Four-position transfer case — if equipped

Four-Wheel Drive Selector

The transfer case has four operating positions:

• 2H (High 2WD) — high range two-wheel drive
• 4H (High 4WD) — four-wheel drive, high range
• N (Neutral)
• 4L (4WD Low) — four-wheel drive, low range

For more information on the proper use of each transfer case position, refer to the information below:

2WD High

2WD High Range — this range is intended for normal street and highway driving on dry, hard-surfaced roads.

4WD High

4WD High Range — this range maximizes torque to the front driveshaft, causing the front and rear wheels to turn at the same speed. This range provides additional traction only on loose, slippery road surfaces.

N (Neutral)

N (Neutral) — this range disconnects the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. Used for flat towing behind another vehicle.

4WD Low

4WD Low Range — this range provides low-speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque to the front driveshaft, causing the front and rear wheels to turn at the same speed. This range provides additional traction and maximum pulling power only on loose, slippery road surfaces. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

The transfer case is designed to be operated in the 2WD High position for normal street and road conditions, such as hard-surfaced roads.

If additional traction is required, the 4WD High and 4WD Low positions of the transfer case can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts together, causing the front and rear wheels to turn at the same speed. The 4WD High and 4WD Low positions are intended for loose, slippery road surfaces only and are not intended for normal driving. Driving in the 4WD High and 4WD Low positions on dry hard-surfaced roads will cause increased tire wear and damage to powertrain components. Refer to "Shifting Procedures" in this section for further information on shifting into 4WD High or 4WD Low.

The instrument cluster warns the driver that the vehicle is in four-wheel drive and the front and rear driveshafts are locked together. The light illuminates when the transfer case is shifted into the 4WD High position.

When operating the vehicle in 4WD Low, engine speed will be approximately three times higher (four times for Rubicon models) than in 2WD High or 4WD High at the same road speed. Take care not to exceed the engine speed limit.

Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on tires of the same size, type and circumference on each wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and may cause damage to the transfer case.

Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe speeds in turns and stops. Do not drive faster than road conditions allow.

Shifting Procedures

From 2WD High to 4WD High or from 4WD High to 2WD High

Shifting between 2WD High and 4WD High can be performed with the vehicle stopped or moving. The preferred shifting speed range is 0 to 45 mph (72 km/h). When the vehicle is moving, the transfer case will engage/disengage more quickly if the accelerator pedal is released momentarily after the shift is completed. Do not accelerate while shifting the transfer case.

Apply constant force when moving the transfer case lever.

NOTE:

• Do not attempt to shift while only the front or rear wheels are slipping. The front and rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are slipping may cause damage to the transfer case.
• A delay when shifting out of four-wheel drive may be caused by uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire pressure, excessive vehicle load, or low temperatures.
• The shifting effort increases as vehicle speed increases. This is normal.

In cold weather, you may experience increased shifting effort until the fluid in the transfer case warms up. This is normal.

From 4WD High to 4WD Low or from 4WD Low to 4WD High

When the vehicle is coasting at 1 to 3 mph (2 to 5 km/h), shift the automatic transmission to NEUTRAL (N), or depress the clutch pedal on manual transmission vehicles. While the vehicle is coasting at 1 to 3 mph (2 to 5 km/h), quickly move the transfer case shift lever to the desired position. Do not stop with the transfer case in N (Neutral). After shifting is complete, place the automatic transmission in DRIVE or release the clutch pedal on manual transmission vehicles.

NOTE:

Engaging or disengaging 4WD Low is possible with the vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty may occur if the mating teeth are not properly aligned. Several attempts may be required to align the teeth and complete engagement. The preferred method is while the vehicle is moving at 1 to 3 mph (2 to 5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4WD Low when the vehicle is moving faster than 1 to 3 mph (2 to 5 km/h).