I just purchased my first Cherokee last week. Its all stock. I dropped it into four high and i really couldnt tell if it was working or not. Shouldnt a light come on the dash or something? Also what is the proper way to engage/disengage to/from four wheel drive. Thank you.

I'll assume you have a 231 transfer case. So ONLY do this on dirt surface or lifted on 4 jack stand. You can shift in and out of 4hi at any speed below 55mph. You pull the TC shift lever back 1 notch. Driving the only thing you might feel is that the steering get a little heavier. If you turn real sharply, full lock, you should feel the front wheels binding a little. To shift in and out of 4lo shift the transmission to neutral, pull lever to last notch.

x2

i believe on the 97-01 a dash light SHOULD come on. I have a 2wd that has been converted to 4wd. the dash lights ARE there but i dont have the wiring :P

there is a sensor that is prolly bad.... i did a write up (https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/fi...t-np231-37548/) but what i did to test it out was i found some stones.. and floor it in 2wd and stop then floor it in 4wd

I used that write up and now my light works!

Thanks for the help. The write up especially was very helpful.

FIND MUD LOL

put it in 4 HI, jack up one front wheel and try to turn it. Does it turn? No? 4wd works.

Even if you're new to the 4x4 vehicles, you can 'FEEL' the difference in torque.

The manual or your visor should have 4x4 engagement instructions.

Find a small patch of dirt for all 4 tires to be on, or mud, or a very wet surface.

leave it in 2wd, floor it. Your rear passenger tire will spin, its in 2wd.

with it in Drive, stopped, toss the TC (transfer case) lever down one to 4hi, you may have to roll a few feet but it 'should' be instant. now floor it again, you should not spin much in the rear and you should feel front and rear torque.

with the car stopped and in Neutral, pull the TC lever into 4hi, then over and down into "N" and then 4low. you will hear a 'clunk' sound and should even possibly 'feel' the engaged TC. Put it back into Drive. (remember to reverse this procedure for going back to 2wd). now floor it, you'll notice a HUGE difference in instant torque (low speed crawling).

as stated, 4hi can be engaged at almost any speed you'll be in, in your jeep.

4low MUST be from a stop and you will know when youre in 4low. If you dont off road, you will never use 4low, these XJ's are pretty good even in 4hi. I pulled many lifted full sized trucks out of snow drifts and mud with 4hi (a stock 91 XJ!).

pic of the TC lever

I've got a '95 that has the dash lights as well.

no problem!!

I finally got to try out my 4WD earlier. It works like a dream. Time to take a look at my sensor.