transfer not locking in low

[Boodu]

got a 96 xj sport and when i put it in 4wd sometimes it doesnt go in but usually does... but as of late it will not lock into low range, the selector moves to it but it wont engage, it just revs as if its in neutral. any advice would be much appreciated.

[rainman]

When I had that problem I found that the shift linkage was incorrectly adjusted was a very easy fix once I knew what to do.
Download manual for you year:
http://greatlakesxj.com/tech.html
search for: SHIFT LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT

If you ever have problems getting it back into two wheel drive, put the selector into two wheel drive position, stop, put into reverse and drive backwards a couple of meters and it should drop in.
good luck with it.

[kj69]

i Recently fixed my neighbours xj same prob thought it was linkage ,but it was the transfer case mount was shaged and the transfer case was leaning off to one side stopping the linkage sliding back far enough to engage low.(but check linkage first ,most likely cause)

[tazwegion]

Mine does this sometimes and crunches/grinds going into 4LO, I don't normally use anything other than 2WD/4WD (high range) so this was something of a shock, nice to see it should/could be an easy fix (well hopefully), not sure about the clashing selector change though...

[Richo]

Originally Posted by tazwegion

Mine does this sometimes and crunches/grinds going into 4LO, I don't normally use anything other than 2WD/4WD (high range) so this was something of a shock, nice to see it should/could be an easy fix (well hopefully), not sure about the clashing selector change though...

You should try selecting 4LO at somewhere less than 80kmh......

NP boxes always tend to clunk a bit when going into 4Lo... at least mine always have , even after stopping for 30 seconds and waiting before pulling the lever..... even with the gearbox in neutral, and selecting neutral in the transfer case and waiting a bit then 4lo.

[tazwegion]

Originally Posted by Richo

You should try selecting 4LO at somewhere less than 80kmh......

NP boxes always tend to clunk a bit when going into 4Lo... at least mine always have , even after stopping for 30 seconds and waiting before pulling the lever..... even with the gearbox in neutral, and selecting neutral in the transfer case and waiting a bit then 4lo.

I was stationary and the AW4 was in neutral... it's more of a grinding noise (than a clunk) like when a clutch doesn't fully disengage prior to changing gears in a manual GB, the transmission was serviced prior to my ownership and flushing the ATF removed the odd clunking with that, I'll be checking the TC fluid level pronto but I've yet to locate the appropriate oil type/grade