Can't Shift Into Low Range

[rr1]

Hoping you guys can help: I have a '97 D-90 and the transfer case shifter seems to be frozen. When I try to shift it into low range (while in neutral, and at < 5 mph or stopped) it won't budge... It has engaged in the past, but now seems frozen.

I usually try to shift it into low every few months to keep it working, but I may have waited too long this time (yeah, I know, I should wheel it more often...). I have tried forcing it, but I'm afraid something's going to snap.... Help a brother out... Thx,

[woldd90]

Check the linkage... If you force it, you could crack or bend the L bracket in the linkage.

[KevinNY]

There is a lockout solenoid on the transfer case that will prevent you from going to lo if it fails, easy and cheap fix. Happened to Marchand on the first day of our Colorado trip a few years ago.

[GYM]

There is a lockout solenoid on the transfer case that will prevent you from going to lo if it fails, easy and cheap fix. Happened to Marchand on the first day of our Colorado trip a few years ago.

Really? I know to keep a spare brake light switch in each of the '97s in the event of a locked out A/T shifter, but am not familiar with a lockout solenoid on the T-Case.

Maybe David can chime in with more info?

[texmoto]

The safety lock out solenoid is located on the top of the transfer case. It has a metal pin that retracts when the transmission is placed in neutral. When the solenoid fails, the pin will not retract, keeping one from shifting from high to low (or vise versa) whenever the POS decides to fail. Its held on by a cover with 4 small bolts (10mm ?). Remove the solenoid and discard it or cut off the pin and replace it.

[GYM]

The safety lock out solenoid is located on the top of the transfer case. It has a metal pin that retracts when the transmission is placed in neutral. When the solenoid fails, the pin will not retract, keeping one from shifting from high to low (or vise versa) whenever the POS decides to fail. Its held on by a cover with 4 small bolts (10mm ?). Remove the solenoid and discard it or cut off the pin and replace it.

Thank you, David (texmoto).

[geoellis]

I'm having this problem with my '95. The shifter just won't budge at all. It's frozen in High and unlocked, thankfully. Any clues as to how to free up the linkage?

[JSBriggs]

Linkage is probably frozen (coroded in place) Try wiggeling it a bit, somtimes it will slowly loosen. Baring that, you might need to pull the tunnel and hit it with some lube.

-Jeff