Change 2WD/4WD mode

[Alexandre]

The manual (Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2020) states that we can change from 2WD into 4WD (not into 4WD Low) while stopped or driving.

My doubt is:

- Do we need to put the gear box in Neutral or can we change with gear in Drive mode?
- On the other hand, even if it's not needed can we change from 2WD into 4WD, and back, in Neutral gear position?

Basically my question is, can we change from 2WD to 4WD (Auto and PT) with gear in either Neutral or Drive mode?

Cheers guys.

Sponsored

 

[Abramovich]

The manual (Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2020) states that we can change from 2WD into 4WD (not into 4WD Low) while stopped or driving.

My doubt is:

- Do we need to put the gear box in Neutral or can we change with gear in Drive mode?
- On the other hand, even if it's not needed can we change from 2WD into 4WD, and back, in Neutral gear position?

Basically my question is, can we change from 2WD to 4WD (Auto and PT) with gear in either Neutral or Drive mode?

Cheers guys.

I believe shifting into 4H should be done while in Drive, under 45mph
I believe shifting into 4L should be done while in Neutral, under 4mph

 

[tts42572]

I'm kind of in for answers as I have a JLUR on order and should have it soon. This is something I'm not sure I'm completely solid on....

My assumption (which might be wrong) is that you can shift into 4H both while moving or while stopped. Don't think you need to be in neutral for 4H. My understanding is just to let off the gas if moving and probably should be under about 40 mph. Essentially, I think the key is that the wheels should all be moving the same speed....or all not moving. For example, wouldn't want to do it while going up a hill with front to wheels not turning and back wheels slipping or something. I think some people say it can be a little easier engaging the transfer case if you're moving a bit but I don't know.

As for going to 4L, think that does need to be in neutral. I think you can be rolling along at around 5mph or something, shift to neutral, pop to 4L, then go back to drive. I think it can be done from a stationary position also but still want to be in neutral.

Again though, haven't had experience so don't know for sure.

I'm trying to decide how to handle the situation where I'm parked in my garage and there is 6 inches of snow in my driveway. In that situation, I'm going to want to be able to shift into 4WD while in my garage if I can. Or I guess maybe I could start rolling backwards and shift. Not sure if it matters if movement is forward or backwards. I'm guessing any movement is okay.

 

[1quick1]

4H can be while moving or stopped.

4L you need to be in N and ideally moving 1-3mph.

 

[Alexandre]

I believe shifting into 4H should be done while in Drive, under 45mph
I believe shifting into 4L should be done while in Neutral, under 4mph

So if you are dead stopped you can’t shift into 4Auto or 4pt while in Neutral, meaning you have to press the brake pedal, change into drive to then change into 4Auto or 4PT?

 

[Abramovich]

So if you are dead stopped you can’t shift into 4Auto or 4pt while in Neutral, meaning you have to press the break pedal, change into drive to then change into 4Auto or 4PT?

I said should, not must, be in drive. Stopped is not optimum, regardless if in gear or not. I don't think that really matters. But don't break the brake pedal

 

[Alexandre]

I said should, not must, be in drive. Stopped is not optimum, regardless if in gear or not. I don't think that really matters. But don't break the brake pedal

Damned iPhone auto-correct...

And thanks for the help.

 

[McGilli]

What about going from 4L back to 4H?

For the life of me - every single time - I want to come out of 4L - it shifts back into 2H...

I just reverse the process:

1. I'm in 4L
2. I am moving 2-3kmh
3. I shift into neutral
4. I then shift from 4L to neutral and when pulling the lever left it will only go to 2H...

Am I missing something?

 

[aldo98229]

So if you are dead stopped you can’t shift into 4Auto or 4pt while in Neutral, meaning you have to press the brake pedal, change into drive to then change into 4Auto or 4PT?

Sounds like you have Selec-Trac.

You don’t need to be stopped or in neutral to engage into 4H Auto. You will see it slides in-and-out pretty easily.

You don’t need to be stopped or in neutral to engage 4H Part-Time. But I believe it is recommended you are not going faster than 50 MPH.

You need to be in neutral and rolling forward at 3 MPH to engage into 4L. It is a relatively smooth procedure on Sport and Sahara, but it can take several tries on Rubicon due to its extreme 4:1 ratio.

 

[aldo98229]

What about going from 4L back to 4H?

For the life of me - every single time - I want to come out of 4L - it shifts back into 2H...

I just reverse the process:

1. I'm in 4L
2. I am moving 2-3kmh
3. I shift into neutral
4. I then shift from 4L to neutral and when pulling the lever left it will only go to 2H...

Am I missing something?

Sounds like your transfer case is missing 4H...

That doesn’t sound right, though. You either need more finesse, or there's something wrong with your transfer case.

I’ve never had issue going from 4L into 4H on any of my Wranglers, Rubicon or Sahara. Engaging into 4L is always the difficult part, particularly on Rubicons.

 

[Maverick909]

im that guy.. 6 speed has no issues at all. Clutch in while rolling From 2H to 4H up to 40 mph. and 4H to 4L 1-3mph. light rolling speed with all wheels traveling the same speed. makes life easy to get into 4L.

 

[McGilli]

Sounds like your transfer case is missing 4H...

That doesn’t sound right, though. You either need more finesse, or there's something wrong with your transfer case.

I’ve never had issue going from 4L into 4H on any of my Wranglers, Rubicon or Sahara. Engaging into 4L is always the difficult part, particularly on Rubicons.

Yeah 4H works fine going from 2H... It's just going back.

I should probably try in my driveway to work on that finesse

I'm probably too amped up after coming off the logging roads!

Sponsored