Transfer Case Jammed

[K7WWA]

On September 17th while in the desert in SE Utah I attempted to shift into 4L, I was stopped, and the transmission was in neutral. This transfer case has not been used a lot so it’s still stiff and hard to shift. Finally, the transfer case lever went into 4L however the display on the dash was still indicating that I was in 2H. As I drove it was very clear that the transfer case did not shift from 2H. The front axel did not feel like it was engaged, and the engine RPMs were normal for 2H. That was good news as I was many miles from home. No, I was not alone on this trip.

I’m assuming that there is a problem with the linkage and not in the transfer case. I have a service appointment next week.

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[DylanM]

Sounds to me like your assumption is likely correct, the shift linkage has broken or otherwise come disconnected. If you're still spry enough to do so, you could crawl underneath the truck and have a look at the linkage to determine what's wrong and if it's something you can easily fix yourself or not.

Others have had similar issues that ended up being caused by the shift bracket coming unbolted. See the following thread for an example: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ruck-will-not-shift-into-4-wheel-drive.96697/

 

[Lost1wing]

The way to shift in and out of 4L is to put the transmission in neutral while the vehicle is barely moving. This movement will help with the transfer. If you forced it while not moving, it is possible that something is now out of adjustment.
Try shifting to neutral, while slowly rolling try engaging 4L.

 

[ALT2870]

The way to shift in and out of 4L is to put the transmission in neutral while the vehicle is barely moving. This movement will help with the transfer. If you forced it while not moving, it is possible that something is now out of adjustment.
Try shifting to neutral, while slowly rolling try engaging 4L.

This is the way, it feels like you might break the dang thing while you are stopped. It's about smooth as shifting into 4H when you are rolling. 3-5mph I think is what is recommended. If I'm going up a pass I'll do it in spot where I don't loose momentum and just deal with being in 4L a little longer.

 

[GeneralMaximus]

The way to shift in and out of 4L is to put the transmission in neutral while the vehicle is barely moving. This movement will help with the transfer. If you forced it while not moving, it is possible that something is now out of adjustment.
Try shifting to neutral, while slowly rolling try engaging 4L.

Yep, maybe too late now but the manual says to shift into 4L while you are in neutral(both the transfer shifter and transmission shifter) and rolling at 1-2MPH.

 

[Gvsukids]

Yep, maybe too late now but the manual says to shift into 4L while you are in neutral(both the transfer shifter and transmission shifter) and rolling at 1-2MPH.

What's this manual you speak of? Surely you have something we don't have.

 

[Badunit]

Yeah, they don't build them like they used to. Shift cables don't hold up the abuse that shift linkages did.

 

[berb]

Just curious, what do you do if you're on flat ground and the jeep won't roll while in neutral. Like if you're in sand?

 

[ALT2870]

You can do it while stopped, just takes extra effort.

 

[Lost1wing]

Just curious, what do you do if you're on flat ground and the jeep won't roll while in neutral. Like if you're in sand?

You just don't apply pressure until it goes into gear. Several quick moments with the lever may be needed. You can even rock the vehicle a bit. You just need to move the gears a tad. Throwing a fit while seated could work.

 

[berb]

I tow my jeep behind my motorhome. I have had issues getting it out of neutral into 2H after we have been traveling. One thing I have done lately is work the transfer case every so often and several times before a trip to loosen it up. Since I have been doing that I have not had an issue getting the transfer case out of Neutral.

Moral of the story is work your transfer case every so often to keep it loose.

 

[Stan H]

Yeah, they don't build them like they used to. Shift cables don't hold up the abuse that shift linkages did.

From the get go I have used my 4wd everyday for at least some portion of the day due to the type of work Im in and it has literally been shifted in and out so many time it just glides in and out . But I also followed the protocol for shifting in and out of 4wd low side also.

 

[Stan H]

You just don't apply pressure until it goes into gear. Several quick moments with the lever may be needed. You can even rock the vehicle a bit. You just need to move the gears a tad. Throwing a fit while seated could work.

Or do like me have you wife come sit in the passenger seat and tell her she gets no money out of your next paycheck .
Oooooo weekend should see that fit .
Then let her off the hook & tell her you was joking they will get even madder and throw a bigger fit

 

[wolfdog]

Back up a few hundred feet then try! This helps JT you drive on dry pavement I’m low too long , give it a try might help?

Go Jeep!!!

 

[tysongladiator]

You can just look at the linkage and see if anything has become disconnected. The linkage on the case is bolted on, but the cable itself is connected at both the case and the shifter using a ball and socket type connection. You can also check the cable to see if the rubber coating has damaged and it has become frayed.

Might not be your issue, but you never know.

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