Aside from its off-roading capability, a Jeep Wrangler also comes with a 4wd feature that makes it more appealing to Jeep enthusiasts. Four-wheel drive provides power from the drivetrain to all four wheels, giving the vehicle more traction.
But how to shift Jeep Wrangler into 4wd? Shifting a Jeep Wrangler into four-wheel drive mode can be tricky, especially for those who are not familiar with the process. The following step-by-step guide will explain how to shift a Jeep Wrangler into four-wheel drive mode.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Familiarizing your Vehicle’s Transfer Case
The first step that you want to do when shifting your Jeep Wrangler into a four-wheel drive is to familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s transfer case. If you are not familiar, the transfer case is responsible for distributing power from the transmission to both the front and the rear axles.
The transfer case has four positions: 2H ( 2WD High Range), 4H (4WD High Range), N (neutral), and 4L (4WD Low Range). You need to make sure that you know the position of the transfer case shifter in your Jeep Wrangler.
| Transfer Case Position | Usage |
| 2H (2WD High Range) | Everyday Driving on Paved Surface Maximum Traction is not Needed |
| 4H (4WD High Range) | Used When Additional Traction is Needed to Surfaces with Less Ideal Grip (Snow, Mud, Gravel) |
| N (Neutral) | Disconnects Drive Shaft to the Transmission To Allow the Vehicle to Roll Even if the Transmission in Parked |
| 4L (4WD Low Range) | Use When Maximum Traction and Low Gearing is Needed ( Not Driven in Speed Above 24 Miles an Hour) |
In the table above, the 2H position in your transfer case is used for everyday driving on paved surfaces where maximum traction is not needed. The 4H position, meanwhile, will be used when additional traction is needed on surfaces with less ideal grip, including snow, mud, and gravel.
The N position will disconnect the drive shaft to the transmission to allow the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is parked. Lastly, the 4L position will be used when maximum traction and low gearing are needed. This position is not driven at a speed above 24 miles an hour.
Step 2: Bring Your Jeep to a Complete Stop
When it comes to shifting Jeep Wrangler to four-wheel drive, the common question among Jeep owners is: can I shift into 4wd while moving Jeep Wrangler? The direct answer to the question is no. You need to bring your Jeep Wrangler to a complete stop.
Before shifting your vehicle into four-wheel drive mode, make sure that you bring your vehicle to a complete stop. Trying to shift while moving can cause damage to the transfer case or the transmission.
Step 3: Engaging the Parking Brake
Once you have brought your Jeep Wrangler to a complete stop, the next step is to engage the parking brake. This step will prevent your Jeep from rolling while you are shifting into a four-wheel drive.
Step 4: Shift the Transfer Case into 4H
To shift your Jeep Wrangler into four-wheel drive mode, you need to shift the transfer case into 4H (4WD high range). The process of shifting the transfer case varies depending on the year and model of your Jeep Wrangler, but in most cases, you will need to do the following:
- Pull the transfer case shifter towards you to move it out of 2H and into neutral (N).
- Once the transfer case is in neutral, push the shifter all the way to the right to engage 4H.
- The transfer case should now be in 4H.
Step 5: Testing Your Vehicle’s Four-Wheel Drive
After you have shifted your Jeep Wrangler into four-wheel drive mode, the best thing to do is to test it out on the road. During the testing process, you need to drive the Jeep slowly while making sure that all four wheels are turning. You will need to check on your transfer case if you notice any unusual noises or vibrations.
Step 6: Shift Back to 2H When You’re Done
When you’re finished using a four-wheel drive, shift the transfer case back into 2H (2WD high range). To do this, follow these steps:
- Bring your Jeep to a complete stop.
- Engage the parking brake.
- Pull the transfer case shifter towards you to move it out of 4H and into neutral (N).
- Push the shifter all the way to the left to engage 2H.
- The transfer case should now be in 2H.
Conclusion
Learning how to shift Jeep Wrangler into 4wd mode is essential for any off-road enthusiast who owns a Jeep Wrangler. Always remember to familiarize yourself with the transfer case and the shifting process before attempting to shift into a four-wheel drive. Always bring your Jeep to a complete stop and engage the parking brake before shifting. Lastly, test the four-wheel drive before hitting the trail. With little practice, shifting your Jeep Wrangler into a four-wheel drive will become second nature.