Transfer case nearly unusable

[LKG]

We recently purchased a 2019 Wrangler Unlimited Sport (JL) as a lease-back vehicle. This Jeep is gorgeous and appeared basically new. After driving it on the main roads for a couple of weeks, we attempted to move the transfer case from 2H to N so that we could flat-tow it behind our RV. Yes, we followed all instructions regarding moving the auto transmission to neutral and the. Engine OFF before attempting to move the transfer case lever. It was nearly impossible for me to move the transfer case stick shift at all. After applying a full-strength effort, I was finally able to move the transfer case to neutral (N). However, it was even more difficult to move the transfer case back into 2H. The Dealer stated that it was probably never moved by the original owner and therefore is a “little stiff”. He also stated that we should keep shifting it and driving it in 4H and 4L to loosen the transfer case mechanism. I am thinking of having the dealer do this in case the transfer case is out of fluid or mechanically damaged. Any thoughts or experience of a similar nature would be greatly appreciated.

All the Best

Lot's of good advise here. I will say that my 22 Sport Altitude RIP was a B!tch to shift into 4L my new 23 Rubicon slides right in. Different T-cases in the two but I still though it was odd.

Sponsored

 

[ForgottenTaco]

Stiff is an understatement. Took two hands to get mine into 4H the first few times. Definitely play with it. The more you do the looser it will get.

 

[21JLURDG]

I use 4L about once a month and it's still pretty stiff after two years. The salesman from Peterson's in Nampa, ID, made sure I practiced with him putting the Jeep into 4L. It seems a lot of buyers are surprised by the difficulty and think the Jeep needs servicing.

 

[4Play1]

We recently purchased a 2019 Wrangler Unlimited Sport (JL) as a lease-back vehicle. This Jeep is gorgeous and appeared basically new. After driving it on the main roads for a couple of weeks, we attempted to move the transfer case from 2H to N so that we could flat-tow it behind our RV. Yes, we followed all instructions regarding moving the auto transmission to neutral and the. Engine OFF before attempting to move the transfer case lever. It was nearly impossible for me to move the transfer case stick shift at all. After applying a full-strength effort, I was finally able to move the transfer case to neutral (N). However, it was even more difficult to move the transfer case back into 2H. The Dealer stated that it was probably never moved by the original owner and therefore is a “little stiff”. He also stated that we should keep shifting it and driving it in 4H and 4L to loosen the transfer case mechanism. I am thinking of having the dealer do this in case the transfer case is out of fluid or mechanically damaged. Any thoughts or experience of a similar nature would be greatly appreciated.

All the Best

Ours was that way for the first few months. It is just stiff from the factory. One year in and all is smooth shifting.

 

[Old Jeeper]

Roll at 2-3mph and shift the transfer case. It doesn’t like to be moved when stationary. Usually manifests when changing between low and high gear, but it will likely solve your issue. I believe it’s even in the owners manual if I recall correctly.

Edit: also, check around the forum and in your owners manual, I think it might be more complicated to flat tow than just setting the t-case into neutral on the JLs. Anyone with experience mind chiming in? I want to say I’ve come across posts of issues when flat towing.

X2

THe transfer case is as strong as an OX. BUT when new or old and unused they can be brutal to shift.

I recommend you crawl under the Jeep and do an inspection to insure it now clogged up with mud or weeds branches etc

Its normal for it to be hard.

Check your owners manual to flat tow. My bet is you have an Automatic and I did flat town my Jeep but I was stick shift.

Jeeps were MADE to be flat towed.

 

[plex]

Isn't it sad people bought a 4WD vehicle and never use to its full capacity not even once.

 

[mwilk012]

Isn't it sad people bought a 4WD vehicle and never use to its full capacity not even once.

No, not really. If it weren’t for popular demand with normal everyday drivers, who knows what else hood happen To the availability and price of our Jeeps.

 

[Deleted member 59498]

Isn't it sad people bought a 4WD vehicle and never use to its full capacity not even once.

Nope. Buy what you like to drive in life, Jeep Wranglers are iconic who cares if they offroad. They are cool to own.

 

[Norvak]

You need to yank it like you mean it!

So true. When I first got my JL I thought it was malfunctioned and wouldn't go into 4wd. After reading this forum I put some umph behind it and it went in. It does get easier over time, but the first few times sure is rough. It feels like you're going to break something.

 

[Koolkarguy]

Roll at 2-3mph and shift the transfer case. It doesn’t like to be moved when stationary. Usually manifests when changing between low and high gear, but it will likely solve your issue. I believe it’s even in the owners manual if I recall correctly.

Edit: also, check around the forum and in your owners manual, I think it might be more complicated to flat tow than just setting the t-case into neutral on the JLs. Anyone with experience mind chiming in? I want to say I’ve come across posts of issues when flat towing.

I flat tow my wifes Jlur diesel and my Jt behind my bus alot never any issue just put T case in neutral and lock the ignition. Lastvtrip was 6100 miles roubd trip no issue. Would like to hear what issues people are having so I can keep my eye out for any issues we've probaly flat towed the Jeeps 15k -18k miles

 

[DonH63]

Mine (2023 JL) is VERY stiff as well. The manual says to put trans in neutral and shift to 4L without pausing at N while rolling 2-5 mph or something like that. I've found it difficult to coordinate that sequence of events, and feel like I'm going to break the lever. Mine is new so haven't used 4L much, REALLY hoping it loosens up over time!

 

[edmo]

I just got a 2023 Wrangler to tow behind. And yeah, it was a mother to shift at first . After two dozen times, it feels pretty normal.

 

[Jeepeto]

I flat tow my wifes Jlur diesel and my Jt behind my bus alot never any issue just put T case in neutral and lock the ignition. Lastvtrip was 6100 miles roubd trip no issue. Would like to hear what issues people are having so I can keep my eye out for any issues we've probaly flat towed the Jeeps 15k -18k miles

I believe it was maybe battery related or something. I may be making it up, I just thought I saw it somewhere on here before.

Edit: Just a quick search brought this up, I’m playing in Moab today, no time to search forums ? but if you dig you could probably find more.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/electrical-help-needed-asap.113726/post-2365010

 

[Koolkarguy]

I believe it was maybe battery related or something. I may be making it up, I just thought I saw it somewhere on here before.

Edit: Just a quick search brought this up, I’m playing in Moab today, no time to search forums ? but if you dig you could probably find more.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/electrical-help-needed-asap.113726/post-2365010

Lol I run a tazer on all my Jeeps with the stop start disabled wonder if thats why I have never had the issue? Enjoy Moab we we're there a couple weeks back in the Blackhills of Sd this week

 

[LCW]

Isn't it sad people bought a 4WD vehicle and never use to its full capacity not even once.

It is very sad. And I hate to think how this will affect the next models. I want a lever to shift my t-case. Not some silly dial or buttons. This will just promote the further dumbing down of our vehicles.

Sponsored