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Thread: Having trouble getting into 4L

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    Default Having trouble getting into 4L



    I was playing around with my jeep on my family ranch and got into a little trouble needed 4L but I couldn't get the gear to engage. All I could get it to do is grind. Any ideas?

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    Most likely a bent shift linkage. From underneath truck try to shift into 4 low by hand. If it works there is too much play in linkage and just need to bend it so it engages before shifter bottoms out.
    ___________
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    Gorden (June 20th, 2013)

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    Cliff's likely spot on.

    The 4WD shift lever has an adjustment before it goes into the xfer case (at least on my 90 it does). There is one bolt that holds the shift parts together. If the bolt is loose or the two bars are out of adjustment you can have issues. Look for a bent linkage or loosen the bolt and adjust for proper operation (I don't have the steps at hand but it's fairly straight forward - perhaps a general iNet search or a YouTube search).

    If you'd like me to look up my linkage adjustment I certainly could (I'd photo the page in the book).

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    Gorden (June 20th, 2013)

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    Sounds great I will look at that.

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    when did it grind .....when trying to get into gear or when trying to start moving ??? but yes the easiest way id to unhook the linkage and manually put it in 4L and see if the linkage reaches and lines up with the shifter itself ...... if it was grinding when you tried to put it in gear (while stopped and tranny in neutral or park) then there are big problems ......... if it grinds after it should be in gear and once you try to move or apply power then it may just be inbetween gears and grinding.

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    It did not start to grind until I started to roll and and power. I will check the linkage! Thanks for the help

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    then yes it seems it just is not fully in gear have fun with it

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    um, try putting it in neutral first. make sure to push it forward all the way.

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    awww yes good point. Sometimes if gears don't line up right it won't fully engage, if you let it roll slowly in neutral while trying to engage it might pop in. Good call Joe!
    ___________
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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    Are you on level ground when you try to go to 4lo? I know it's basic, but mine is very tempermental that way... If I don't have the Jeep positioned right...it won't cooperate and I have to put up a fight..

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    Jackie previously posted:
    "Are you on level ground when you try to go to 4lo? I know it's basic, but mine is very tempermental that way... If I don't have the Jeep positioned right...it won't cooperate and I have to put up a fight.."

    Same with our "shift on the fly" Cherokee. If the Jeep is moving, and I take my foot off the gas, the T-case will suck right in to the gear I want.
    ___________
    The Lost Boys motto: We don't know where we're going, but we'll be there for awhile. :)

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    Jeeps..... every one of mine has done this at one time or another, just move it a little and walla. Hopefully that is all it is!!

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    I photo'd the page in the repair book (Haynes) that might help (Right-Click the link and Save the picture)

    www.JimWilliamson.net/temp/XferCase-ShiftAdjustment.jpg

    I'll leave the file up for a couple weeks

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    My two cents is to make sure you are rolling when you shift the transfer case.

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    Mr6dwg previously posted:
    "My two cents is to make sure you are rolling when you shift the transfer case."

    This is definitely true for my 2005 LJ. I've driven a GMC Sierra and a Jimmy and I don't remember having to roll when putting either of those into 4 Low. My jeep's owner's manual definitely says I should be rolling though. Is this just a jeep thing?

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    I know its a different beast, but at times with my scout I find it easier just to shut the engine off and shift it into 4 low. For whatever reason it allows things to line up better, since there are no forces fighting it. And yes, rolling forward slightly while doing this can help significantly.

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    Huh - I'm only stopped when shifting the xfer case on the 90 / never tried or had to be moving.

    On my old 79 CJ, when pulling a boat out of the water I'd often use 4WD (front wheels on dry dock pavement) and in those cases (asphalt) I'd have to be moving and to steer left/right to un-bind the drivetrain enough to unlock the xfer case.

    Different strokes...

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    From the 2005 Wrangler manual:

    "NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
    front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not
    equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and
    rear driveshafts speeds must be equal for the shift to take
    place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are
    spinning can cause damage to the transfer case."

    and

    "4H to 4L or 4L to 4H
    With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
    an automatic transmission to N (Neutral) or depress the
    clutch pedal on a manual transmission. While the vehicle
    is coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
    case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause in
    transfer case N (Neutral).

    NOTE: Pausing in transfer case N (Neutral) in vehicles
    equipped with an automatic transmission may require
    shutting the engine OFF to avoid gear clash while
    completing the shift. If difficulty occurs, shift the automatic
    transmission to N (Neutral), hold foot on brake,
    and turn the engine OFF. Make shift to desired mode.

    NOTE: Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the
    vehicle completely stopped, however, difficulty may occur
    due to the mating teeth not being properly aligned.
    Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth alignment
    and shift completion to occur. The preferred
    method is with the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5
    km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L with
    the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h)."

    Jeep apparently has their owner's manuals all online now: http://www.jeep.com/en/owners/manuals/ Pretty cool.

    Short version: Roll 2-3 mph and shift 4H to 4L. If you are stopped, it will work but may take several attempts.

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    Jim previously posted:
    "Huh - I'm only stopped when shifting the xfer case on the 90 / never tried or had to be moving.

    On my old 79 CJ, when pulling a boat out of the water I'd often use 4WD (front wheels on dry dock pavement) and in those cases (asphalt) I'd have to be moving and to steer left/right to un-bind the drivetrain enough to unlock the xfer case.

    Different strokes..."

    Jim, you just haven't had it in just the right position then , or I guess I could say you always have it in the right position when you go to engage 4L. My 90 YJ does it here and there but mostly goes into 4L without rolling too.

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    Default Re: Having trouble getting into 4L



    Thanks for all the tips. My dad and I went through it and extended the link.

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