Hi guys!

Im brand new to this site and even newer to jeeps!

And i was wondering if one of you guys could answer a question ive got.

Im looking at buying a 1995 cherokee,done about 120,000miles.

Looks super clean and i asked the owner if he had ever put in into 4wd to which he answered only oncce ages ago.he also said that he recons the owner before him didn't use it.

On the test drive it ran great etc but when i stopped and put in into neutral to select 4wd it seemed to go into part time 4wd ok,and then into full time high range,but after that i selected low range and the 4x4 light on the dash went out ,so i drove forward and it wasn't in low range as it took off as normal (by this stage i noticed that the "part time" light had come back on :/

so my question is.if it hasn't been used for a while what would of been the cause of it not selecting low range? im assuming its a manual link as it was done by a lever down the side of the console.

It defiantly selected 4x4 high (not sure if it was full or part time ) because it would not go full lock.

Is there any common problem that anyone knows of? or is this a dud?

Any info would be cool,hard to find guys who know much about them all the way down here in nz!!

Cheers guys!

 

You're looking at a 242 transfer case, you should only drive in Part Time when on loose surfaces which allow the wheels the slip when you turn.
You shouldn't have to go into neutral to change into either of the High Range 4WD modes either, as long as the tyres are all the same size and inflation (ie the same size) you should be able to slap it into Full Time from 2WD while moving at "highway speeds". Make sure you're moving in a straight line when you do it or it the case can bind up and stick in Part Time. I let off the throttle when I do it so it has an easier time.

The Part time light should be on when you're in low range since it is a part time mode so that's working OK. You DO need to be in neutral to shift into low range, I'd stop before doing it but you can (according to the manual) be creeping at up to 4mph.

If the Jeep is clean underneath (rust is the biggest factor) then I'd say you're OK. You'll probably find that the low range starts working after you try it a few more times and give it a good solid shove on the lever. If not.. well... it's not the worst thing in the world to get swapped out. Easier than rockers and floor pans. Don't forget to mention that it'll cost you a few hundred to get fixed and you want that off the price.

 

That's cuz you were whifting it wrong. That's all.

This works the best.

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.

"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".

 

It could be as simple as rhe linkage is out of adjustment.

 

Yep. Or not shifting it as it was designed to be shifted.

 

Hey guys thanks for all the great advice!

I went back for a second test drive and asked if i could try some things to see what mite work. I tried slowly selecting my way through the ratios and when i got to.4L i reversed a few feet,put it back into drive and put my foot down a bit and it felt like it was in a lower ratio as it was alot more touchy when floored and obviously didnt faster then 30kph. I have never owned an automatic 4x4 before so i am use to takeing off in 1st while in low ratio so felt abit odd to me but thats maby how it is ment to feel.also lost quite abit of lock compaired to 4wd H.

I cycled through all ratios a few times and it became easyer the more times i did it.

And as far as the underside of the cars condition it looks as though its never been off the road in its life, it was completely immaculate,like in interior/body work and paint. Dont know what they are worth in the states but im hopeing to spend around $1300usd give or take. All they are worth down here on middle earth

 

You're from China?
Anyway, it sounds like a bargain to me if it's as clean as that!

 

If everything else on it is prefect buy it,I rather fix or replace a t case vs rust repairs or something else a big job like that.