Automatic & transfer case operation

[Guest mick2]

Picked up a '97 Path the other day and have a question about the shifting. I've got the automatic and can slip it into 4H well enough while moving along at 25, but getting it out is quirky. When I move the lever back to 2H, the light stays on and on and it doesn't come out of 4x4. Once it went out after a couple of blocks, but now it won't go out unless I stop and turn it off. I've only tried it twice on dry but straight roadway, but this doesn't seem right. Thanks.

 

mick

[nige]

I never do the 'shift on the fly' into 4wh. I come to a complete stop, neutral, pull the lever to 4wh, then slowly pull away. To get it back into 2H, i come to a complete stop, neutral, shift the lever to 2H, then go into reverse for a few feet, then fowards. I've never ever had any trouble/wierd clunks or noises doing it that way. The little 4WD light goes out immediately. That's the way my father taught me to do it and he's been driving trucks forever.

[88pathoffroad]

Not entirely sure, but I think you need to stop when going back to 2WD to allow the t-case to disengage. If you just keep moving, it doesn't get a chance to.

[Precise1]

Ok, I went and grabbed the manual... Personally I always use skrillaguerilla's described method; thats the was is stated with my previous 720 PU. The manual says you can shift on-the-fly into 4H at speeds up to 25 mph (40kph). you can shift back to 2H at any time at any speed (clutch not required for manuals) BUT autolocking hubs will not disengage until the vehicle has been moved backwards AT LEAST 3 feet (1M); I'm guessing with stock tire size (personally I reverse until I hear the click/ping and the light goes out). With that said, there is no benefit to shifting out of 4h on-the-fly as you have to stop and back up anyway.

Personally, I highly recommend following skrillaguerilla's directions. If nothing else it is more gentle to the components and will work every time.

FYI for the auto tranny...

4H-4L or 4L-4H: stop, put tranny in N, depress transfer case lever and move it to 4H or 4L. DO NOT leave it in N. If you do, and have resulting dificulty/grinding when attempting to select 4H or 4L, shut off the motor, make gear selection, and restart the motor. DO NOT place transfer case in N and attempt to shift trasmission into P !

2H-4L: stop, transmission in N, depress transfer case lever and shift smoothly to 4L. NOTE, this may not work. If not, shift to 4H and follow directions to shift to 4L.

4L-2H: Same as above, but reverse transfer case shift lever direction, same note applies.

This may seem like a lot to remember, but if you go through every case scenario, it ALL works if you 1: STOP, 2: put transmission in N, 3) shift 1 gear selection at a time (transfer case N is not a gear) 4) when you finally get back to 2H, back up.

Maybe I've beaten this to death, but wanted to cover all the bases and be as clear as possible. Enjoy your 4x4 !

 

Bernard

[Guest mick2]

Hey gang, thanks for the great effort! The problem is, however, that the thing is supposed to work in and out of 2H/4H while you're driving. (I have a '97 model.) No more stopping for the initial shift (it's in the manual and the dealer I bought it from said the same on my test drive). You do have to stop to do the 2H to 4L shift, but that's not what I'm asking about. So, when I'm driving at 25mph I simply slide the lever back to 4H and it goes easily into 4wd. As I continue on I should be able to slide it back to 2H without stopping. While I can slide the lever back to 2H, the light doesn't go out and it doesn't come out of 4wd. Once it came out after a couple of blocks, but the other times I had to stop and shut it off. I tried backing up, but that didn't help at all (that's the older model that needs that). So, let's give this another try. Any ideas?

[88pathoffroad]

Your Pathfinder has drive flanges instead of hubs anyway, so the front axles are always spinning in any case. Perhaps a sensor on the t-case is getting fidgety and should be looked at. Checked the fluid levels recently as well?

[Precise1]

@!*%e !!! mick2, I'm sorry. I read everything you described but was too stupid to notice the '97 part. Here I thought I was helping or something... Thanks for the patience and good humor; I should have payed better attention. I dont know crap about the 96+ models... My only suggestion is buy a 95-. I know, not very useful. Again, sincere apologies....

 

Bernard

[94extreme]

4wheel shifting info is on the driver's sun visor of the pre 95 tks. check there...

[Precise1]

??? LOL ???

Yes, that is where it would be if someone hadn't pulled it off. But then, I know how shift my 95 anyway and mick2 has a 97....

 

 

B

[nige]

yeah, mick all I have to work with is my truck and my mum's 2002, which has a lovely little dial to turn to engage the front diff, so I'm of no use to you. I could ask my uncle who had a 1998 for a few years and he might be of some use. I'll try to get back to you on this.