CAN'T SHIFT IN TO LOW RANGE ANYMORE (update: now working).

[mumbo]

CAN'T SHIFT IN TO LOW RANGE ANYMORE. System thinks I'm in neutral when it's engaged. (update: now working)

So it might have been a rock as mentioned below. Before I could troubleshoot the problem, it started working again. I would rather have been able to find the issue!

felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas (haha)

To recap: the issue was not being able to shift into 4L, it was that after shifting into 4L, the system thought I was in (N)eutral. I understand that the topic description may have been misleading.

Thanks everyone for your help.


CAN'T SHIFT INTO LOW RANGE

I have a new 2023 Rubicon Gladiator. Went off roading today and found that I couldn't shift in to low range. It actually shifts into low range but shows neutral.

Earlier in the day I shifted into low range without any issues.

Since it thinks it's in neutral, I can't activate the sway bar or lockers. The shifter is pulled back as far as it can go, I know it's sometimes difficult to pull it.

I tried opening up the little hatch in front of the gear shift and pulling the orange tab, but it made no difference.

It kinda seems like there's something wrong with the switch that detects when it's in four wheel low.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Sponsored

 

[TheDerb]

I had something Similar happen in my ‘23. I’d put it into 4L, and it would “slip” back into Neutral, and flash the neutral verbiage on the dash. I’d just go back to 4h and then jam it back down to 4L, and after a few times it quit slipping.

I think It happened the second time I took it out but after that it never happened again.

 

[chorky]

I made a post about this awhile ago - what happened to me was a small rock lodged itself on top of the transfer case where the shifter goes into the t-case. I would take a peak underneath real quick. I couldn't believe my eyes this actually happened. I was not able to shift to 4 lo

 

[GeneralMaximus]

are you shifting into neutral and rolling at 1-2mph when shifting the transfer case from 4H to 4L? Per the manual.

 

[GeneralMaximus]

wow, that rock is camouflaged and shaped perfectly to fit into that little nook. Had to look at the picture really hard to find it.

 

[WILDHOBO]

are you shifting into neutral and rolling at 1-2mph when shifting the transfer case from 4H to 4L? Per the manual.

The easiest way to do it, regardless of the manual, is as follows:

Stop Jeep
Put transmission in neutral
Pull transfer case shifter into 4 low
If it doesn’t clearly feel like the gears engaged with each other, let off the brake and allow the jeep to roll, less than a foot usually, while putting gentle back pressure on the t-case shifter. It’ll pop right in.
Then put transmission back into drive and you’re all good.

 

[mumbo]

I'll look into the rock. Interesting.

To recap, I am able to engage the low range, but the Jeep thinks it's in neutral.

 

[DylanM]

If you're absolutely certain the transfer case is fully engaged in low range and that the shift cable adjustment isn't off, then I'd suspect a problem with the transfer case position sensor or its wiring.

 

[bd100]

With a new vehicle, it can take a few dozen shifts for the linkage to loosen up a bit. Find some gravel and try shifting in and out between 2hi, 4hi, 4low, a whole bunch of times until it gets easier.

 

[Rusty PW]

I'll look into the rock. Interesting.

To recap, I am able to engage the low range, but the Jeep thinks it's in neutral.

If it goes into low but showing neutral. Most likely it's the sensor.

 

[mumbo]

My thought too

 

[mumbo]

I had something Similar happen in my ‘23. I’d put it into 4L, and it would “slip” back into Neutral, and flash the neutral verbiage on the dash. I’d just go back to 4h and then jam it back down to 4L, and after a few times it quit slipping.

I think It happened the second time I took it out but after that it never happened again.

Thanks, but not slipping.

 

[mumbo]

are you shifting into neutral and rolling at 1-2mph when shifting the transfer case from 4H to 4L? Per the manual.

It's engaging but showing (N)eutral.

 

[mumbo]

With a new vehicle, it can take a few dozen shifts for the linkage to loosen up a bit. Find some gravel and try shifting in and out between 2hi, 4hi, 4low, a whole bunch of times until it gets easier.

It's engaging but showing (N)eutral. Just started yesterday. I've haven't had issues with the shifter.

 

[mumbo]

With a new vehicle, it can take a few dozen shifts for the linkage to loosen up a bit. Find some gravel and try shifting in and out between 2hi, 4hi, 4low, a whole bunch of times until it gets easier.

Thanks but It's engaging and showing (N)eutral. Just started yesterday. I've haven't had issues with the shifter.

Sponsored