I was tearing *** in the rain just a few minutes ago, and the AWD engaged for the first time since I've owned it. It wasn't a pleasant experience. As soon as it engaged, the brake light on the dash came on, and it made a horrible noise like brakes on a school bus, or like pushing a chair across a wooden floor. A sound like a whale being stabbed or something. I immediately got out of the throttle and babied it back to work. It didn't make any other sounds as soon as I let off, and doesn't make the telltale noise while making a tight corner at low speeds either.

Can anyone shed some light here? I know I should change the fluid in the differential, because I don't know when it was done last... but aside from that, does anyone have any experience here?

 

Did ur abs light come on?

 

Not that I know of. Mine wasn't equipped with ABS, if that makes any difference. It's a 5 speed as well.

In research, I found a TSB for the noisy differentials from 97-99. Mine is a 2000, so it's most likely applicable here. It gives the procedure for engaging the pumps and changing the fluid, because it is likely contaminated with moisture. Worst case scenario, I have to replace a $200 clutch pack.

 

change the fluid. costs 8$ and takes 5 minutes. the rear diff is completely mechanical (hydrolic, actually) and has no sensors or anything. The brake light coming on is unrelated. Possible that your e brake lever moved or your low on brake fluid and cornering caused it to go just below the level of the sensor.

 

It was in a straight line, but you may have a point. I do have some junk hanging around by my lever. Bad idea, I know, but sometimes it happens lol. I'll pick up some fluid this friday when I get paid. Might as well change the tranny oil and engine oil while I'm in there as well.

 

I too have experienced this terrible sound when "soft roading" a little rougher than i should. I'll be changing the diff fluid this coming week. Hopefully it goes away. It doesn't happen every time the AWD engages, only if it is under a decent amount of load.