Not Shifting into 4wd

I have a 1999 with a np242. When I shift into 4wd high my front axle does not engage. When I shift into 4 low the gearing changes but I am still in 2wd. My linkage seems to be working fine. What could be causing this?

I would suspect a broken shift fork before any of the other possibilities.

Definitely something in the case.

are you shifting at speed or sitting still?

Assuming it still moves with the shifter in 4wd-fulltime (np242), that would indicate the front shaft and diff are in working order. Gotta be inside the xfer case.

cruiser54 said:

are you shifting at speed or sitting still?

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shifting while moving

Dr.CowMoo said:

shifting while moving

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All of my XJ 242 got hard to shift into 4X4 after summer when seldom used. I learned to shift into 4X while coasting to a stop or in other words with no load and moving. After a few initial tries it got better with use.

Shifting the NP/NV242J Selec-Trac Transfer Case

2WD Position
This position is for driving on hard-surfaced roads under normal driving conditions when 4-wheel drive is not desired.

4x4 PART TIME Position
This position is designed for temporary use of 4-wheel drive when on-or off-road conditions such as deep snow or heavy ice require increased traction. When engaged, both the front and the rear axles are mechanically locked together and turn at the same speed. Do not use 4x4 PART TIME on dry, paved roads.

To engage, shift transfer case from 2WD to 4x4 PART TIME while the vehicle is moving at any legal speed.

An amber PART TIME lamp will illuminate on the instrument cluster when 4x4 PART TIME is selected.

4x4 FULL TIME Position
This is the primary 4-wheel drive position, which offers better traction when roads are wet, snow covered or icy. When engaged, the front and rear wheels axles are permitted to turn at different speeds to enhance maneuverability. Use 4x4 FULL TIME year-round on all road surfaces if you wish.

To engage, shift transfer case from 2WD to 4x4 FULL TIME while the vehicle is moving at any legal speed. When shifting, do it in a swift and firm movement.

When shifting from 2WD through 4x4 PART TIME to 4x4 FULL TIME, two momentary releases of the accelerator may be required after shifting.

A green FULL TIME lamp will illuminate on the instrument cluster when 4x4 FULL TIME is selected.

4 LO Position
This position is designed for temporary use of 4-wheel drive when off-road conditions require added low speed pulling power. Do not use 4 LO on dry, paved roads.

To engage, slow the vehicle to 2-3 mph (3-5 km/h), shift the transmission into Neutral (N), then shift the transfer case lever to Neutral, then to the right and pull firmly rearward to 4 LO.

Never attempt to engage Low Range when the vehicle is moving faster than 2-3 mph (3-5 km/h). Transfer case damage may result.

An amber PART TIME lamp will illuminate on the instrument cluster when 4 LO is selected.

It seems to me like he is getting it to shift, but not put power to the front axle. Since the front axle is always locked in, it's gotta be an internal problem in the case.

Do the indicator lights come on??

I wouldn't attach too much importance to that, in my experience they don't always work - & can stay on when back in 2WD.