trouble engaging/disengaging low range

I almost always have trouble with the electronic transfer case switch. When I turn the switch to Low Range, the status light blinks off and on, indicating the shift hasn't occurred. Eventually, it seems to work, after lots of clutch in and out, shifting the six speed tranny in and out of neutral, turning the switch back and forth. I have the same trouble trying to shift back to high range. There doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason as to why it suddenly shifts, but it is frustrating. My '86 truck had the manual transfer case shifter and it worked great - although getting out and locking and unlocking the hubs was a pain.

 

might need to use it more. may smooth up. thats why i like my 1st gen front end locks automatically when i pull the transfer lever

 

You have to be in High first then coomplete the steps for your manual to get into low. If you remember to cycle your actuator often enough it should smooth out. I work mine out regularly and can now get into 4h without moving, I can actually start the truck leave it in park and engage it. Same for low once already in 4h of course. just a thought.

 

If you remember to cycle your actuator often enough it should smooth out. I work mine out regularly and can now get into 4h without moving, I can actually start the truck leave it in park and engage it. Same for low once already in 4h of course. just a thought.

 

Larry,

Here's what works for me with my 05 manual trans. (as described in the owners manual):

-After 4H is engaged and at a complete stop, shift into neutral while keeping clutch pedal engaged.

-Turn knob to 4L, light will blink but not engage.

-Turn knob back to 4H, release clutch pedal and then re-engage clutch pedal

-Turn knob back to 4L to get in to low.


This sequence works for me EVERY time without fail. Hope it helps.

 

The clutch has to be pressed in before the knob is turned to 4L. If you skip that step, it won't do anything until you turn the knob back to 4H and press the clutch down.

 

Owners manual works pretty good.

 

My observations on 2nd gen 4whl system:
1. The system is much more picky when shifting into 4lo than 4hi.
2. Clutch pedal must be mashed completely to the floor everytime to actuate all the switches.
2. Truck has to absolutely motionless.
3. Gear shift in neutral.

I guess it's because the system does not have sensors to determine that the gears inside the transfer case are not moving relative to each other so the system instead uses "secondary" sensors to conclude it's safe to shift. This causes system delay and frustration on the user's part.

 

You're going to need to talk to your dealership about that one. Maybe they'll sell you a complete truck this time.