Transmission and Transfer Case Shift Handle Help Needed

[NavOhio]

I have a 2005 TJ with an automatic. 4.0. The trans shift lever moves out of park and past drive without pressing the button, moves anywhere without pressing the button. I popped off the handle and there is nothing inside that I can see. It is missing the the shift park release link (white plastic ball/stick thing). My four wheel drive/transfer case handle moves to 4H just fine but won't budge past that. Won't even go to neutral. So is there some kind of interlock between the auto trans shift lever and the transfer case shift lever that is not moving out of the way since none of the auto trans interlocks work? Jeep only has 47K miles and no mechanical mods. Someone took out the carpet and installed Bedmat. The console was removed to do this. Did a previous owner screw something up? Any ideas? Suggestions? Bueller? Thanks!

 

[inkedrose]

How long have you had it, ever been able to get it into 4lo or is this a new problem? Does the Jeep have a lift, how high?

 

[NavOhio]

How long have you had it, ever been able to get it into 4lo or is this a new problem? Does the Jeep have a lift, how high?

I haven't had it long. I didn't try to use 4 low when I test drove it. So I never have had it in 4 low. Live and learn.

 

[CharlesHS]

How long have you had it, ever been able to get it into 4lo or is this a new problem? Does the Jeep have a lift, how high?

“Jeep only has 47K miles and no mechanical mods” and his Profile states What Modifications are none.

 

[inkedrose]

I haven't experienced it myself but I've read on here several times that if there's a body lift it reduces clearance for the transfer case handle (not enough room for handle to pull all the way into 4L). The linkage is adjustable but if I remember correctly the easiest solution is a Savvy or @NovakConversions cable shifter. Not sure about the transmission part someone smarter than me will chime in about that
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...nto-4-lo-after-suspension-lift-install.16709/

 

[inkedrose]

“Jeep only has 47K miles and no mechanical mods” and his Profile states What Modifications are none.

The reason I was asking how long he had it was to see if it was a new problem or something he just discovered. If it's a new to him Jeep there may be mods the last owner.. or owners did and didn't mention

 

[NavOhio]

I haven't experienced it myself but I've read on here several times that if there's a body lift it reduces clearance for the transfer case handle (not enough room for handle to pull all the way into 4L). The linkage is adjustable but if I remember correctly the easiest solution is a Savvy or @NovakConversions cable shifter. Not sure about the transmission part someone smarter than me will chime in about that
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...nto-4-lo-after-suspension-lift-install.16709/

No lift. All stock mechanically. Only a Bedmat (plastic instead of carpet) installed which means someone took out the console in the past.

 

[hear]

For 4-low, try disconnecting the linkage underneath and see if you can shift it manually.

 

[NavOhio]

For 4-low, try disconnecting the linkage underneath and see if you can shift it manually.

Great idea! I will give it a try.

 

[LONGJP2]

Great idea! I will give it a try.

For the transfer case, it's not straight back.
You have to go slightly to one side.

Also, transmission in neutral to use 4 Low.

 

[NavOhio]

For the transfer case, it's not straight back.
You have to go slightly to one side.

Also, transmission in neutral to use 4 Low.

Ha! I hate to admit this, but that was it! I didn't realize you moved it right and then back left slightly, like the white lines on the shift handle show now that I look closely. I had read the owner's manual. I double checked the owner's manual and it doesn't point out to move it to the side first, so I don't feel completely stupid. Thanks!

 

[LONGJP2]

Ha! I hate to admit this, but that was it! I didn't realize you moved it right and then back left slightly, like the white lines on the shift handle show now that I look closely. I had read the owner's manual. I double checked the owner's manual and it doesn't point out to move it to the side first, so I don't feel completely stupid. Thanks!

Ask me how I know?