Transfer case shifting

[Nisseman]

What's the correct procedure for shifting into 4H with these things? Are you supposed to be able to shift on the fly? Is there a shift on the fly speed limit? Do you have to come to a complete stop first? I've road tested a few units and so far one shifted into 4H smoothly at 30-40kph,
the others didn't want to shift into 4H without stopping. Going back to 2H was no problem. What's everyone else's experience?

[EnviroImports.com]

well it depends if you have auto hubs and also if you have the manual trans or the auto. you may find a grinding sound if your trying to shift into 4wheel or even out of it, if you do , let off the throttle, some people try to engage it with the foot into it, you need to at least back off the power first. sort of like lockers on a truck. if you hit the locker button the pin sits there trying to plow its way into the lock hole , but if you just let off the power for just a sec its enough to let things come into sync. and then your good to go. the automatic with auto hubs have worked that way for me. but thats just my $0.02

[Nisseman]

Interesting, that's how the one that went in easy worked. These are all auto's with auto hubs as well. The two I last drove wouldn't go in until stopped, even when coasting off throttle at 30kph, doesn't seem quite right. Sure would like to know how they should work when new. Thanks for your $.02 Newbie.

[Green1]

according to the manual you can shift in to 4H at any speed up to 30kph
however I have not been able to shift while moving at all, it just grinds, I always stop before shifting.
to shift in to 4L you have to be not only stopped, but you have to take it out of gear too (or at least I have to on mine)

[Adrock]

I am almost always stopped when I pop it into 4. The few times I tried on the fly (while slipping up thte salmo creston in january) i didn't like the way it felt even though it did go.

If it is easier on the vehicle I have no problem t aking 15 seconds out of my time to do it.

[josh]

Mine initially only locks in when I am stopped. After the wheels are locked I can shift between 4wd and 2wd at any time even when cruising at 90km (haven't tried it faster than that). So I think it is just the initial locking of the wheels that needs the stopping, or that causes the grinding.

Josh

[Nisseman]

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like it's supposed to go into 4H on the fly but you may have to stop when first getting the hubs to lock.

[Green1]

Mine initially only locks in when I am stopped. After the wheels are locked I can shift between 4wd and 2wd at any time even when cruising at 90km (haven't tried it faster than that). So I think it is just the initial locking of the wheels that needs the stopping, or that causes the grinding.

on mine even with the wheels locked it still won't slide in to 4H without being stopped... maybe I have a problem? (of course I have no idea what to check for that...)

[BCDelica]

on mine even with the wheels locked it still won't slide in to 4H without being stopped... maybe I have a problem? (of course I have no idea what to check for that...)

Don't know exactly how auto hubs work, but have had five vehicle with them. In each, if the auto hubs are locked, indicated by some light like the 'wheel lock' in the case of the Deli's, they you should be able to shift on the fly. As long as a wheel isn't spinning, the running gear is turning in sync and should engage 4H smoothly. Maybe one of the mechanically inclined 4x4 guys could add something? Mmmm, lets see, Crushers, ccauto, argo, westcoastnewguy, mystery machine

[torchard]

Where is the indicator light? I haven't noticed one w/ mine. BTW mine will engage at slow speeds; don't need to come to full stop, but do shift into neutral to take the load off the gear.

--T

[BCDelica]

In the lower right of the pic you see the word 'wheel', that's lights green when you hubs are engaged. To the left of that, in the lower center right below the OD off light, is the indicator light for when the transfer case is in 4x4.

These lights can fail, or so I have read on the other forums.

[ccautos]

I`ve never yet had to carryout repairs to the 4wd selecting but I am going to have a look at the vans we have here right now and check how each one works . I do recall having shift into 4wd and seeing the wheel lock light on BEFORE driving , once that is on you can shift in and out of 4wd up to 50-60km/h . If that light is not on then you cannot engage 4wd when moving . I have eight vans in for work right now and I will go drive them all and report the findings .

[josh]

If that light is not on then you cannot engage 4wd when moving.

I can engage on the fly just fine when that light isn't on.... oh wait, did I mention that my "Wheel Lock" sensor just burned out! :P

Josh