Stuck in 4 hi

Vinnie90 · 02-11-2010, 07:17 PM

Long time since I've been on here, and how I've missed it haha. But I need some help, I have a 2000 jeep Cherokee sport with the transfer case 2hi 4hi N and 4lo, now the issue is that it goes into 4hi no problem, but when I shift back to 2hi it stays in 4 and you can hear a whining from the transfer case for about 20 seconds or so and then finaly goes back into 2. I took it to my mechanic today and he said there is nothing wrong and I shouldn't be shifting from 2 into 4 and back while moving. I've done it going more then 25 mph. Any help would be great.

robdoggydog1 · 02-11-2010, 07:31 PM

nice to have you back!lol 1st there is nothing wrong with shifting while driving these are designed to be able to do that.. 2nd the problem you are describing is not a problem and is actuly pretty common , if you have checked your fluids and they are clean and full then dont worry about it . if your shifting from 4 to 2 then let off the gas a little as you are pushing it into 2wd then lightly blip the gas pedal a few times , you will feel it disengage. if it doesnt pull over and put tranny in nuetral and move to 2wd , you should be fine

welcome back!!

BrunoS · 02-11-2010, 07:34 PM

1) don't use 4HI on pavement. That's what 2HI is for. you have binding of the transfer case. (the orange/red "Part Time" light on the dash will be on in 4HI and 4LO)

2) IF you have the part-time what I call "offroad only" NP231 transfer case (4HI-2HI-N-4LO) as it sounds like, it's true you can shift 4HI to 2HI at any speed as long as you're on mud, snow, gravel, etc. if it's paved, then don't do it, long-term can damage transfer case.

3) if your'e stuck in 4HI, pull offroad, go backwards about 30 feet, and try to shift. it should "unbind" the transfer case and the shift should occur.

4) if you have the full time NP232 transfer case...then the green full time light on the dash you should be ok, and have other issues.

Vinnie90 · 02-11-2010, 08:12 PM

I haven't used it on pavement ever, I know better then that. I only use it in snow during the winter out side my house mainly, one nice big hill towards my street haha. Could low or bad fluid cause this, I would go out and check but all my tools are at my dads house so I'm stuck right now.

02-11-2010, 07:34 PM	#3
BrunoS Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: South Bay Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,538 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	1) don't use 4HI on pavement. That's what 2HI is for. you have binding of the transfer case. (the orange/red "Part Time" light on the dash will be on in 4HI and 4LO) 2) IF you have the part-time what I call "offroad only" NP231 transfer case (4HI-2HI-N-4LO) as it sounds like, it's true you can shift 4HI to 2HI at any speed as long as you're on mud, snow, gravel, etc. if it's paved, then don't do it, long-term can damage transfer case. 3) if your'e stuck in 4HI, pull offroad, go backwards about 30 feet, and try to shift. it should "unbind" the transfer case and the shift should occur. 4) if you have the full time NP232 transfer case...then the green full time light on the dash you should be ok, and have other issues. __________________ Newly Painted! Emerald Green '96 XJ 4x4 4.0 HO 5-spd 3" Lift + 31" Tires / D35 TracLok / NP231 Drilled out Stock Airbox / Gauge Cluster Upgrade Magnaflow Muffler / High-flo Cat / MSD Coil