4wd. In 4 hi shifter slowly moving back toward 2 hi

[dpaulus]

Last night I had to drive through the snow. I locked the hubs, and going about 10mph let off accelerator, and pulled shifter straight back to 4hi. Everything seemed fine until I started fish tailing like I only had rear wheel drive.

looking down at the shifter, I noticed the white indicator was no longer on 4hi and it was getting closer to 2hi.

i pulled it straight back to 4hi (not to right at all as if going to neutral) and kept driving. Twice more I looked down and it was out of 4 hi. Tried nudging it to right, but no difference. So put it in neutral, shifted to 2hi, and drove home 5 miles at 20mph.

How would I know if it was ever really in 4 hi?
Is it common for the shifter to move?
Can you bungee shifter lever to keep it engaged in 4hi?
Are you supposed to feel gears engage in 4hi like you do in 4 lo? (I didn't feel anything when shifting into 4hi)

this is was only the second time I used 4wd, so I don't know if anything has changed.

I really appreciate all your help.

 

[camoyj7]

You might need to rebuild your np208 transfer case. I've seen the shift forks wear out on them causing them to pop out of gear. They are pretty simple to rebuild.

 

[dpaulus]

Also, the 4wd light has never come on.

 

[porkysplace]

Also, the 4wd light has never come on.

They rarely do . It sounds like a fork or bearing problem . Have you downloaded the TM's and looked through the trouble shooting section ?

Edit; looking at your other thread [h=3]Stop leak in m1009 transfer case?[/h]

It has probably been run low on oil causing internal damage .
[h=3][/h]

 

[FASTNOVA]

Here are some ideas:
1. It's haunted
2. It does not like to be 4wd
3. It wants to be a car.
4. Might be a car trapped in a cucv body.
5. It is having a mid-life crisis and needs therapy. (see TM for this one)
6. It is jealous (have you been spending too much time with other MV's?)

 

[DieselBob]

Are you supposed to feel gears engage in 4hi like you do in 4 lo? (I didn't feel anything when shifting into 4hi)

Sounds like the shift linkage isn't working either externally or inside the TC. You should feel a definite resistance when changing from 2H to 4H just like shifting a manual transmission. If you haven't done so check and make sure something as simple as the rod from the shift lever to the TC didn't come off one end or the other. And like camoyj7 indicated these are stupid simple to rebuild if that needs done.

 

[M1008driver]

Before spending alot of money and time check your fluid level. Maybe even drain it and fill it up with Lucas Gear Oil. http://www.lucasoil.com/products/di...dTitle= - Lucas SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil

Front/Rear Differential

• Fluid is standard GO (Gear Oil, 90/75)
• Front capacity is 4.5 pts.
• Rear capacity is 5.4 pts.
• Only the M1028 is listed as requiring additive. Additive is GM.

 

[cliffyp]

Before spending alot of money and time check your fluid level. Maybe even drain it and fill it up with Lucas Gear Oil. http://www.lucasoil.com/products/di...dTitle= - Lucas SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil

Are you suggesting he check his diffs or transfer case? Transfer case is ATF, not gear oil

 

[M1008driver]

All of them. I was in a hurry because I got called away. If the fluid levels are low it will cause problems like he described. I like Lucas Oil products.

Transfer Case (205 & 208 )

• Fluid is Dexron III
• Capacity is listed as 5 qts.
• Level should be approx. 1/4” below edge of filler plug hole
• Drain and fill every 2 years/24,000 miles, or annually if under heavy use

 

[Skinny]

Sounds like linkage not adjusted correctly (not fully engaging 4HI) or the shift fork pads are worn.

Undo the linkage and manually shift it into 4HI, then roadtest and see what happens.