4WD Not properly engaging

VTNomad · **Posted:** Thu Dec 16, 2010 9:33 am

So they're calling for 5-8" of snow/sleet/freezing rain today, and I haven't had the Jeep in 4WD since last winter, so I figure I'd test it out this morning. Things weren't normal.

It doesn't feel like anything is engaging in 4HI, and the dash light doesn't come on. 4LO engages, but no dash light. I turned the engine off, and back on. Now the 'Part Time' light comes on when its in 2WD and goes off when I shift into 4HI.

Any thoughts?

waywardtravel · **Posted:** Thu Dec 16, 2010 10:48 am

I don't know where the sensor or switch group is located on the KJ. I would go look on mine if I had received my Frankenlift already (too low). Did you maybe turn off the key while in Part time then shift to 2wd with the key off? Only a hunch because the computer thinks your two positions off. That said, I'm pretty sure the shift cable runs directly to the transfer case not some kind of modulation valve requiring vacuum or electricity to shift. The mechanical shift you were successful on was to 4lo I don’t think the shift fork or rod could make it all the way to 4lo and not stay in 4hi modes. Guessing the light indicators are incorrect and will correct themselves through re-boot, I would try engine running the whole process again. 4lo and neutral will obviously be evident when it's working. part time is also a positive engagement so will be able to test but remember to drive strait for about 40ft to allow engagement. If you are on a none slick road it will be very evident if your in 4wd while turning and driving slow. We all have and are learning computers are wrong often. We really know it's the guy who programmed it.
Just my :2cents:

waywardtravel · **Posted:** Thu Dec 16, 2010 10:57 am

Second thought, If I did my math right and it thinks your in part time while actually in 2wd, you will have the only 8wd KJ if you now switch to 4lo. :lol:

LibertyCRD · **Posted:** Thu Dec 16, 2010 11:59 am

Either your shifter to t-case linkage is out of adjustment, or the mode sensor is dirty. Both should be easy fixes. But do it BEFORE the ice storm...that storm has already hit Kentucky and it's nasty outside to say the least.

waywardtravel · **Posted:** Thu Dec 16, 2010 12:10 pm

LibertyCRD wrote:

Either your shifter to t-case linkage is out of adjustment, or the mode sensor is dirty. Both should be easy fixes. But do it BEFORE the ice storm...that storm has already hit Kentucky and it's nasty outside to say the least.

I'm new to these. If the linkage was out of adjustment wouldn't it not make it to 4lo or not make to 2wd?
Honest question.

LibertyCRD · **Posted:** Thu Dec 16, 2010 12:38 pm

I had a Jeep YJ once (same t-case as the KJ Liberty models use) and it had a linkage issue where it was just out of adjustment enough that it would kick out of gear. After I adjusted it 1/4"...it would stay in 4-low after that without kicking out.

It could be that yours is out of adjustment just enough to keep the light on the dash from working properly.

Or, like I said it could just be that the sensor that screws into the t-case is faulty, or dirty, or frozen. Usually, lack of use is the #1 culprit for t-case problems. And that goes for any 4x4, not just Jeeps.

4WD Not properly engaging

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