email: john@virtual-cafe.com

Useful Selectrac info (NP229)

Date: Mon, 2 Dec 1996 08:54:10 -0600
To: Multiple recipients of fsj-list
Subject:  85 Grand Wagoneer Gears

Subject: 85 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 4x4
Date: 29 Nov 1996 02:56:19 GMT

> I recently acquired a 86 g/w with 93k  .. 
> There is a lever on the floor under the steering wheel with Hi Low and N
> on it .  It seems stuck. How do you use this.

This is the transfer case range selector.  High is for normal use, low 
when you need to put mega power to the wheels, albeit at a much slower pace!
I have an '85 GW w/ 360 engine, automatic trans & select trac with the 
lever on the floor and I'm assuming you have something similar.  According to
owners manual, you have to follow a particular patern to shift, so I'll quote 
rather than try to paraphrase (my appologise for the the length):

        Selec-Trac Provides:
        - Either 2- or full-time 4-wheel drive in HI range;
        - An N (Neutral) position to disengage the axles from the powertrain
        - Part time four-wheel drive in LO range.

        Because selec-trac control functions are interrelated, mode 
        switch and range lever must be used in specific combinations
        to operate the transfer case.

        With range lever in the HI range, select either 2-wheel drive
        (2WD) or full time 4-wheel drive (4WD) by moving the mode switch.
        Mode selection can be made *WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING
        AT ANY LEGAL SPEED.*

        NOTE:  If mode switch is moved from one position to another
        while the vehicle is not moving, it may be necessary to move 
        the vehicle forward or backwards slightly for the transfer case
        to fully engage 4WD, expecially in cold weather.

        If mode switch is in 4WD and the transfer case has completed 
        the shift, Selec-Trac offers a choice of HI, N, or LO rnages
        by moving range lever.  Range shifts must be made *ONLY AT 
        LOW SPEED 2-3 MPH, 3-5 KM/H)*.
        
        CAUTION:  Never attempt to engage LO range when vehicle
        is in 2WD or when vehicle is moving faster than 2-3 mph (3-5
        kmh).  Transfer case damage may result.
        
        *WARNING:  NEVER PARK YOUR VEHICLE WITH RANGE LEVER IN THE 
        N (NEUTRAL) POSITION.  THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL UNEXPECTEDLY 
        EVEN IF AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN PARK OR A 
        MANUAL TRANSMISSION IS IN GEAR.*

        Mode Selection (2WD/4WD)
        Mode switch allows you to select 2WD or 4WD whenever you 
        wish, as long as range lever is in the HI range position.

        NOTE:  Complete transfer case engagment into HI must be
        made before you can or should attempt to engage 2WD.

        Range Shifts (HI-N-LO)
        Range lever allows you to shift to HI, N, or LO range when
        the transfer case is fully engaged in 4WD, the vehicle is 
        moving slowly (2-3 mph) and the *TRANSMISSION* is shifted
        to neutral.
        
        CAUTION:  Do not try to move range lever from HI to LO when 
        mode switch is in the 2WD position.  The range lever shift linkage
        could be damaged.

        - HI position
        2WD or 4WD--In either position, the vehicle may be operated
        on all road surfaces.  In 4WD, Select Trac offers better traction
        when roads are wet, snow covered or icy.  Use Selec-Trac
        4WD year-round (full time) if you wish.
 
        - N Position (Neutral
        In this position the axles are disengaged from the powertrain.
        The vehicle may be towed without removing the propeller shafts.
        Place an automatic transmission in Park or a manual transmission
        in gear afdter the N position is engaged

        - Lo Position
        This position provides 4WD for occasional use when *OFF-ROAD*
        driving conditions require low speed pulling power.

        *WARNING:  DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNLESS THE TRANSFER CASE 
        IS FULLY ENGAGED.  FAILURE TO COMPLETELY ENGAGE A POSITION
        CAN CAUSE TRANSFER CASE DAMAGE OR LOSS OF POWER AND VEHICLE
        CONTROL.  bE SURE YOU KNOW THE SHIFT PATTERN OF YOUR VEHICLE.*

        WARNING:  DO NOT INSTALL SELECTIVE DRIVE HUBS ON SELEC-TRAC
        VEHICLES.  IF THESE HUBS ARE LEFT UNLOCKED WHEN THE VEHICLE 
        IS PARKED, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL UNEXPECTEDLY--EVEN IF AN 
        AUTOMATIC TRANSISSION IS IN PARK OR A MANUAL TRANSMISSION 
        IS IN GEAR.*

> Is there a Grand Wagoneer Club
FSJ list is the closest I've come across but there may be something out there
that I haven't found yet.  You might check locally for a generic 4WD club, 
they may be able to point you in the direction of other FSJ owners in your area.

Hope this helps.
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