July 17, 03 at 10:10:51:
'99 K2500 6.5 - While doing an oil change in spring '02 I notice a small weep of pink fluid from the transfer case fill plug. I tightened it up a bit and mentioned it when I brought it to the dealer for service on another matter. They replaced the drain plug and added fluid. Another o/c and I saw the same thing reappear, now worse. I took it to the dealer and they said there was 'nothing wrong'. Shortly afterwards the transfer case began making noises during coasting or light accel. I checked the fluid level and it was fine. Altho bought new - I was already over miles on warranty when it failed loudly and completely. This is the NP 'Auto trac' and only available thru GMC and replacement ran $2k.
Prior to going on vacation last year had all the fluids (tranny/oil/case) flushed and checked at another (Chevy) dealer who said I had the wrong fluid in the (new) case - should be 'blue' and not pink.
I checked on ALLDATA and see TSB's for the drain plug and the fluid. At the very least if wrong fluid is used there should be a recall.
Now - a year and some 40k miles later - the 4wd switch is not working correctly and it is difficult and sometime impossible to come out of 4wd low into 4hi or 2wd unless I let the vehicle rest overnite and then the relay clicks / solenoids slide and everything is normal (no 'check 4wd light').
I do not off road but live on a nasty dirt road and use the 4hi for snow/slush and the 4wd low to climb
my ramps for oil changes.
What do you think?