JOES97ZJ

Hello, I'm looking for help with my 1997 ZJ, It is a 4.0L with an Auto trans.

I cannot seem to get the transfer case back into 2wd!

About a week ago or so I noticed that when I am turning slow the front wheel started hopping around turns. It seems to be in 4wd! I have shifted the transfer case in and back from 4wd hi, neutral and even into 4wd low! I have backed up several times and even though the shift indicator panel shows that the transfer case is in 2wd it is not? I lubricated the transfer case linkage, it seems to be shifting ok (although I do not know what the actually linkage travel should be) I have asked a few friends and they just are not sure what is going on?

So, any suggestions for me to check would really be appreciated! At this time I am broke and do not have the funds at this time for a used transfer case, (I hope I do not need to replace it) I do have the time to fix it myself trhough! I really need help! So, I am looking for help from you guys that have been around Jeeps for sometime!

Thanks for your help! Have a great summer wheeling!

seed

so you have the 242 selectrac t-case? If so you will have this shift pattern:

2WD
4WD part-time
4WD full-time
N
4LOW
If you have the 249 t-case ("AWD"4WD,N,4LO) there is NO 2WD and sorry to say but your vicious coupler is shot and you will need to repair it.

fantic238

If it's a np242 it happens to me sometimes too, what i do (and it always works) i look for a slippery surface and make some tough turns in reverse at full power. Donuts work too.

seed

The only thing you should have to do with the 242 to engage/disengage would be: if stopped,cycle the shifter from D to R to D or if moving two quick taps of the accelerator. If you have to do donuts then somethin ain't right bro,lol

fantic238

yeah i know, was just kidding, i did that at the beginning before i figured out how it worked, the tapping does not work on mine (probably cause it's an 88 xj) but the reverse shifting does.

seed

ohhh,88XJ,yea then yours probably does not have the whole "torque interrupt/loading" deal like the ZJ/WJ 242.

fantic238

beleive me dude, it doesent work always, what i was trying to say is that my jeep is old and the shifting fork spring isn't that tough anymore, there is nothing that isn't right in it.

seed

wut?? i'm agreeing with you that what i said to do will not work on an 88 242 t-case.

fantic238

sounded kinda ironic...

seed

you mean sarcastic? sorry if you took it that way,by no means was i being sarcastic i just didn't realize you were talking about an 88XJ.