2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L 4wd
I have a couple problems that occur when I am in 4 wheel drive. The first problem is that it doesn't want to go back into 2 wheel drive even though the part time indicator on the dash goes away and indicates that it is. I have to put it into reverse then drive to get it back. Next, when driving in 4high (didn't check 4 low), there is a whining sound that comes from the front end. I don't hear any noise from the front end when it is in 4wd. Initially I was leaning toward the transfer case but was reading in the Haynes manual that it may be the front differential. Any ideas?

 

did you ever find out what was wrong i know the problem is the t-case but what did you have to get fixed im having the excat same problem

 

As far as having to put it in reverse to get it out of 4x4 and into 2wd, that's prefectly normal, every 4x4 i've ever seen has to do that. It's to unlock the front hubs. The whining sound is more likely your front diff, but it could be the T-case. Might wanna have the fluids flushed and see if that helps any.

 

Is there gear oil in the front differential?? I'd check that. But like he said, i have a 97 xj and you have to put it in reverse before it wants to go back into 2wd. just normal 4x4

 

not in a 99 ive got the np242 select-trac i dont need to reverse or so ive been told and that still dont explain the vibrations and sounds and drag

 

the front hubs on a cherokee are drive spindles. constant in. thus shift on the fly. they do not lock and unlock. it could be a lanudry list of things. in the t case or front end.

 

Slight whining sound is probably your transfer case. If it was the front diff, it would grind or howl. When you engage it, it puts pressure on the chain and it goes over straight teeth on the sprocket and does make a little whining noise. Perfectly normal. As far a getting it out of 4WD, the internal linkage is made so it will force it into gear. But when you push on the handle, it does not force it out. There is a little spring inside that actually does it. If there is torque on the driveshafts the spring is not enough to over come it. Backing up will take the torque off it and then it will do its job.

 

Nevertheless, i stand by the fact that putting it in reverse is perfectly normal.

 

x2. Most all 4 wheel drive vehicles I have owned is this way. My jeep i have now on the other hand is not that way. I dont have to do anything but move the 4x4 lever from one position to the other and it shifts fine. Just gotta be in neutral to get to 4 low.

 

Yeah mine too. why the difference??

 

why the difference with what? The shifting? It just depends how well the vehicle has been taken care of and the use its had.

 

Oh okay i didn't know if it was just something different in the T-case.

 

not usually. Its just the care a vehicle has had. Some hubs do require you to back up to get them to unlock thow to. But cherokees dont have auto locking hubs.

 

Thanks for all the responses. I had gone through prior to posting and changed the transfer case fluid, checked both differentials for gear lube - topped off as needed and checked the linkage. I bought a transfer case (as the mechanics thought this was the problem) only to find out I didn't need it. About a month and a half prior to this posting, I went to Bel** Tire and had them put 2 new tires on the front (back tires were like new). Come to find out, they took it upon themselves to put a 235 on the front when the backs were 225 so essentially the front axle and the rear axle were spinning at different rates which was causing the whining sound I was hearing. The 4wd is working fine now, I'm just hoping no permanent damage was done while it was in 4wd this way (maybe 15 minutes total). Thanks for everyones replies!

 

i didn't mean to come off as stepping on your comment if i did so. i was just trying to clear up the hub statement.