Problem

[Rock God]

2012 jk unlimited auto

Problem is:

In 2wd and 4high everything is good.

In 4low front wheels seem to be locking up it appears that all wheels make an alarming sound, or a shuddering, with the steering wheel being jerked left and right almost out of your hands.

To me and due to the fact it works fine in other modes seems to be a transfer case issue in 4 low or some traction esc/abs gremlin.

Anyone know anything or heard anything like that before?

[redrock]

is this happening when you're on a sealed road whilst turning the steering wheel to full lock in 4WD low?

[Hayesio]

Is there an auto-locker or air locker in the front?

Does the traction control light flash when you are moving forward in low range? This would be indicative of the system operating.

Yes, I agree that it could be a transfer issue. Before you start pulling it apart, I'd start by putting the vehicle of chassis stands and checking the axles front and rear. Then check the abs system - maybe try disconnecting all wheel sensors and test driving (yes, it will spit a DTC, just clear it afterwards).

I would also check that the shift leaver is engaging properly.

[Rock God]

redrock, no.

Hayesio, there is no front locker, lights illuminate when it's malfunctioning. Found some usa threads of same problem but no answers. Will be taken to jeep as it screams warranty job, thought I would seek ideas from community first.

The fact that in 4 high jeep drives fine but not in 4 low leads me to believe nothing wrong with diff or axles but transfer case or a combination with esc.

[Hayesio]

From memory, I believe when in low range the ESP light will come on solid. Then, if traction control is activated (i.e. there is a wheel slipping) the light will flash off, on, off, on etc. This is the opposite logic to when in high range or 2wd. That is the ESP light, not the ESP/abs malfunction light which is different.

[SeaComms]

If 4hi is OK then I would rule out drive train issues. Transfer case is only providing drive to the front diff and not individual wheels so I would rule rhat out too.

Sounds like the ESP/ABS system is activating for some reason and locking up front wheels at random.

First thought would be to reset, ie battery disconnect for 10 mins and see if any improvement.

Next step if no change warranty visit!

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[Rock God]

Interesting concept seacomms will try it out. Maybe it is a abs, esp glitch that's triggured by esc deactivated by selecting 4 low. These safety systems are more trouble then there worth.