New to the world of FSJ---4x4 question

[xbowhunter]

I recently purchased a 1991 Grand Wagoneer. My wife has a 97 Wrangler we bought new. My question is that the 91 GW will not shift into 4WD, but the 4x4 light on dash stays lit all the time whether the Mode switch is in 2WD or 4WD. I knew this when I purchased the GW. Got it at a great price in hopes it would not be to major to fix. Any solutions??????

Thanks
Terry

[Bombadier]

First off, Welcome to the Board! smile.gif

I'm not familiar with later model FSJs, but i'm sure you'll get an answer pronto.....

Be sure and check the IFSJA Links page in my signature for lots of vendors for all things FSJ.

Good luck!

[Blackjack]

You might want to check all your vacuum lines associated with the transfer case. If you get under your vehicle (after safely supporting it) and look for a sort of manifold where 3 vacuum lines come together, this should be in the vicinity of the transfer case. These sometime come loose. A leak will prevent it from going into and out of 4WD.
As for the light..........try pulling the bulb out :D

Good luck and WELCOME!

[Panther]

Well, if you switch the dash mounted lever to "4x4" then you are in full time, the lever is for part time low range. If there is no 4x4 in full time, than it could be a vacuum problem. The floor shifter is tough to shift if it has been used in a while. Try and spray some lube on it to work it free

[xbowhunter]

Right now I am just switching the Dash mounted lever from 2WD to 4WD. I read in the owners manual where it said NOT to ingage into LO range unless Wagoneer was in 4WD. So until I am sure I am ingaged, I'll leave the HI/LO Lever in floor alone! Seems most things are pointing to a Vac leak. Thanks for the help Guys!!!...and as for the light in dash....with luck it might correct itself when I fix the ingaging problem...I HOPE!!

Terry

[khurst]

Terry
I had the same problem on my 89 Grand when I didnt hook the vacume lines back up correctly. Check the yellow and green lines located on the rear of the drivers side valve cover. Make sure no one has disconected them and not put the connecter back on properly--It will cause the same problem you are having--as for the floor shifter--you are exactly right LEAVE IT ALONE untill you know. A quick test(and many people are going to cringe with me saying this)--try to spin the rear wheels on loose gravel/sand/mud/or jack one wheel up(as long as you don't have a locker or limited slip) just enough to allow one rear wheel to slip. When it begins slipping if you ARE in 4 W/D you will here what sounds like grinding coming from the T-Case(DONT DO THIS FOR LONG PERIODS as T-Case damage will occur) But it is no differant than spinning a little on icy roads in the 4X4 position. (The NP-229 only locks fully in low range) Also check (as was stated before) the vacume lines to the actuator--if none of this works give me a holler at kirk.hurst@sbcglobal.net I have the Chrysler/Jeep service manual and it has a really good trouble shooting portion for the vacume 4X4 engagement on the NP-229.
Good Luck, Kirk

[BD_STEVE]

This is my first ever post at this site so go easy on me people. My brother has a 1970 Wagoneer and I will soon buy a 1968? J3000. I can't seem to find a website/supplier for manuals of older jeeps. If anyone knows of a good website or supplier of these elusive books, please let me know

[Bombadier]

Get both a Haynes, and a Chiltons, and i know you can order TSM's (TechServiceManuals) from certain places that escape my memory right now. Look up eBay as well, maybe you'll get lucky.
Good luck.

[ March 03, 2003, 07:01 PM: Message edited by: Bombadier ]

[Brown Bear]

Well, the best way to see if your vac. lines and all are working is to try to put it in low.

[Bob Barry]

If that "4wd" indicator on the dash is illuminated, the truck is likely in 4wd, barring a shorted wire to the transfer-case switch, because the switch closes the ground for that light only when the 4wd mode shift-fork has actually moved the transfer-case into 4wd.

Why do you doubt the light?

[Jeepadilly]

email me and I will send you a pix of the system you have...it is probably not as bad as it seems...Regards
Brian mchauck@comcast.com

[Wagoneer622]

I agree try putting it in low, does the vacuum switch on the dash hiss when you swith between 4WD and 2WD? putting it in low will be the bure fire way to tell if it is in, if not take it to a shop and have them put it on the lift and see if it is working that way as well.

[xbowhunter]

OK..The reason of doubt is that I have had several 4WD vehicals, Generally I can tell if it is ingaged. But I have never owned one that wasn't a mechanical ingagement, "pull the lever feel, feel the clunk" type of ingagement!
I did the "loose gravel" test. It only spun the right rear. No rude noises of any kind from the tranny or the t-case.
Yes it does make a hissing sound when you move the Switch to 4WD position.
I am going to check the vac lines as soon as the weather clears!

Thanks
Terry