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Easily switch between 4-wheel drive high and low with these straightforward steps
Owning a Jeep brings the excitement of off-roading thanks to its 4-wheel drive capability. Unsure about shifting your Jeep from 2-wheel drive to 4-wheel drive? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll walk you through the simple process of engaging 4-wheel drive high and low using your Jeep's transfer case shifter lever. These instructions are applicable to most Jeep models such as the Wrangler, Cherokee, and Gladiator. Keep reading to learn how to activate 4-wheel drive on your Jeep!
Essential Information
- Locate your Jeep’s transfer case shifter lever, typically found to the left of your vehicle's gear shift. The lever is marked with “2H,” “4H,” “N,” and “4L.”
- To engage 4-wheel drive high, ensure your Jeep is parked or driven under 40 mph (64 kph). Then, shift the transfer case shifter lever from “2H” to “4H.”
- For 4-wheel drive low, drive at around 2 to 3 mph (3-5 kph). Shift your vehicle into neutral and then move the shifter lever to “4L.”
- Return your Jeep to 2-wheel drive by driving at 2 to 3 mph (3-5 kph) and pushing the shifter lever up to “2H.”
Step-by-Step Guide
Activating 4-Wheel Drive High on Your Jeep
Locate your Jeep’s transfer case shifter lever positioned to the left of the gear shift. Your Jeep's transition from 2-wheel drive to 4-wheel drive is facilitated by the transfer case shifter lever. This lever is situated adjacent to the driver's seat, left of the gear shift, or the mechanism that shifts your car into park, drive, and reverse. Recognizable by markings such as “2H,” “4H,” “N,” and “4L” atop the lever.
- Most vehicles operate in 2-wheel drive mode, optimal for daily commuting on paved roads. In this mode, power is distributed to only 2 wheels, providing sufficient momentum to engage the other 2 wheels.
- Utilize 4-wheel drive high when encountering wet, icy, or rugged road conditions. By distributing power to all 4 tires, you enhance traction and control.
- Exercise caution with part-time 4-wheel drive Jeeps, reserving 4-wheel drive high for slippery surfaces. Its use on dry terrain can lead to vehicle overheating.
Initiate your vehicle and ensure it remains stationary in park. Engage 4-wheel drive high by starting your Jeep, leaving it in park. Alternatively, activate it while driving below 40 mph (64 kph). Jeeps offer the convenience of transitioning to 4-wheel drive high even while on the move, particularly useful in adverse weather conditions.
- Alternatively, engage 4-wheel drive high while driving below 40 mph (64 kph). Jeeps offer the convenience of transitioning to 4-wheel drive high even while on the move, particularly useful in adverse weather conditions.
Shift the transfer case shifter lever to “4H” and commence driving. Whether stationary or in motion below 40 mph (64 kph), simply pull the transfer case shifter lever down to “4H.” Confirmation of 4-wheel drive high activation is indicated by a “4WD” light illuminating on your dashboard.
- Prior to shifting to “4H” while driving, release the accelerator. Not applying acceleration during shifting facilitates a quicker transition to 4-wheel drive.
- For Jeeps with manual transmission, depress the clutch pedal while transitioning from “2H” to “4H.”
Engaging 4-Wheel Drive Low on Your Jeep
Commence by starting your vehicle and driving at a speed of 2 to 3 mph (3-5 kph). To engage 4-wheel drive low, your vehicle should not be stationary or moving at high speeds. Instead, it should roll slowly to allow the shifter gears to synchronize. Simply start your Jeep's engine and proceed to drive very slowly, maintaining a speed of approximately 2 to 3 mph (3-5 kph).
- 4-wheel drive low is specifically employed when you require more torque or pulling power while moving slowly. It proves beneficial when traversing muddy terrain with a trailer or navigating steep rock climbs. Engaging 4-wheel drive low grants you the necessary power, traction, and control to negotiate challenging terrain.
Transition your Jeep into neutral. Once you attain a slow rolling speed, release the accelerator. Subsequently, shift your vehicle from drive to neutral. This action aids in maintaining the slow speed and prevents inadvertent acceleration.
Lower the transfer case shifter lever completely to “4L.” Swiftly pull the shifter lever through the positions from “2H,” “4H,” “N,” and down to “4L.” Successful engagement of 4-wheel drive low triggers a warning light on your dashboard, indicating that the electronic stability control is deactivated. This deactivation occurs automatically when in 4-wheel drive low to afford you better control during off-road driving.
- For Jeeps with manual transmissions, depress the clutch pedal while pulling the lever.
- If encountering resistance or sticking while shifting to “4L,” briefly accelerate the vehicle in drive mode. Then, return to neutral and proceed with shifting the lever downward.
- Do not exceed speeds of 25 mph (40 kph) when operating in 4-wheel drive low. This mode is designed for low-speed maneuvers.
Reverting to 2-Wheel Drive
Drive your Jeep at a speed of 2 to 3 mph (3-5 kph) while in “4L.” Similar to transitioning into 4-wheel drive low, your vehicle should be moving at a slow speed when disengaging from this mode. If you were in motion, gently apply the brakes to decrease your speed to approximately 2 to 3 mph (3-5 kph).
- If transitioning from 4-wheel drive high instead of low, simply push the shifter lever up to “2H” while driving below 40 mph (64 kph). Alternatively, shift your vehicle into park and then move the lever upwards.
Shift your car into neutral and raise the shifter lever to “4H.” When your speed decreases, swiftly switch your car to neutral. Then, lift the transfer case shifter lever upwards to transition from “4L,” back to “N,” and finally to “4H.”
Return the lever to “2H” while your car remains in neutral. To switch from 4-wheel drive high back to 2-wheel drive, simply push the transfer case shifter all the way up. The “4WD” indicator on your dashboard should deactivate, indicating the successful transition back to 2-wheel drive.
