Maybe 4X4 problem

Jeep225 · 12-04-2005, 09:45 AM

We had some snow last night, so I thought I would check out the 4wheel drive.

Popped it into 4H and took off. The dash light didn't come on and it really didn't feel different. Pulled over and put it into 4L and it felt a little tighter but still no dash light. I didn't want to push it and maybe break something, so I just put it back into 2H and drove home.

Anyway, last winter all was fine with the system, so now I'm a little lost.

What should I check out first???

BTW...95 2.5L 5 speed.

Thanks

cjjeeper258 · 12-04-2005, 10:10 AM

Buddy of mine had a 95 Wrangler with the same problem. I believe the 4x4 is engaged with a diaphram. Chances may be yours needs replaced.

pman · 12-04-2005, 10:43 AM

Get all 4 wheels off the ground and engage 4wd to see if it's actually a mechanical problem or just the light.

Mr. Notorious · 12-04-2005, 11:43 AM

An easy way to test is to turn the jeep on (to get vacuum), shift into 4wd, turn it off, and put it into gear. Then jack up the front passenger-side wheel and see if you can turn it by hand. If it's locked, then your 4wd is working properly. If it spins then it's not working.

Jeep225 · 12-04-2005, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pman

Get all 4 wheels off the ground and engage 4wd to see if it's actually a mechanical problem or just the light.

This prob sounds like it's the best way to check.

Also, I did check the bulb's and they look good...I even changed the 4x4 dash bulb just in case.

**Brown Dog** · 12-04-2005, 12:18 PM

The vac problem seems to be a weakness in the YJ, althoughmine has always worked well. If you check it and believe the vac is ok, open the cover plate on the axle below the vacuum diaphram. There is a small "c" clip that is pivitol to the shift fork operation. Sometimes this clip breaks, or falls out from wear. I have seen that twice, and it is a real cheap problem to fix.

**sentinal02** · 12-04-2005, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeep225

This prob sounds like it's the best way to check.

Also, I did check the bulb's and they look good...I even changed the 4x4 dash bulb just in case.

why? you only have to jack one tire the other way and there aren't 4 stands to fall off of. Mr's suggestion will tell you if it's the vac system or further back.

kc7hyp · 12-04-2005, 02:01 PM

If your 4wd isn't working that it will either be your vaccum lines or your shift fork assembly on the front axle. Find a slick surface and put the jeep into 4wd. Put the Jeep into reverse and see if you spin the rear tires or not (a small hill usually makes it easier to spin tires). If your 4wd isn't working than pull off the shift fork assembly by removing the 4 bolts and using a screwdriver to pry off the cover. Make sure everything in the housing is still in working order. You can eliminate the vaccum lines by replacing them with a cable and that would probably fix all of your problems. Quadratec sells one for $200... or go to NAPA and get everything yourself andd do it for about $40.

Jeep225 · 12-04-2005, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sentinal02

why? you only have to jack one tire the other way and there aren't 4 stands to fall off of. Mr's suggestion will tell you if it's the vac system or further back.

The reason I said it was the best and easiest way, I could stop at my friends shop and get it on a lift 1 foot off he ground.

Bot · 12-04-2005, 04:58 PM

i'm having the same problem. There is a complete rundown on this in the FAQ section. Going to take mine down to the local guy this week and have him put it on the lift. Doesn't sound too difficult to replace the vacuum lines but it would help to be up in the air.

RealJeep · 12-04-2005, 05:01 PM

turn real shap on a pavement road when x4 isengaged, you will feel it "jumpin" around.

Jeep225 · 12-05-2005, 05:53 PM

Had the YJ up on a lift today unfort no 4H or L with front wheels moving.

Looks like it's the vacuum disconnect.

Ended up ordering a Front Axle disconnect motor assembly and the housing cover (just to be safe) from 4WD.

**Grape Ape** · 12-05-2005, 08:59 PM

I would check the vacuum hoses running up to the axle first. Mine was out of 4X4 for a long time, lot of highway miles, the next time I used it one of the hoses was broken and it wouldn't go into 4 hi or 4 lo. I cut the hoses to clean up the broken area and then put it back together with electrical tape. It has worked fine since then.

NOTE TO SELF: Fix vacuum lines to front axle disconnect

dcafaro · 12-05-2005, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeep225

Had the YJ up on a lift today unfort no 4H or L with front wheels moving.

