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Stuck in 4L...

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by aldo, Jun 22, 2010.

  1. aldo

    aldo Impoverished Imbecile

    Hi,

    I was playing with the 4WD settings on my Jeep at the weekend trying to get familiar with everything before I go to an off road weekend in August, and it got stuck in 4L.

    It went in quite happily, but I can't get it to shift back out.

    I tried putting the manual in neutral, then in gear. I tried engaging the clutch and moving a little, but nothing.

    A buddy told me I have to have the jeep in motion at a low speed to change the 4WD lever back - is this right, or have I jammed it?

    I can try out any solutions when I get back from work tonight.

    All ideas welcomed, and it is fine to mock me if I have done / omitted something really simple - it's a regular occurrence...
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2010
  2. jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    rolling and shifting might work
    or jack up one wheel and let it unwind
    then try shifting
     
  3. nwedgar

    nwedgar Now with TBI!

    Yep, they can be touchy. Try it when moving slowly in reverse also. You can try with your hubs locked...and unlocked to see what works for you. Seems like 4L is the one that most folks have trouble with.
     
  4. captain cj

    captain cj Member

    x2 on moving in reverse. while moving slowly in reverse keep a constant pressure on the shifter it should pop out. Always worked for me.
     
  5. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Same here... but sometimes found it to remain contrary until I imparted a bit of spin to the wheels in reverse... easy to do on grass, gravel, etc. Not as easy on a hard surface.
     
  6. Mike S

    Mike S Sponsor

    x3 on reverse, sometimes I even had to GENTLY bounce the throttle a bit, while pulling on the shifter.
     
  7. aldo

    aldo Impoverished Imbecile

    Awesome - thanks for the speedy replies as ever.

    I'll give it a whirl later if our current monsoon lets up...

    Aldo

    p.s. I kinda like the idea of having to spin the wheels in reverse for a legitimate reason!! :)
     
  8. Mike S

    Mike S Sponsor

    By the way, didnt see it mentioned above, but FWD should only be used off pavement. If you were not on dirt, not surprising it locked up.
     
  9. aldo

    aldo Impoverished Imbecile

    Fair point Mike - I was practicing in my fields so no harm done. Thanks for the heads up.
     
  10. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    OK, and if that doesn't work, try doing some donuts in the biggest mud hole you can find. Make sure to apply plenty of throttle, and try to throw as much mud as possible.


    :D
     
  11. Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    That just unwinds the driver not the front axle or transfer case.:D
     
  12. pathkiller

    pathkiller Member

    You can also apply pressure to the lever while you pop the clutch a little bit in gear. Usually it will pop right out.
     
  13. DrDanteIII

    DrDanteIII Master Procrastinator

    you could also unlock the hubs and try to shift it. That usually makes it alot easier on mine.