4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: 1998 Chevy Blazer, chevy blazer, exxon station

Question
Hi Carl:  Our son owns a 1998 Chevy Blazer that he took to South Jersey this past weekend (we are North) he went 130 mi and starting having a problem where his car overheated and then switched into 4WD low.  He was towed back North and the car is now in our local Exxon Station. I spoke to the mechanic this morning and he informed me that he is stumped as to why he can not get the car out of 4WD low.  He know where the anti freeze is comming from but says that it may not be worth fixing and I may have to junk the car.  He said if I take it to a Chevy Dealer they will try to sell me everything under the sun (new casing etc.) Any clues to what's going on with the 4WD low??  Thanks, Kathy

Answer
Kathy,

I'm not sure why it would switch into 4wd low just from over heating.  It is possible that the transfer case ran low on fluid, causing the overheating problem, and siezed up in low range.

As far as junking the car, I wouldn't consider that yet.

Not being able to look at it, it's hard to say what the problem is.  As far as the anti freeze, did the mechanic say where it is coming from.  It is probably from the radiator overflow due to the heating up.

I would find a reputable transmission shop or two that specializes in 4-wheel drives, not a gas station, and have them check it out.

Get a couple of estimates.

Carl