Looks like it's the vacuum disconnect.

Ended up ordering a Front Axle disconnect motor assembly and the housing cover (just to be safe) from 4WD.

Did you try the switch on the t-case first, these are readily available at any parts store for less than 20.00. Have some one shift it into 4wd while you hold the end of the green vac line to your palm (or cheek) if you feel suction then plug it back in and pull the top yellow line and do the same thing when they shift into 2h, you should feel suction. IF you don't have suction at either of these lines your switch is shot. Very easy to replace just need a large box wrench, 1 11/16 I think.

**sentinal02** · 12-05-2005, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcafaro

Did you try the switch on the t-case first, these are readily available at any parts store for less than 20.00. Have some one shift it into 4wd while you hold the end of the green vac line to your palm (or cheek) if you feel suction then plug it back in and pull the top yellow line and do the same thing when they shift into 2h, you should feel suction. IF you don't have suction at either of these lines your switch is shot. Very easy to replace just need a large box wrench, 1 11/16 I think.

actually i think that's backwards. green should have vac in 2wd, yellow in 4wd.

12-04-2005, 11:43 AM	#4
Mr. Notorious Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New York Posts: 1,011 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps iTrader Rating	An easy way to test is to turn the jeep on (to get vacuum), shift into 4wd, turn it off, and put it into gear. Then jack up the front passenger-side wheel and see if you can turn it by hand. If it's locked, then your 4wd is working properly. If it spins then it's not working. __________________ 1992 4.0HO 5spd -- BDS 3.5" lift -- 33x11.5 M/T's -- Gibson Cat-Back -- 8.8 with 4.10's -GONE 1967 FJ, linked, 350 chevy, 35's, arbs, blah blah... 2002 TJ "If you're not moving ahead, you're falling behind"

12-04-2005, 02:01 PM	#8
kc7hyp Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hawaii Posts: 13 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps iTrader Rating	If your 4wd isn't working that it will either be your vaccum lines or your shift fork assembly on the front axle. Find a slick surface and put the jeep into 4wd. Put the Jeep into reverse and see if you spin the rear tires or not (a small hill usually makes it easier to spin tires). If your 4wd isn't working than pull off the shift fork assembly by removing the 4 bolts and using a screwdriver to pry off the cover. Make sure everything in the housing is still in working order. You can eliminate the vaccum lines by replacing them with a cable and that would probably fix all of your problems. Quadratec sells one for $200... or go to NAPA and get everything yourself andd do it for about $40. __________________ 88' YJ 4.2l TF999 automatic

12-04-2005, 04:58 PM	#10
Bot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Coudersport, PA Posts: 638 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps iTrader Rating	i'm having the same problem. There is a complete rundown on this in the FAQ section. Going to take mine down to the local guy this week and have him put it on the lift. Doesn't sound too difficult to replace the vacuum lines but it would help to be up in the air. __________________ 88 4 banger, cooper STT on American Racing rims. 4.5 RE XD, 4.88 Yukon gears, Tom Wood's shaft CV shaft, lockright, limited slip rear, SYE, posi lock engagement, a to z fab rear bumper 2005 Rubicon 3" lift, 33 MTZs, Superwinch, A to Z bumper and rock rails

12-04-2005, 05:01 PM	#11
RealJeep Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 242 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps iTrader Rating	turn real shap on a pavement road when x4 isengaged, you will feel it "jumpin" around. __________________ 1992 Wrangler Sahara, 4.0L HO, Dynomax exhaust, Kc daylighters, 4" pro comp suspension lift, 33x12.50 BFG MT's, 15x10 rockcrawlers, hurst shifter, Off-road bumpers, SYE, 2-10's, MM 8000 Winch, ARB Snorkel, MORE Boomerangs, CB

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12-04-2005, 10:10 AM	#2
cjjeeper258 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 192 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps iTrader Rating	Buddy of mine had a 95 Wrangler with the same problem. I believe the 4x4 is engaged with a diaphram. Chances may be yours needs replaced.

12-05-2005, 05:53 PM	#12
Jeep225 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 331 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps iTrader Rating	Had the YJ up on a lift today unfort no 4H or L with front wheels moving. Looks like it's the vacuum disconnect. Ended up ordering a Front Axle disconnect motor assembly and the housing cover (just to be safe) from 4WD.