Low range won't engage

[foejuice]

I'm hoping to get my first LC soon. I test-drove a '95 with 155k miles today and attempted to test out the low range. Stopped (on a low traction surface of course), put it in park, wouldn't engage low. ABS light and center diff light came on in the dash (for a short time), but it just rolled when I tried to move in drive. Attempted the same with gear selector in neutral, but again, lights came on in the dash, but no engagement of low range; transfer case just stayed in neutral. Went easily from neutral to high. I know it's a mechanical engagement, so could it be linkage or might it be something more sinister/expensive? Current owner has had it 2 years and never used low.

I did a search to try to find info that's already out there, but it seems most trouble is with the center diff failing to engage.

 

[ppc]

Did the CDL and ABS lights illuminate when the transfer case was in neutral? Was that true when the transmission was in both Park and Neutral? Those lights should only come on when the CDL is actually locked and then the vehicle is in 4WD which is opposite of your description. When the transfer is shifted from H to N, N to L there is a very distinct feeling of the shift taking place. There may be a problem with the shift linkage if that is not the case.

I would suggest you take another LC a test drive that is known to work properly so you can compare.

 

[foejuice]

The lights didn't come on in neutral, but they came on when I really cranked the lever toward L, however they went off again soon afterward. Was very distinct going from H-N and N-H, but try as I might, it would not lock into low.

 

[ppc]

There could be dirt or something else keeping the shifter/linkage from moving completely into L due to lack of use. If you tried to shift the trans into gear and then force the transfer into low there should have been some gears grinding. I'm guessing there may not be a major problem but you could negotiate down the asking price $500 or so.

 

[SmokingRocks]

Put the transmission in Neutral on a slight slope. Hold the vehicle with the brake. Pull the transfer case shift lever into neutral, then pull towards Low. If it doesn't engage then ease off the brake until the vehicle begins to roll slowly, attempt to engage low range while the vehicle is rolling slowly.

If this doesn't do it I would inspect the linkage under the rig.

 

[flintknapper]

Put the transmission in Neutral on a slight slope. Hold the vehicle with the brake. Pull the transfer case shift lever into neutral, then pull towards Low. If it doesn't engage then ease off the brake until the vehicle begins to roll slowly, attempt to engage low range while the vehicle is rolling slowly.

If this doesn't do it I would inspect the linkage under the rig.

^^^^^ This!

 

[dogfishlake]

X3 ^^^^^

It likely is just gears not lining up since it isn't a synchronized gearcase. If not, could be crud or very possible corrosion on the linkage. My kid's Michigan winter 80 had this when we got it. Spray lube and working it freed it up. Using it keeps it working. Shouldn't be a big deal I suspect

 

[jonheld]

Most of the time this is caused by corrosion on the shift lever itself. You should be able to move the transfer case shifter with 2 fingers and feel it snap into all positions.

 

[ZackR]

Was the transfer case warmed up from driving a while or still cold? I've found that it slides into low much easier when warm (almost zero effort) vs cold (not hard but noticeably more effort). The same goes for the CDL lights, when warm they click right on however when cold it can take a bit longer.

For context when I say cold I'm talking less than a mile from when you start driving, not from when the engine is started.

 

[foejuice]

I had only driven a short distance to get to some gravel.

 

[MoJ]

Noticed your AZ location. Has the truck always lived in that area? If so, it’s unlikely corrosion related

 

[foejuice]

Started in CA (Walnut Creek, San Luis Obispo, & Brea) and AZ. Whole undercarriage is super rust-free.

 

[SmokingRocks]

Try this:

Put the transmission in Neutral on a slight slope. Hold the vehicle with the brake. Pull the transfer case shift lever into neutral, then pull towards Low. If it doesn't engage then ease off the brake until the vehicle begins to roll slowly, attempt to engage low range while the vehicle is rolling slowly.

If this doesn't do it I would inspect the linkage under the rig.

 

[jonheld]

Noticed your AZ location. Has the truck always lived in that area? If so, it’s unlikely corrosion related

The LX450 that i bought lived it's entire life in Arizona. I still needed to deal with the shifter. It was annoying to me until I got into it.

 

[Tools R Us]

The LX450 that i bought lived it's entire life in Arizona. I still needed to deal with the shifter. It was annoying to me until I got into it.

Stiff transfer shifter is more about lack of use than anything. Rust buckets can be worse, but have seen it on clean rigs.

 

[z531519]

Mine was like that. PBBlaster the fork/rods underneath especially the joint. After that i used a wrench to excercise the lever. Obviously don't force it that you brake stuff, you can do it with engine off. It quickly loosened up after that .

At least you know your truck hasn't seen offroad . Also i like the idea of using that to negotiate a lower price.

 

[foejuice]

Seen a little off-road. It has the lower rhino-lined, fender flares and running boards removed. There was a little mud and grass underneath when I was inspecting. Driver door saw some damage, but not awful and it's fully operational. Other than having a little rattley interior I loved it. Plan on making an offer; wish me luck!

 

[foejuice]

Came to an agreed upon price. I should be picking it up Monday!

 

[Chrisw023]

Congrats! Mine didn't like going into low when i first got it as the previous owners never used it, took alot of force and would grind going in first few times of use. Now it slides into low nice and easy like it should.

 

[SSI Yakker]

My '97 had the same issue when I bought it. The PO had never put it in Low and I couldn't get it to budge. I used it as a negotiating point - "It could be a simple fix or a VERY expensive fix" Knocked off about $1000 right there!

All I had to do was shoot some PB Blaster into the linkage and give it a jiggle. Smooth as butter !