4X4 will not disengage

CASSANDRA JACKSON

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET TAHOE
4WD
AUTOMATIC
186,207 MILES

My truck has the manual shifter to engage the 4x4 drive. It was used to get out of deep snow last. But shifted back into 2 wheel just fine after.I drove less than 30 miles since I used the 4 x4. Now today I used it in 4x4 hi for less than 50 ft to get up into a driveway. Tried Switching it back into normal drive it wont disengage. The shifter has a lot if pmay with no normal pressure as before ahifting I tried turning the truck off then back, nothing. Putting it in neutral, nothing. Any suggestions. All the Google/YouTube mainly talks about the electronic veration or the wheel locking hubs. I have neither.

3 Replies

MASTERWRENCH

MECHANIC
258 POSTS

If the shifter feels like it has a lot more play in it than normal, there's a good chance a bushing in the shift lever assembly is worn out or possibly worn linkage between the shift lever and the the lever on the transfer case. The picture below gives you a general idea of how the linkage is laid out on your vehicle. Item #3 in the picture is the bottom of the shifter lever below where is passes through the floor of the truck. I would start by visually inspecting the linkage from the underside of the vehicle, looking specifically for worn or broken components. The linkage rod between the shift lever and transfer case should be tight with no slop or play. If any play is found, the loose component will need to be replaced. Also inspect the pivot of the lever itself as this component can wear out over time as well.

I've also attached a copy of the linkage adjustment procedure. Let me know what you find!

Images (Click to make bigger)