Transfer Case problems of the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero

The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero. While driving various speeds, the transfer case warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front transfer case sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Vehicle's 4wd will engage and disengage on it's own. While in 2wd, while driving, vehicle will make a noise and while coming to a stop the noise will get louder until it gives a hard jolt, like if someone rear ended you. At this point the 4wd indicater will start blinking. If you attempt to put into 4wd then the vehicle almost becomes impossible to turn and causes the tires to squell as if you were doing a burn out. Took to the dealer twice in 2004 with no luck. They couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. All of a sudden the vehicle appeared to be okay for about 4 months with no problems until recently where it has start to act up again.