Difficult to engage 4 wheel drive shift lever on JLU

[jeepdabest]

Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty may occur due to the mating teeth not being properly aligned.

Yikes. Could I tell you stories about mating teeth.

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[KnG818]

You are moving when trying to shift into out of 4wd correct? When new, i couldn't get the shifter to move when stopped. I was fearful of breaking something, it felt that hard.
Tried this from the owners manual and never looked backed. Engages smoothly but with some effort.

4H To 4L Or 4L To 4H

With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h), shift an automatic transmission into NEUTRAL (N), or press the clutch pedal on a manual transmission. While the vehicle is coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer case lever firmly to the desired
position. Do not pause with the transfer case in N (Neutral). Once the shift is completed, place the automatic transmission into DRIVE or release the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.

NOTE:
Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty may occur due to the mating teeth not being properly aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The preferred method is with the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to3mph(3to5km/h).

Just to add if I may...

Throwing it into 4H while driving at speeds between 2mph-55mph is perfectly fine. Just let off gas. Totally ok to do. Just make sure you shift it into 4H completely(quick, firm shift).

 

[jeepdabest]

Just to add if I may...

Throwing it into 4H while driving at speeds between 2mph-55mph is perfectly fine. Just let off gas. Totally ok to do. Just make sure you shift it into 4H completely(quick, firm shift).

Do you need to engage clutch on a manual?

 

[KnG818]

Do you need to engage clutch on a manual?

I always did when I had a manual, just because. Same as letting off the gas.

Dont really know if its neccessary though...good question.

 

[jeepdabest]

I always did when I had a manual, just because. Same as letting off the gas.

Dont really know if its neccessary though...good question.

I've been doing that as well.

 

[AlamedaJeep]

Do you need to engage clutch on a manual?

Shifting from 2H to 4H the clutch pedal can be in or out. Shifting from 4H to 4L the clutch pedal should be in.

 

[Benagi]

Just to add if I may...

Throwing it into 4H while driving at speeds between 2mph-55mph is perfectly fine. Just let off gas. Totally ok to do. Just make sure you shift it into 4H completely(quick, firm shift).

Can this be done on any model JL?

 

[LittleDog]

I highly suggest wearing a good pair of gloves when shifting the first few times, everyone knows that gloves give you more power and confidence, whether we're talking about punching gear boxes in the face, moving flaming logs, or picking up boiling lobsters.

Remember that it is nothing like shifting gears or going from P to N to D in an auto.

When shifting from 2H to 4H the first few times, pretend that you are shifting it towards any location backwards instead of exactly down to the 4H detent. That is, pretend that you are trying to get it out of 2H to you don't care where; a good, sharp yank backwards, like you're pulling your JL's loose tooth is the way to go. 1-2-3-GO! You aren't picking up a chess piece and putting in the 4WD square after careful consideration, you're pulling the Emergency Ejector Seat Lever after Ugly Road Conditions have suddenly landed in your passenger seat.

When going from 4H to 2H, palm the shifter and try to shove it through the console like it owes you money. Don't worry, you're wearing gloves. Just 1-2-Go!, so you catch it off guard. You aren't trying to kill it though, you're just giving it a friendly reminder.

From 4H to 4L or the other way around, if you aren't moving already, give a blip of throttle from a standstill and drop into transmission neutral a second later, then quickly pull a tooth or demand payment as needed. Maybe Imagine that you are some sort of cool person that often needs to actuate two big, mechanical levers in quick succession very often. Are you piloting a giant robot or a space ship? I dunno, whatever floats your boat. Maybe an actual boat? The 'N' in the transfer case stands for, 'Nope, nothing here, keep on moving'.

Practice 2H-4H-4L and back up again whenever you remember as you park for the night and you'll be broken-in in a month. Good luck.

 

[KnG818]

Can this be done on any model JL?

Only the models that have 4x4

 

[empty pockets]

I have the Gladiator JT. Same setup, though. First time was a killer. But it loosened up. I have a dirt alley close to home. I would go down the alley a couple of times a week and shift in and out of 4 high and it really helped. Smooth and easy now. 4 low, like another post said, is never easy but this process helped tremendously with 4 low as well.

 

[Mwags]

It will loosen from 2H to 4H to 2H, over time. . Going to 4L and back is never easy.

Yes..I found it hard shift to 4H as well,its easier now as I've used it a number of time....4H twice was difficult .....With either it still takes a little muscle.

 

[Sand Flea]

4H To 4L Or 4L To 4H

With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h), shift an automatic transmission into NEUTRAL (N), or press the clutch pedal on a manual transmission. While the vehicle is coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer case lever firmly to the desired
position. Do not pause with the transfer case in N (Neutral). Once the shift is completed, place the automatic transmission into DRIVE or release the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.

NOTE:
Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty may occur due to the mating teeth not being properly aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The preferred method is with the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to3mph(3to5km/h).

With my 2013 Wrangler, I always ran 4H on the beach. With my 2018 Wrangler, I've started using 4L because it seems to cause less stress on the drivetrain and lets the motor spin a bit more.

Having said that, 4L was difficult at first, but like eWired, I found that rolling, shifting to Neutral, then engaging 4L was the ticket.
Coming back to 2H is similar. Roll along, Neutral, shift. Once you release the tension from the case, everything moves easier.

And it does get easier the more you do it.

 

[empty pockets]

A couple more notes, 1- mine is a 6 speed also. 2- it always helps shifting if you are rolling a little. If you have a hard time shifting out of 4high or 4low you likely have some binding going on. Try shifting while backing up rather than moving forward. Back in a slight “S” pattern while pushing the shifter if possible. It will relax the binding and should smooth things out.

 

[UtahDirt]

This is my 1st Jeep, a 2019 Wrangler JLU 6 speed, 5 months old. I have owned other 4 wheel drives with a manual lever for the 4 wheel drive. My Jeep is very hard to shift into 4 High with only 5,800 miles. Took it to the dealer last Thursday to be checked along with a couple other issues. Today wondering what was going on, stopped at dealership, spoke with shop foreman, he said he was still evaluating the problem of hard shifting, but felt like the transfer case would have to be replaced. This sounds a little extreme to me? Anyone else had this issue?
Thanks!

Shifting in and out of 4low on mine brings back memories of my 76 Ford F-250 Highboy. Same tech, 2 to 4hi has loosened up with use.

 

[Blues]

Good to know. I'm rolling one right now.

Good one!

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