How to tell if my 4lo works

[auh]

Hello,

Recently during Chicago's snowy season I've decided to have a little fun with my 99.5 qx4. Now I'm wondering if my 4lo works because the RPMs are around the same at lower speeds as 2wd or auto (side note, I don't want to try at anything above 20mph in 4lo) and my 4lo light on my dashboard only turns on briefly. I'll shift my car into N and turn the knob to 4lo and the light will flash 1-3 times usually before turning off. I'm not sure if that means its working or not working but the light flashes again a few times when I take the car out of 4lo.

[fueler]

the light shouldnt flash, it should stay lit in 4lo and turn off when you go back to 4hi.

You would know if you were in 4lo. its a huge difference. like first gear maxxes out at 2 or 3mph, 2nd gear will redline at 10-15mph (whereas in hi, 2nd gear easily takes you up to 40 mph)

sounds like your transfer case isnt going into 4lo.

[auh]

is there a simple easy fix for this? or am I going to need a new transfer case?

[blaruffa]

I find with my 2006 Pathfinder that I need to stop, shift to Neutral, , Place Knob in 4 Lo, and then back up about 3 feet to have it lock into 4Lo. Then to come out of 4Lo I do the same steps.

Let us know how you make out. I had a similar experience to yours why I first tried 4Lo, thought he car was messed up, until my brother who has a Pathy told me these steps.

[auh]

Didn't work, but I found out that the 4lo light only flashes when I turn the knob with out the car being in N.

[alexf20c]

well in your 1st post you said you put the car into neutral, shift into 4LO and the light flashes, then stops. is that what happens or isn't it?

[auh]

I was wrong in my first post about the light flashing. When I go into 4lo the 4lo lghtonly flashes when the transmission is in drive. When in neutrel the light only goes on for a second and turns off. I don't have a 4wd warning light, but I ran the self diagnostics that I found on this site, and the 4wd light turns on for 2-3 seconds and turns off.

[KyooX4]

Why don't you try doing EXACTLY as your owner's manual tells you. If you don't have one. Here's a link where you can download it.http://72.3.186.204/deptog.aspx?dept_id=55

You need to apply the brakes, straighten the wheels, shift to neutral, push the drive indicator dial in, then turn to 4lo. Do the same to take it out of 4lo.Don't ever going into or out of 4lo without being stationary, having your wheels straight, and the shifter in neutral.

[auh]

I never try to go into 4lo when moving, but the last time I tried to shift into it while stopped I realized my car was in drive. I've followed the instructions in my manual. It just plaindoesn't work

[exvin]

I never try to go into 4lo when moving, but the last time I tried to shift into it while stopped I realized my car was in drive. I've followed the instructions in my manual. It just plaindoesn't work

Hey man, if in doubt if it is working, just take it into a shop or the dealer and have it checked...Best way if you are doubtful IMO

Also, when you shift to 4lo, does your steering feel a bit stiffer?

I would say try getting yourself a bit stuck in mud or sand or snow or something and shift it in 4lo and see if you can pull yourself out but that could be troublesome IF it is actually not working

How about your 4hi, is that having the same issue? When last did you change your fluids?

[auh]

I didn't start questioning the 4lo until I got stuck, haha. Thats when I started to wonder about why the light didn't stay on for more than a second.

I changed all of the fluids towards the middle of October. I guess I will have to go to a shop and see whats up...

Maybe they can give me an easy fix

[fastpathy35]

Do like fueleler said. Place it in 4lo and take off. If it shifts gears real fast 4lo works. The low range part anyway. Your automatic hubs may not be working though if your only reason for questioning is youve gotten stuck. But that doesnt mean much either. My mom got her f250 stuck with all four spinning. I had to pull her out. You just may have been in a bad spot.

[alexf20c]

did you get it stuck with the front tires not spinning at all? if so, then it's more than just your low range that isn't working.

getting yourself deliberately stuck is just stupid. like fastpathy35 recommended, just try to put it in 4LO, and then drive like normal. you'll notice the shifting is jerky, and very very soon. you'll be into 4th gear by 20mph with light acceleration.

[exvin]

did you get it stuck with the front tires not spinning at all? if so, then it's more than just your low range that isn't working.

getting yourself deliberately stuck is just stupid. like fastpathy35 recommended, just try to put it in 4LO, and then drive like normal. you'll notice the shifting is jerky, and very very soon. you'll be into 4th gear by 20mph with light acceleration.

You can do this too but if you are still unsure if it is working or not or what the problem maybe, just take it in, end of story...and the beginning of a new one

[auh]

When I got stuck, I know at least one of my front tires was spitting snow out. I really wasn't paying attention to the drivers side. I'll just take it into a shop I guess, but honestly I don't think Chicago is getting any more snow so this issue can probably be put on the back burner for a while. Time for the motorcycle to come out!

[fastpathy35]

Then it works. If one of the wheels were spinning, your transfer case is doing its job.