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4 Wheel Drive/SUVs/4 - WHEEL DRIVE STUCK IN 4-HI

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Expert: - 11/26/2011


Question
MY QUESTION IS, IS THE BEST OPTION TO TRY FIRST TO CHANGE THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE PUSH BUTTON CONTROL ON THE DASH.

Answer
William,

This problem can range from a faulty switch, bad ground, broken wire to a faulty component in the transfer case.

Without looking at the vehicle it's extremely hard to diagnose the actual problem.  Some models have several different transfer cases available.  There are the one Speed Automatics, two Speed Selectable, and the two Speed Automatic, amongst others.

The major component that can fail and cause this problem is the transfer case shift motor/encoder, as it controls the shifting of the transfer case.  You should purchase a repair manual for this vehicle.  It can give you much more information about the possible problem.  This way, you can trouble shoot the problem, and confirm the faulty part yourself.  You can purchase the manual at most auto parts stores.

You can test the switch and wiring with a simple automotive test light to confirm that the circuits are functioning properly.  A multimeter can be used for continuity of wiring and grounds.

Carl

4 Wheel Drive/SUVs

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Carl Brandt

Expertise

Will discuss suspensions, lifts, lockers along with tire suggestions. Trail ratings and possible requirements needed for specific type of trails. Safety equipment and what you should carry with you. Certified off-road instructor. I am not a mechanic, and 4-Wheeling is a hobby, so if I can't answer a technical question it is due to my mechanical knowledge being related to vehicles that I have owned, or have worked on. I do not have manuals on all vehicles.

Experience

40 plus years of 4 wheeling in a variety of vehicles. At the present time, my major off-road rig is a 94 Jeep Wrangler with a spring over and a 1 1/2" suspension lift. This gives me a total lift of 7" or so. I have lockers front and rear. I have removed the track bars, and sway bar for maximum articulation. I am running a stock 2.5 ltr 4 cylinder with a Jacobs ignition along with a cold air high flow filter. It has 4.56:1 gears with a Dodge NV4500 transmission along with a 3.8:1 Atlas II transfer case. This gives me a final ratio of 105:1 in low gear/low range. Other vehicles I own, are a 96 Ford F-250 with a 6" lift, posi rear end, 36" Hummer tires, 5 speed with a fuel injected 460 ci engine, an 87 Samurai with an 8" lift, Ford 9" rear end with a spool, Chevy Dana 44 front end with an electric locker, 5.88 gears, 16% reduction in high range and a 6.5:1 low range with 35" Baja Claws, and a stock 2003 Grand Cherokee Overland. Trails I have run are the Rubicon (10 times), Dusey Ershim, Fordyce Creek trail, McGrew trail, several trails in Moab, Utah along with local monthly runs.

Organizations
Lost Coast 4x4's Cal 4-Wheel Corva UFWDA Blue Ribbon Coalition

Education/Credentials
Certified off-road instructor - Certificates in engineering/electronics

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