HELP!! Transmission or transfer case issue ('01 QX4)

[polobear1975]

OK, First off, thanks to anyone that can help me. I am new to this site/forum and I don't know the first thing about the 2001 Infiniti QX4 that I'm driving but I've had this issue for a while now and I'd love some assistance

OK, in April, I went to Express oil change here in Atlanta and got the transfer case service they recommended. Since then, I've gotten a the CV's on both front wheels replaced and gotten an alignment (probably insignificant but I don't wanna leave anything out).

In mid-June, I drove to the Harrah's Casino (Cherokee, NC) and had a little trouble. Its VERY mountainous and since I've NEVER driven in conditions like that, I didn't know to change gears or try 4 wheel drive. I did, however, get a flat and have to have to car towed.

Ever since then, whenever I drive the car and it idles for a little bit of time (stop light, drive-thru, whatever) it revs up loud as heck when I hit the gas and it burns more gas than I've ever seen. America's Service Center told me to keep it in all wheel drive because they are under the impression that the car is stuck in 4 wheel drive and is not enjoying freeway driving. They aren't sure whether it is going to be an issue with the transfer case or the transmission but they are recommending a $3100 brand new transmission.

Is anyone out there familiar with this or know of any good, honest places in the Atlanta, GA area I can take it to? I don't have 3 grand to waste especially if thats not the issue and I can't keep it in all-wheel drive much longer. A tank every 2 days isn't kosher for me

[ARKQX33V6]

It's a 4x4, with auto, 2WD, 4WD, a 2 speed transfer case and auto transmission. Stick everything in neutral including the transfer and verify all is in neutral.

Next at 4Wd

[ARKQX33V6]

Next at 4WD low
Verify it is in low
4WD high, again verify it is in high and driving at least 1 rear and1 front
Now check transmission is in all drive gears, neutral and R. With engine and transmission check oil levels.
Drive it in all gear ranges, all modes 2 and 4 wheel

Report back with details

[polobear1975]

@ ARKQX33V6 I really appreciate your quick reply, however you are speaking w/ a complete car novice (I drive it, put gas in it, & take it to someone else for everything else) so I apologize but I'm not quite sure how to "verify" whether it's in neutral, 4WD, 2WD, etc other than looking @ the dash & that little illustration w/ the green lights where the tires should be. Can you help me figure out how to ensure that it's in the gears you want me to check?

[fleurys]

lift your truck with an hydraulic lift, put in on candles so that all 4 wheels are off the pavement. Then do the tests. if you put in Drive with the selector at 2HI, then only one real wheel should turn (unless you have a limited slip diff). If the front wheel start to turn then you know the Transfer case is still engaged... Then you can concentrate on fixing this.... anyway..start with this..

[polobear1975]

ok, thanks...i don't have access to any lifts like that. I thought maybe this was a problem I could check out on my own but clearly I'd have to be a mechanic (unless it's normal for me to go to a mechanic and ask if they'd let me run my own tests)