Stuck in 2wd!

pg2676 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:41 am

Dead of winter and my Selec-TracII is stuck in 2wd. The lever moves up about 1/2" and stops. It "feels" like a linkage problem, but tearing it apart in the driveway @ -25C is just not an option right now. Anyone have any insight as to what may be the problem? '03 KJ 3.7L.

KJKev · **Posted:** Sun Dec 16, 2007 12:13 pm

Try applying some heat. Maybe it's just frozen.
KJKev

jeepkj02 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 16, 2007 12:18 pm

Try pulling the level when rolling or driving. You can shift into 4wd at speeds up to 55 mph. Don't pull the level while pressing the gas, only coasting. Is the engine at full operating temperature. Maybe that can help. I'm sure other will chime in.

snowsport · **Joined:** Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:52 pm **Posts:** 1211

jeepkj02 wrote:

Try pulling the level when rolling or driving. You can shift into 4wd at speeds up to 55 mph. Don't pull the level while pressing the gas, only coasting. Is the engine at full operating temperature. Maybe that can help. I'm sure other will chime in.

Yep, roll the beast for a while and let the fluids warm up. Then try to change it, see what happens. Or maybe it's time to change the transfer case lube?

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sun Dec 16, 2007 2:44 pm

snowsport wrote:

jeepkj02 wrote:

Try pulling the level when rolling or driving. You can shift into 4wd at speeds up to 55 mph. Don't pull the level while pressing the gas, only coasting. Is the engine at full operating temperature. Maybe that can help. I'm sure other will chime in.

Yep, roll the beast for a while and let the fluids warm up. Then try to change it, see what happens. Or maybe it's time to change the transfer case lube?

Usually when something breaks its to late to change the fluid.

Linkage could be frozen like others have said. Drive it and let it all warm up then try it.

snowsport · **Joined:** Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:52 pm **Posts:** 1211

Jeepjeepster wrote:

snowsport wrote:

jeepkj02 wrote:

Try pulling the level when rolling or driving. You can shift into 4wd at speeds up to 55 mph. Don't pull the level while pressing the gas, only coasting. Is the engine at full operating temperature. Maybe that can help. I'm sure other will chime in.

Yep, roll the beast for a while and let the fluids warm up. Then try to change it, see what happens. Or maybe it's time to change the transfer case lube?

Usually when something breaks its to late to change the fluid.

You're assuming that something is broken. It might be something as simple as grit jammed in somewhere it shouldn't be. Checking/changing fluid is usually a first step in a case like this: maybe there isn't any fluid in there at all? Worth checking, I'd say.

jason thompson · **Posted:** Sun Dec 16, 2007 6:05 pm

The case in my TJ was a royal PITA to get from 2wd to 4wd the first few times as it was NEVER shifted in 3 years
if you were not moving and in Neutral the 4wd was out
I ran it on a few rides then changed the oil in the T-case and all is well
I can shift to 4wd sitting still if it is in N with the engine running

If you have not used it or if the oil is very thick ,cold, that may very well be the cause
also you may need to be moving ,like I did for a while

pinevillekj · **Posted:** Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:45 pm

It could be worse...My 2wd kj is stuck in 2wd all the time

photontraveler · **Joined:** Sat Jun 02, 2007 4:10 am **Posts:** 29

jeepkj02 wrote:

Try pulling the level when rolling or driving. You can shift into 4wd at speeds up to 55 mph. Don't pull the level while pressing the gas, only coasting. Is the engine at full operating temperature. Maybe that can help. I'm sure other will chime in.

Question: I have been wondering about the shifting into and out of 4WD.
I have a 2006 Libby Sport Automatic . Can I shift into and out of 4WD between 0-55mph?
I realize you have already answered half my question..........

Dje Ryu · **Posted:** Mon Dec 17, 2007 10:20 am

Yes. You only need to slow down to less than 5mph and shift the trans to N when shifting to 4LO.

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:26 pm

There is a reason we do not have lock out hubs anymore. It is called "Shift on the fly" 4 wheel drive.

The KJ needs to be warmed up and MOVING to shift the 4x4 lever. IF it lets you shift in park or sitting still you will likely feel a thud of some sort of sudden shift when you start moving again.

Start it up, warm it up, driver in a straight line at a steady speed and gently but firmly pull up on the lever, DO NOT JERK IT. At that temp (-25) something plastic might break.

Once you have pulled it into 4x4, then let off the gas, then accelerate a little and maybe let off the gas again allowing it to shift.

Uffe · **Posted:** Mon Dec 17, 2007 2:31 pm

WoodysKJ wrote:

There is a reason we do not have lock out hubs anymore. It is called "Shift on the fly" 4 wheel drive.

The KJ needs to be warmed up and MOVING to shift the 4x4 lever. IF it lets you shift in park or sitting still you will likely feel a thud of some sort of sudden shift when you start moving again.

Start it up, warm it up, driver in a straight line at a steady speed and gently but firmly pull up on the lever, DO NOT JERK IT. At that temp (-25) something plastic might break.

Once you have pulled it into 4x4, then let off the gas, then accelerate a little and maybe let off the gas again allowing it to shift.

Exactly. And then your doors lock if you enabled auto lock and have a GC EVIC installed

pg2676 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:09 am

Ok guys, I've tried all of this from warm to cold weather over the last month. I've gotten under it and haven't seen anything out of the ordinary with the linkage. The fluid was changed over the summer and was just checked last week. I did manage to get it engaged about a month ago, but I shut it off after a few days and haven't been able to engage it again. Give me some new suggestions and/or a breakdown of the linkage assembly if possible.

Thanks

Stuck in 2wd!

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