Transfer case wont shift from low gear - Land Rovers Only

jcraig1441 · 07-04-2009, 01:28 AM

I have a 2000 LR disco II. Went to play in the mountains today and test the LR out. Followed directions and got the transfer case in Low. Took a couple of times but it finally went smooth. When trying to get it back into high gear it won't budge. I am stuck in Low gear and I can't figure out how to get it back. I followed the directions in the manual and manipulated them a touch to see if there was a secret. I got underneath the vehicle and found where the linkage starts and followed it far as I could but can't find where it enters the case. I checked the fuses to see if the transfer case fuse has blown and it's in tact. What do I do???????

tcpfl · 07-04-2009, 06:00 AM

Try this: Get the vehicle moving (less than 5mph). While it's moving, shift the transmission into neutral and try shifting the transfer case back into Hi.

Disco Mike · 07-04-2009, 06:45 AM

Try shifting the t/case when backing up, usually get moving, kick the tranny into neutral and then try shifting back into high range.

jcraig1441 · 07-04-2009, 03:18 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. I have tried both directions and to no avail. This thing is stuck solid. I've taken the complete console up and out and am looking at the linkage at the top of the transfer case. I can't budge this thing to save my life. Still am able to start vehicle and put trans in N. have used hammer, crowbar and select language.... Nothing. Does this thing have any silenoids or electronics that allow it to switch into gear??? maybe I have something electric that is not allowing it to switch? I'm at a loss and need some direction. You all have been awesome, keep it up.

aaron155 · 10-28-2009, 02:39 PM

I have the same problem but I can't shift into nuetral or into low range. The thing is stuck but at least mine is in hi range. There has to some sort of solenoid that is lock up or something.

I too have removed my center console and have tried other means to get to the move. Nothing has worked, have reasoned with it,... nothing.

What is going on?

mbrummal · 10-28-2009, 02:48 PM

There is a solenoid on the transfer case. That could be your problem.

aaron155 · 10-28-2009, 02:58 PM

Where is the solenoid located?

mbrummal · 10-28-2009, 03:25 PM

This is the page from the Rave Manual.

hang on. its too big.

Disco Mike · 10-28-2009, 03:35 PM

Aaron, here is a picture of the t/case, the top plate with the round dome and wire is the solenoid.
I had to remove mine 6 months ago for the same reason. They don't need to be replaced, just need to pull the 4 bolts, remove the cylinder and reseal it.
The only thing you need to remember is that solenoid is a saftey device so you wont shift from high to low with the tranny in gear.

aaron155 · 10-28-2009, 06:20 PM

Mike, you are awsome. It is nice to be able to do these things yourself and not worry about taking the Rover to the dealer for every little thing. I could not afford to own mine if that were the case. Thanks for helping to make it possible.

aaron155 · 10-29-2009, 08:37 AM

I have tried to download the RAVE manual but my computer tells me that it is damaged and cannot be repaired. I have tried it on both of my computers and they both tell me the same thing. I have Windows XP on one and Vista on the other. Any ideas?

Wondering if someone could email the manual to me? May be too large a file though.

aaron155 · 10-29-2009, 08:38 AM

I found a diagram that I was going to post for you all that view this thread for future reference but I can't find the diagram now so I will try to explain this.

There is a shift lockout solenoid on the transfer case. It is a safety device to ensure you don't shift it at the wrong time. Most of us know what to do so those of us that do know how to shift into low range and at what time and in what gear (n) can remove the solenoid plunger.

The solenoid is located on the rear portion of the transfer case and on top of the transfer case. It is to the rear of the shift linkage for the high and low range. It is a round housing with one bolt on either side, two bolts total. You will also see two wires going in to it or just off to the side of it. remove the two bolts and pull the solenoid out. Then grind off the plunger or hack saw it off. Install the solenoid and your done with that part.

You have to do this from inside the Rover and having the center console removed along with the plate that the shifters are attached to. The plate is held on by 13 rivets, you have to drill those and replace them when you re-assemble the console.

Also the E brake handle needs to be mostly straight up to get the console out so you most likely will need to unhook the cable from the handle.

Hope this will help anyone who has been stuck in either high or low range and can't shift your Discovery.

As I understand it, Rover started with the lockout solenoid in the states in 93 so all Discos should have them.

Please be sure your shift linkage and or shift handle is not froze up before you go to the solenoid. My D1 was frozen up at the shift handle housing and I was able to free it up with some penetrating oil and a little impact force from a rubber mallet. Be careful not to break anything when you do this.

Disco Mike · 10-29-2009, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco Mike

Aaron, here is a picture of the t/case, the top plate with the round dome and wire is the solenoid.
I had to remove mine 6 months ago for the same reason. They don't need to be replaced, just need to pull the 4 bolts, remove the cylinder and reseal it.
The only thing you need to remember is that solenoid is a saftey device so you wont shift from high to low with the tranny in gear.

Sorry, I forgot to add the picture when I first posted, here it is.

mbrummal · 10-29-2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaron155

I found a diagram that I was going to post for you all that view this thread for future reference but I can't find the diagram now so I will try to explain this.

There is a shift lockout solenoid on the transfer case. It is a safety device to ensure you don't shift it at the wrong time. Most of us know what to do so those of us that do know how to shift into low range and at what time and in what gear (n) can remove the solenoid plunger.

The solenoid is located on the rear portion of the transfer case and on top of the transfer case. It is to the rear of the shift linkage for the high and low range. It is a round housing with one bolt on either side, two bolts total. You will also see two wires going in to it or just off to the side of it. remove the two bolts and pull the solenoid out. Then grind off the plunger or hack saw it off. Install the solenoid and your done with that part.

You have to do this from inside the Rover and having the center console removed along with the plate that the shifters are attached to. The plate is held on by 13 rivets, you have to drill those and replace them when you re-assemble the console.

Also the E brake handle needs to be mostly straight up to get the console out so you most likely will need to unhook the cable from the handle.

Hope this will help anyone who has been stuck in either high or low range and can't shift your Discovery.

As I understand it, Rover started with the lockout solenoid in the states in 93 so all Discos should have them.

Please be sure your shift linkage and or shift handle is not froze up before you go to the solenoid. My D1 was frozen up at the shift handle housing and I was able to free it up with some penetrating oil and a little impact force from a rubber mallet. Be careful not to break anything when you do this.

The 04 D2s have the solenoid on the shifter assembly, not the transfer case.