I've read all the threads here and still have a question about being stuck in 4x4 low. My shift motor went and I put a new one on. I climbed out from under the truck, started it up and shifted it into 4x4 HI without a problem. I tested 4x4 LOW and it shifted into 4x4 LOW fine. However I could not get it out of 4 LOW. I tried all the tricks I've read on here. I took the new shift motor off and manually turned it back to 2 HI and put the old motor back on just so I could drive it. I cant think its the shift motor cause it was brand new. Does anyone know why 4LOW is such a problem?

 

Please explain how you are shifting into/out of 4 low. If you are not following the proper sequence, it will not shift.

 

Sorry this is long but I will try to be as thorough as I can.
I removed the old motor and installed the new one. Immediately I jumped in the truck, started it up and put it in drive. I shifted into 4HI without a problem. I rolled forward a bit and then back. I put it back to 2HI and rolled forward and back again. I tested 4HI again. All without an issue. I then went to 4HI, hit the brakes and put it in neutral. I put it in 4LOW and it shifted just fine. I put it in drive and rolled forward a bit and then reversed. I put it back into N and tried to shift to 4HI and I got nothing. I tried all the tricks of pushing, shifting gears, rolling, etc. Nothing worked. I pulled the brand new motor off and switched the transfer case back to 2HI with my fingers so I could put the old motor back on. I switched easily with my fingers so I know that the transfer case isnt stuck. I started the truck up and it was in 2HI and I was able to drive it. The next day I unplugged the old motor still leaving the old motor actually mounted to the case. I plugged in the new motor and held it in hand while my wife sat in the truck trying to switch 4x4. I wanted to see if the motor itself would turn. She said as soon as the truck started it had the 4LOW light on the dash and nothing would get it to go off. She switched the **** all kinds of ways in N with foot on the brake. The motor in my hand never made a sound or turned. I unplugged it and plugged the old one back in, started the truck and the 4LOW light was off right away. I'm sending the new one back and they are sending me a replacement. Hopefully it was just a bad motor.

 

Sounds like it could be that new motor. It almost seems like there might also be a bad contact in the dash switch. Something to consider if the replacement motor doesn't fix it. (I had to ask about your shift procedure because some guys think that 4 low shifts on the fly as 4 hi does)

 

I know 4low has to be in N. I also pulled the manual out just to make sure. I really hope it's the motor. I guess I'll find out when the replacement arrives. But why does 4low always get stuck? Whats so different about it? I know the torque and all but I was surprised to see so many people with the same problem.

 

Been watching .... I too am thinking maybe the switch is the culprit.

 

I now too think it's the switch. I got the new shift motor and installed it. I was able to switch to 4HI right away and thats it. I can't get it out of 4HI now. I am putting a new switch in it today for an obscene amount of money for a new switch.

 

Now I'm really mad. I put in a new selector switch and the truck is still stuck in 4HI. Nothing sounds like it's trying to change either. Does anyone have any ideas now?

 

I figured out the issue and I'm posting it hoping it may help someone in the future. The old shift motor was sticking and fried one of the relays in the engine compartment. It was the counter clockwise relay. I put a new shift motor on the transfer case and a new relay and all is well. This would explain why I could shift into 4HI and 4LO but not be able to shift out of anything.