Shifting from 4 Hi to 4 Lo by Itself

[kickingaz]

I was out on a couple trails a few weeks ago and put the Gladiator in 4 Hi so I could disconnect the sway bar to get a better ride (I have a JTRD). I shifted the transfer case from 2 Hi to 4 Hi and after less than a minute, the Jeep shifted to 4 Lo by itself. The transfer case selector is still in the same position and was never moved to Neutral, then to the right and down to go to 4 Lo. This happened several times on our trip when I selected 4 Hi, and is still happening. Luckily my son was with me so he could drive it home as I flat towed it behind my RV. I had him drive it because I didn't want to take a chance it was in Neutral and shifted to 4 Lo while being towed. My question is has anyone else had this issue? I did some research and I understand there is a nylon bushing for the transfer case that may be the issue. I have an appointment at the dealership Monday, but just wanted to get some background if anyone else experienced this...thanks!

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[Scott L]

Wow never heard of that. Mine doesn’t want to come back out of 4 low once I’m in but it’s never shifted into 4low on its own. Keep us posted once the dealer checks it please.

 

[Renegade]

Are you saying that it is going from 4 Hi, through neutral, and into 4 Lo while you’re moving? I don’t see how that’s possible. I would think the speed differential would cause it to grind, and not engage.

 

[Lunentucker]

Weird.
I think I would have disconnected the driveshafts before I had a loved one ride in a flat towed vehicle.

 

[Jefe1018]

I think you would hear gears grinding and loud bags, the transmission needs to be in neutral to go into 4lo... wonder if it is a sensor or electronic issue.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

i have had a hard enough time shifting into 4lo when I wanted it in 4lo in our Jeeps - hard to imagine it simply happening like magic.

and put the Gladiator in 4 Hi so I could disconnect the sway bar to get a better ride (I have a JTRD).

Wheeling, I hope, and not on the road...........

 

[chaosjake]

Weird.
I think I would have disconnected the driveshafts before I had a loved one ride in a flat towed vehicle.

I think OP is saying that he flat towed it to the trail, but luckily his son could drive it so they didn't have to flat tow it home.

Luckily my son was with me so he could drive it home as I flat towed it behind my RV. I had him drive it because I didn't want to take a chance it was in Neutral and shifted to 4 Lo while being towed.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I think OP is saying that he flat towed it to the trail, but luckily his son could drive it so they didn't have to flat tow it home.

Read it twice and that's my final take, too - first glance it looked different, but then I got up really early and it's getting late here now....

 

[Lunentucker]

I think OP is saying that he flat towed it to the trail, but luckily his son could drive it so they didn't have to flat tow it home.

OK, after reading it six times I think I finally read it your way.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

OK, after reading it six times I think I finally read it your way.

25 more minutes and your JT turns into a pumpkin - getting late there, too?

 

[kickingaz]

Are you saying that it is going from 4 Hi, through neutral, and into 4 Lo while you’re moving? I don’t see how that’s possible. I would think the speed differential would cause it to grind, and not engage.

Yes, it went from 4 Hi to 4 Lo without any movement of the transfer case selector.

 

[kickingaz]

Weird.
I think I would have disconnected the driveshafts before I had a loved one ride in a flat towed vehicle.

I flat towed it out there before I knew of this issue. My son drove it home as there was, and still does not appear to be an issue, when driving in 2 Hi.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Yes, it went from 4 Hi to 4 Lo without any movement of the transfer case selector.

Was it REALLY fully engaged in 4lo or was it just the indicator?
It's not a smooth quiet seamless shift from one to the other, so I'd expect some noise or hesitation - that's why I wonder if it REALLY did and you heard it and FELT it, or was it just the dash saying so?
Was it in gear or P or N?

 

[Idlethunder]

Was it REALLY fully engaged in 4lo or was it just the indicator?
It's not a smooth quiet seamless shift from one to the other, so I'd expect some noise or hesitation - that's why I wonder if it REALLY did and you heard it and FELT it, or was it just the dash saying so?
Was it in gear or P or N?

Beat me by 4 minutes but I'm wondering the same thing

 

[kickingaz]

Was it REALLY fully engaged in 4lo or was it just the indicator?
It's not a smooth quiet seamless shift from one to the other, so I'd expect some noise or hesitation - that's why I wonder if it REALLY did and you heard it and FELT it, or was it just the dash saying so?
Was it in gear or P or N?

It was REALLY in 4 Lo, occurs while in gear. No grinding, and I believe the dash indicator showed N (Neutral), it didn't indicate 4 Lo. I have had several Wranglers and two Gladiators and never had anything like this occur. I have to assume it is electrical as the transfer case selector was still in the left gate (2 Hi, 4 Hi, Neutral) and not in the right gate (Neutral, 4 Lo). Hopefully the dealer doesn't pull the "We couldn't replicate this" routine and ignore it.

I wonder if this could be related to the rear locker issue and when the locker engages it shifts it to 4 Lo?

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