96 XJ UpCountry w/NP242 transfer case


OK, so we got some snow and ice yesterday. When I left for work, I put it in Full Time 4WD.


Normally, after I do that, the next time I let off the gas, the green "Full Time 4WD" light comes on on the dash. This time, it was 4 or 5 miles before the light came on. I don't know whether that's relevant, or not.


I went to leave for work today, and it was clear, with no snow on the ground. I put the traqnsfer case back in 2WD. The light went off right away.


As I was making the 90 degree turn in the parking garage, the front wheels were dragging.


First, the hubs don't lock in Full Time 4WD, do they? They never have before.


Second, the selector is in 2WD, and the Full Time 4WD light is off. I cycled the lever several times, but it didn't resolve it.


I don't know if it's relevant, but I had both axles redone this summer, and the hubs replaced.


Can anybody help?


Thanks


Second,

 

Normal to stay engage for a little. Have you driven it since? Feel normal?

 

Assuming the front axle is OE, the hubs on your XJ are just bearings. They do not engage or disengage the power being delivered to the front wheels. From the pinion shaft (where the driveshaft bolts up) to the wheels are always coupled. The only thing controlling power from the engine to the front wheels is the transfer case.

The first spot I would look at is the transfer case shift linkage. Have someone shift from 2WD to 4WD while you watch the linkage under the jeep. There may be slop in the linkage. When they shift it into a position grab the linkage where it attaches to the transfer case and wiggle it back and forth. If there is movement, probably worn bushings. May be able to adjust it.

 

I have the 242 also. Seems that the first few times I use 4-FULL it will "stick". I guess there is a slide collar somewhere that gets stuck when not-used. I notice that when I shift to/from 4-FULL, I need to lay off the throttle for a second or shift into neutral. I can hear the "clunk/click" when it shifts. And the dash light switches to whatever.

When mine gets stuck in 4-part, I just go back to FULL-TIME and drive around for a day or so. Then try 2-hi again. Keep at it and it will free up. Also, your engine/trans mounts could be sagging causing the linkage to be out of adjustment.

You should also change your transfer-case fluid with fresh new ATF. It's simple to do.

Just be SURE to remove the FILL plug before removing the drain plug.

The Cherokee does NOT have locking hubs. The axles are always "locked". It's the transfer case that connects and dis-connects the axles/wheels.

 

x2 on np242s sticking. i have one as well and usually what i do is, at whatever speed, shift from 2wd to 4wd full time, release throttle, shift to neutral, shift back in drive, apply throttle, and anywhere during that time usually the transfer case clicks into full time. i do the same when going back to 2wd.

sometimes it stays in part time and you have to play around with the shifter, go back and forth, and at some point it will shift.

it's a good idea to go under the jeep and grease the linkage once in a while too.

 

Try burning out to see if just the back wheels spin. That's a sure way to tell if it's in two wheel.