Yesterday I purchased a 2006 H3 with 144K on it. The guy lied about the whole thing and had cleared some codes. I did a short test drive and it seemed fine, but a short while after wrapping thing up, I noticed it has the skip when turning, so I have done enough research to believe that is the plastic shift fork. On top of that, after getting gas, the CEL came on, and the TCS light came on in the dash with a Stability Control Off warning. Rough idle, rough driving, and codes P0203: Injector 3 Control Circuit and C0268: ABS Pump Motor Circuit Shorted. This morning there were a few drops of oil on the driveway which appeared to be forming on the transmission pan, but didn't really look like trans fluid. Think it might have been dripping down from the T-Case but not sure.

So basically I have 3 problems on my hand (besides being all out lied to) and not really sure which to tackle first. I feel like if I can get it running right for 2K I am still pretty good on the deal. Any thoughts as to where to start or what any of these issues could be? I genuinely like the H3 and the engine and tranny seem strong, so I am hoping I can fix it and enjoy it.

Also should add it has the 4HI/4HI Lock/4LOW Lock t-case.

 

Welcome to HF. Congrats!

They all have the same T Case selections for the BW 4493 and 4493 themselves. If it had a rear locker, there would be a locker button to the far right of the T Case Buttons.

Anyways, if you do not know for sure when the fluids were last all changed, then I would change them all, Trans Fluid & Filter, T Case, front & rear diffs, and even engine oil.

Easy stuff first. I would get under it with a Torque wrench and confirm that all the Trans Pan Bolts are at 12 lb ft. Old Trans Fluid can look similar to oil.

When changing your T Case fluid you need to follow the special instruction for adding an additional amount through the speed sensor hole.

Take a read through this FAQ as well... Acts like it wants to stall/rough idle -No CEL -What To Do:

 

Doc -- Thanks for the reply. The car appears to be well maintained. I see in the Carfax it was serviced regularly. The same owner had it for 16 years and the guy who sold it to me and lied about everything had it for 4 month. Do you think any of those issues can resolve the fuel injector code? I kind of want to start there because if I can get the engine running right, then I wouldn't be so worried about the t-case. Thanks.

 

Also just went out and was able to shift the transfer case into neutral and then from neutral to 4low (heard the clunk) and from 4low to 4Hi full time. Still getting the skip though. Also now producing a P0303 Cylinder Misfire.

 

Not sure what you mean by "skip". If you turn an H3 all the way to steering lock on dry pavement you can feel some tire bite even if it is in High. They have a much tighter turning radius than a regular car or truck to navigate off road obsticles. If you are getting a skip feelin when turning normally (less than full lock) then something needs to be investigated.

Your P0203 is possibly an electrical issue, or just a bad injector. Not related to the FAQ I linked for you.

 

Thanks Doc, yes, it bites hard on the pavement to the point it will chrip the tires. Definitely doesn't feel normal at all.

 

this may be your problem also transfer case shift fork.

 

That is what I am thinking. I think I really have two problems, the fuel injector and the tcase fork.

 

 

I wouldn't feel comfortable doing any work in there on my own. I wouldn't even feel comfortable removing the tcase. Do you know approx how much it would be to have a shop rebuild one and change out the fork?