ZJ-Problems going into Low with a 249t-case

[Jeep8017]

Does anyone else have problems getting the ZJ to go into LOW? I was doing a ruetine check since I plan on going off-roading sunday. My ZJ is a 96 LTD. With a 249 t-case. If any of you have had the problem what did you do to fix? It will go in LOW but it takes several tries before it stays. Usually it will just kick out and go back to nuetral. Thanks in advance for any help....

[Sandy R]

Is this a new prob or have you never tried to put it in 4 lo? What usually works for me is being at a complete stop. First, put my tranny in neutral, then my t-case in lo then my tranny into whatever gear.

[Preacher]

Yep, my '97 Ltd 5.2L exhibits the same symptoms. I too have found that using the same procedure as above (neutral at rest, shift case to 4-lo, then Trans to drive or reverse) works best, but it still tends to jump out of low to neutral a couple times before staying put. Naturally the mechanic at the dealership "could not duplicate" the problem...

In the last 40k miles, I've only used 4-lo on 4 instances that I can recall - just don't get many opportunities working 2 jobs and taking classes!

[Seeker]

It may not apply, but if you don't put it in low very often it can be difficult. I regularly shift into low every few days just for a short drive. Mine always shifts right in and out. When we bought my wife's ZJ used from a lady who had never shifted into low, it took several tries before we could get into low. Finally I had to turn the key off/tranny in nuetral/shift transfer case/start engine. I have her shift into low and drive a mile or two on a dirt road every time she fills up and now it shifts into low as easy as mine. It has taken a few months and new fluids but it works. You might give it a try, I think it should help.
Jeff

[MCracco]

The trick on mine is a quick pull of the lever. A slow pull will almost always leave the case grinding between gears.

[TOOLman]

I have a '95 with 249, so it's not the same t-case. I think there are two tricks here:

1. Try to do the shift while the Jeep is rolling very slowly (1-3 mph).

2. Make the shift in one, swift, decisive motion.

HTH

[Howler]

I'll agree with toolman and also add something. BTW same thing happens to ming. Shifting will rolling ast about 3-5 MPH helps a great deal. OK here is the added note. Your shifter link may be out of ajustment. I have read somewhere that this also cause the Popping out affect. I have not tried to ajust mine as of yet. To Darn Cold. But I will ajust when weather warms up. The procedure is listed in the Haynes manuel if you have it. Simple screw adjustment. I could get you a copy of this if you need to but it will take me a couple of days.
Shifting while stoped seems to work for some people here but for me that is what cause it to pop out of gear. Hope this helps:)

[J's Jeep]

put it into N

Drive very slow but moving

Pull out of high into N. (this should not grind)

Then with a swift and steady pull back.

This might make a slight grid but should go in. One gear is moving really fast while the low is not at all. If you pull to slow it will never engage, just grind on top. It does take some practice. I used to be scared to put mine into 4 low, but now I can get it with no or little grindage.


If this still does not work then you will have to shut your engine off completely. Then N then pull back into Low.

MAKE SURE IT IS ALL THE WAY BACK!!!!! SO IT DOES NOT POP OUT.