Stuck T-Case Question

[El_Cid_2000]

I was looking at ANOTHER Disco and the owner said that the t-case has been stuck in 2-Hi since they have had it. I was sort of curious about this and asked for how long they had owned the vehicle. They said four years and that it had never been shifted out of 2- Hi as it was stuck when THEY bought it.

Aside from that the vehicle was in 95% + condition with, get this, all LR dealership service records. How in the h3ll could they miss something like that? Or if you never plan on off roading does it matter if you only have 2-Hi? Personally I'm going to need 4-Lo!! How could one fix this if they wanted to, or is it even worth it?

Thanks,
Michael
72' SIII SWB (Rita)

 

[stansell]

Having just recently installed a D1 shifter on my D2 in order to get the CDL option, I am somewhat familiar with the setup.

The D2 Hi/Lo shifter is attached to a plate under the center console. The shifter uses a cable which runs to the actual transfer case. Sooo...the problem could be that the cable has failed in some way. The problem is, that to get a good look at the the system, you need to go through a lengthy process (see the tech section at www.expeditionexchange.com under 'CDL install') which includes drilling out 13 rivets and reriveting to put it back together. Finally, it could all be in vain if the problem lies in the transfer case instead (which I know nothing about, and will thus keep my trap shut about). The cable failing is probably unlikely, but the overall system is so simple that the only options are the cable failing, or 'something' sticking in the actual transfer case. FWIW, hopefully this helps.

Rob

 

[Robbie]

a lot of times, a stuck cdl just needs to be sprayed with some penetrating oil and free it up. you can usually just lay under the truck and get your hand in the area and spray like mad a few times. try moving it while giving it some gas in reverse or going forward slowly. if this doesn't work (and considering how long it has been) you may have to tear the center console up and get to it from above like Rob mentioned.

now one thing to be aware, Discoverys are full-time 4 wheel. So it really isn't stuck in 2-hi. But rather 4-hi. What you are trying to do is get it to move to 4-lo and locked 4-hi and 4-lo. locked means that you are now equally dividing power between the front and rear axle: http://68.49.91.161/discovery/basics.htm

 

[dent]

Michael, I found this on this post a couple of days ago.. might want to look at this website...
http://home.twcny.rr.com/eeibooks/rover/discodifflock.htm
take care
sam

 

[El_Cid_2000]

Great Site

Michael, I found this on this post a couple of days ago.. might want to look at this website...
http://home.twcny.rr.com/eeibooks/rover/discodifflock.htm
take care
sam

Sam,
Thanks for the info, that site is going into my LR bookmark folder for sure. Only problem is that I'm not really ready to devote as he said two days to working on a Disco that I might not even buy. I'd hate to do all of that and it still not work. Guess I'll just pass on this one and move on.

Thanks again,
Michael

 

[Jim]

If you can move the T-Case shifter side to side (engaging/disengaging diff-lock) but cannot shift down into low range the culprit is often the 'transfer case interlock solenoid'. It's purpose is to only allow shifting the T-Case when transmission gear selector is in neutral. If it has failed all the shifter-slapping and lubricant-spraying in the world will not free it.
The part is pretty readily available at the dealer (around $150) or on the internet (around $105).

Requires removing the center console to replace, not a terribly difficult job.

On the bright side, you can be fairly sure that the vehicle hasn't been getting beaten up out in the bush - sounds like it's spent its life as a grocery-getter.

JH

 

[Monty]

I'm having the same problem with mine. It will shift to low but won't shift to lock. I've worked on it from the top and bottom and still no luck, as I ran out of time to work on it. I've called a local dealer and he said it would take about 2 hours of time at $100 an hour. So if you're still interested in the vehicle, see if the PO will have it fixed before buying it.

 

[RoverDude]

Jim, I think you have correctly identified the problem. I too had this happen. On the trails no less. I was sweatin' thinking of driving my rig 40 miles in 4L to the Highway in order to get Roadside Asst. to pull me home. I thought it might be a linkage problem and was going to break my shifter knob pushing and pulling with all my might. The Landy gods smiled and it went back to 4H after checking every few miles. After one of my dealer techs researched it, he found the actuator failed as water penetrated my wiring and corroded a pin that handled that duty. Hope this helps.
www.roverdude.com