Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Engaging FT 4x4 in 1990 Cherokee Limited

Old Jan 23, 2012 | 02:57 PM
  #1  
cherokeenewb's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default Engaging FT 4x4 in 1990 Cherokee Limited


Recently bought this rig and can't figure out how to get it into full-time 4x4. There is an orange button lever attached to a 1/2" pipe to the right of the steering wheel and underneath the dash that you are supposed to push then pull back to engage the 4 wheel drive (so says the lady who sold it, it was her son's, so she really had no clue). Each time I do this, only the Part-Time light appears. When using the 4x4 shifter with 2hi-4hi-N-4lo options available, I've attempted to engage the 4 wheel drive when moving by pulling the lever back into 4hi. Nothing seems to be happening, though I'm hesitating on also pushing/pulling that other lever for fear of screwing something up by putting into Part-Time 4x4 in the snow.

Also, what is the best way to shift into full-time 4hi? Some people say while moving, and if so, should the transmission still be in Drive or should I be putting it in Neutral?

Thanks in advance!

Last edited by cherokeenewb; Jan 23, 2012 at 02:57 PM. Reason: clarification
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2012 | 03:01 PM
  #2  
1991Jeep_Man's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,867
Likes: 16
From: Fauquier County, Virginia
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I-6 4.0 HO
Default

Uh... if your t-case shift label looks kinda like this:

2 hi
l
l
4 hi
\
N
/
4 lo

Then you have an NP231, not the full time NP242. The NP231 doesn't illimunate the 4x4 fulltime light.


As for snow, the NP231 is fine in 4 hi in the snow. Just NEVER use it on dry pavement. 4 wheel drive with the NP231 is only to be used on a loose surface (snow, severe rain, gravel, dirt, etc.)

Last edited by 1991Jeep_Man; Jan 23, 2012 at 03:03 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2012 | 03:01 PM
  #3  
Lowrange2's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15,016
Likes: 11
From: +34° 25' 35.67", -81° 21' 12.04"
Year: 1993
Engine: 4.0
Default

You aren't pulling it hard enough.

I shift into 4 high in any situation. Moving, sitting still in Drive, in park. It doesn't matter.

When I shifting into 4-low I always come a stop, put the Jeep in neutral and shift into 4-low. Then put it back in drive and proceed.
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2012 | 03:45 PM
  #4  
jakbob's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1
From: Pasadena, MD
Year: 1987
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: Renix 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by cherokeenewb

Recently bought this rig and can't figure out how to get it into full-time 4x4. There is an orange button lever attached to a 1/2" pipe to the right of the steering wheel and underneath the dash that you are supposed to push then pull back to engage the 4 wheel drive (so says the lady who sold it, it was her son's, so she really had no clue). Each time I do this, only the Part-Time light appears. When using the 4x4 shifter with 2hi-4hi-N-4lo options available, I've attempted to engage the 4 wheel drive when moving by pulling the lever back into 4hi. Nothing seems to be happening, though I'm hesitating on also pushing/pulling that other lever for fear of screwing something up by putting into Part-Time 4x4 in the snow.

Also, what is the best way to shift into full-time 4hi? Some people say while moving, and if so, should the transmission still be in Drive or should I be putting it in Neutral?

Thanks in advance!
definitely would like a pic to further illustrate...
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2012 | 03:48 PM
  #5  
Greenfishinkayak's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,523
Likes: 1
From: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Sounds like an effed hackjob on the part of the po... Definitely need pics
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2012 | 06:31 PM
  #6  
hankthetank's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Sounds like a posi-loc actually...CAD probly doesn't work.
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2012 | 06:32 PM
  #7  
freegdr's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Default

Originally Posted by hankthetank
Sounds like a posi-loc actually...CAD probly doesn't work.
^^^^^bingo
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2012 | 12:08 PM
  #8  
cherokeenewb's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default

Thank you all for your feedback. After googling, it looks like that button/lever is a posi-loc. Now knowing this, what is the best way to engage the 4x4? And due to the model, do I still only have PT and not FT 4 wheel drive?

Thanks again!
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
LiamLikeNeeson
Jeep Builds
18
Jan 1, 2024 02:25 AM
talbert
Jeep Builds
66
Jul 28, 2017 09:03 AM
csmith237
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
2
Aug 24, 2015 12:54 PM
Trail-Trekker
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
0
Aug 20, 2015 06:26 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:01 AM.