Expert: Carl Brandt - 12/21/2011

Question
My 97 Pathfinder has an automatic tranny and manual 4WD shifter.  You need to depress the shifter (which it will do) and then move the shifter either towards the rear of the vehicle for 4 low or towards the front of the vehicle for 4 high.  It will go into 4 low but when I depress the shifter it will NOT go into the forward position to engage 4 high.  I have tried all manner of pushing and wiggling to see if I was simply missing "the slot" but ...nothing, it remains in the 4WD "neutral" position.  We had this same problem on a previous 95 as well and never did figure it out).

Answer
Mike,

Is it stuck in neutral, or is it going into 2 wheel drive or is it full time 4 wheel drive in high range?  When shifting out of low range, some vehicles shift better when you slow down to a crawl (1-2 miles per hour) as opposed to completely stopping, put the transmission into neutral, then shift the transfer case rapidly into high range.  Most transfer case shifting patterns do not require pushing down the shift lever to shift into high range.  Check your user manual for the suggested shifting patterns.  If you do not have a manual, go on line to see if you can obtain one.  You may be able to get one from your local dealer also.

Without actually looking at the vehicle, all I can do is give you some suggestions.  If you have a 2-wheel drive/4-wheel drive high range, you should be able to shift into 4-wheel high range from 2-wheel drive and back again while moving, as high range is the same gear ratio in 2-wheel drive as it is in 4-wheel drive.

Low range is a different story.  It is much lower geared, therefore, you need to slow down to a near stop, shift the transmission into neutral, then shift into low range.  Some manufacturers suggest that you come to a complete stop before shifting into low range.

Carl