Trouble shifting out of 4 hi?

Hi guys,

First, let me say that I am a bit of a 4x4 noob, so be gentle. Anyhow, I noticed the last time I was at the beach that I had some difficulty switching back into 2wd from 4hi. The knob would not turn the first couple of times I tried. Eventually it did. I noticed that this happened right when I was almost at a stop, going from sand to pavement.

Could someone tell me what I did wrong?



Thanks,

C

 

The knob wouldn't turn at all? The knob is just an electronic switch. There is no interlock that prevents it from turning when it's not supposed to.

 

I agree with Maticuno. It's just an electrical switch, so the only way it would not turn is if the switch itself is broken internally. Sounds like the switch needs to be replaced.

 

Agree with the above.

Also, make sure you're not pushing the switch in, as if switching to 4lo. That's only for switching from 4hi to 4lo.

If there was an actual problem, usually the 4x4 bulb on the instrument cluster will flash and beep.

 

make sure front wheels are straight when engaging and disengaging that way theres no bind on your cvs. ive found this helps. if turning and engaging, the 4x4 light will blink but your not engaged. once the light is solid you are truly engaged. you should also hear or feel it kick in at slow speeds.

 

I bet you were in 4lo not 4hi, and in that case you need to push the switch in in order to turn it.

 

Because he has an automatic, he must be in N Neutral as well (to go in to or out of L4).

Between H2 and H4, nothing should prevent you from turning the dial. Shift on-the-fly moving or still... there can be a delay of a few feet of movement for the transfer to take place. A loud 'thunk' may be heard, and is normal. Only use 4WD when you need more traction. Turning in 4WD will be difficult if your tires can not slip, ie. on dry pavement.

 

You guys might be on the right track with the 4lo. He did say he's "a bit of a 4x4 noob."

 

That loud "thunk" noise might be normal if you don't know how to keep it from happening. Before switching from 4H back into 2WD take your foot off the gas pedal and coast (so there's no load on the drive line) then turn the knob. You won't get the nasty "thunk" noise and your back in 2WD smooth as butter.

 

This

 

I would suggest it's a switch issue.Maybe remove the switch and take it apart. It's a simple rotary switch..I don't see how it would bind unless something inside it has come loose. A small piece of plastic is all it would take if it got in the right spot. Start there....That knob is an electrical switch like these guys said,so the issue has nothing to do with the transfer case not wanting to come out of 4hi.