My 98 Cherokee classic with AW4 transmission with the 231 transfer case , Anyway, one night I was going up my buddies driveway and I put it in fourwheel drive cause it was snow covered and under the snow was ice. Since then, when I disengage four wheel drive, it wont always disengage. I would have to stop and put it in reverse and give it some gas.. but then some times it will immediatly disengage. What would cause that and how do I fix it? I used to be able to shift in and out of 4 high with no problems.

 

For a shift problem that suddenly appears like that I'd first check that the fluid is good, then move on to inspecting the shifter linkage.

 

Yep. But after checking fluid level and condition, but before adjusting linkage, read this:


Here's how the factory suggests you shift the transfer case and I've been doing this since these things were new and I worked at the dealership. Quoted from the owner's manual. The suggestions in ITALICS are mine.

"To engage, shift the transfer case lever from 2H to 4H while the vehicle is moving at any legal speed". I let off the gas, throw the lever, and then tap the gas and let off.

4L position: " To engage, slow the vehicle to 2-3 MPH , shift the transmission to Neutral, then shift the transfer lever to the right and pull firmly rearward to 4L".

To shift out of 4L, shift the transmission into neutral with the vehicle stopped, shift the transfer case lever to 2H, then to D if you have an automatic, or into first gear with a manual, and continue on.


Revised 01-31-2014

All 4 tires the same size and inflated to the same pressure?

 

It all started I was going up his driveway in 2 and started slipping. so I put it in 4h. My rpms were still kinda up when I did it. Does that help diagnose it? I will try the suggestions. Its just a pain fighting with it

 

Were the rpms up because the rear wheels were spinning?

It is best to shift when front and rear wheels are the same speed, if the rear is spinning then the front gears are going to have trouble engaging since they are rotating at different speeds.

Since using mine in this near 0F weather, I have noticed the 4WD light will stay on after shifting back to 2WD, but I have an 85xj with the CAD axle and I think it is just the switch for the indicator is frozen as it definitely shifts out of 4WD because I can spin the rear without turning the front wheels.

 

yeah the rear wheels were spinning and its not my light staying on. My light never worked. It won't disengage right away like it used to. would the linkage need adjusted?

 

Try shifting it like it should be and see what happens first., before adjusting anything.

 

I'll try that. It wouldn't be something as simple as a bad u joint would it? I know some times its something dumb that no one thinks about.

 

Nope. Take the advice given. Try that first and report back.