It's been more than 12 years since I had a Jeep. I took my new Rubicon out in a muddy cow pasture and put it in 4 High. No problems. When I tried to put it in 4 Low, it made a grinding sound and wouldn't go in at first. I got it in, but it slipped out a couple of times. Finally got it to stay engaged. Then I tried to go back to 4 High, and it didn't want to go in either. It made a grinding sound and went in, only to slip out when I stopped in the creek. Got it back in and this time it stayed. What is the proper technique for changing between 2 X 4 and 4 X4? Thanks.

 

You should be moving a few mph when shifting into or out of 4 low. When shifting into or out of 4 low some grinding noise is normal and expected. Don't let the noise stop you. Use one solid swift motion. Try not to hesitate when shifting and it will make less noise.

 

Thanks. I didn't remember the Cherokees doing this. But then again, I'm a lot older now. Maybe I just forgot. I'd hate to think there's a problem that requires me to take it in to the dealer.

 

If you have an auto you need to put it into neutral as well, the owner’s manual says 3-4 mph.

 

So I make sure I'm rolling, pop it in N, and then put in in Low? What about when I want to go back to 4 High? Is it normal for it to pop out back into neutral?

 

Well, I just went out and played in the pasture again. We've had a lot of rain, so there's still standing water in a few places. Anyway, I put it in Neutral while still rolling and not only did it slip easily into 4 High, it went on into 4 Low! I was shocked! I put it back into 4 High, and it never once slipped out. Hopefully, I learned what it expects from me. Thanks.