4Lo Not engaging First try

Having an issue with my 4 wheel drive. When switching to 4High It usually goes right in, Although when switching to 4Lo It doesn’t engage first second or sometimes even third try. Just flashes and beeps. Eventually it will go in But it’s also an issue getting it out. Curious if this issue is the actuater Going out? 6 Speed manual I am doing what the instructions on the sun visor are saying. Thank you for any information or input, It is much appreciated.

 

The beeping means the conditions to go into or out of 4low are not met, the most common issue is the clutch switch getting flaky.
Do you have to mess with the clutch sometimes to get it to start?

 

Yes I do have to use the clutch a few times. The instructions don’t say you have to use clutch but I would do it anyway during any switching of gearing

 

On a manual trans the clutch has to be fully depressed to get in and out of 4low, you do not have to press the brake.
Mine is kind of finicky at times to shift too but most of the time it works first try.

 

Yep you have to fully depress the clutch to the floor.

 

Right from the owners manual

 

Their wording is kind of confusing for some as it doesn't differentiate AT ("shift into neutral while stopped") from MT ("depress clutch pedal at speeds below 2 mph")

 

I agree they could word it differently, because shifting into neutral with the MT isn't required. Hopefully the AT guys aren't looking around for a clutch pedal

 

Anytime you're trying to engage 4lo, with any 4X4 vehicle, there is a good chance the gears inside the transfer case are not aligned correctly to mesh if the truck is at a dead stop. It works a lot better if the truck can roll slightly as it engages I also find it easier to make the switch from 2hi to 4hi before trying to go to lo range. Theoretically you should be able to go from 2hi directly to 4lo, but you're asking the transfer case to do 2 things at the same time. I just have fewer issues doing it in 2 steps. While shifting to neutral may not be a requirement with a manual, it works better if you do.

After moving the gear selector to neutral, and fully depressing the clutch I like to move the 4X4 switch from 4hi to 4lo while the truck is still rolling slowly (under 2-3 mph). I prefer to do so on a slight incline if possible. That way by just easing off the brakes the truck can roll slightly. Doesn't matter which direction it rolls. As the wheels rotate the gears in the transfer case rotate. When everything meshes the truck will engage 4lo. It doesn't take much, about 1/4 wheel rotation. And sometimes you get lucky and everything aligns properly the 1st time.

Getting out of lo range can be the most difficult part. Once again I find it to just work better in 2 steps. Stop, shift to neutral and fully depress the clutch and while the truck is rolling slowly shift to 4hi. The gears will often be in a bind and don't want to let go. If it doesn't shift out of lo range move the selector back to 4lo, put the truck in reverse and back up 10-15', then pull forward about the same distance and try again. I've had to repeat this little dance several times in the past. Once in 4hi drive off normally and shift to 2hi on the fly when ready.