Today I was changing the fluid in my transfer case on my 2003 ram. And can't believe what happened, When filling the case back up with atf+4 I put the fluid into a gear lube bottle since it has a small opening and easily fits into hole. Well I kept the soft rubber cap on the bottle because you have to tilt the bottle sideways and lay it across the crossmember to put it in the fill hole. Well I had it lined up with the hole and went to take the cap off and then stick nozzle in the hole well as soon as I pulled off the cap of course some tranny fluid got on my fingers and the cap slide right into my transfer case. I could not believe what had happened, this is not the first time I've changed transfer case fluid on a four wheel drive. So I took out the drain plug to see if maybe I could see it on the bottom but I could'nt there is something in the way and there's only enough room for the fluid to come out. So I filled the transfer case with fluid for now and plan to drive it thinking that it was pretty soft plastic and the gears will probably chew it up and then drain it again after awhile to get the plastic pieces out. There are no filters to clog, So what do you guys think? Thanks

 

It will probably just get chewed up and the pieces will come out next drain... can't see it causing anuy concerns!

 

Just do an early change next time to make sure it does not sit for a long period of time.

 

Thanks for the replies, I'll change it after just a little driving in 4 wheel drive since it only costs about $12.00 to replace fluid.