WTF! I was on my way home from work this evening when I decided to take a detour and take my clean JK in to the wet clay and mud for a few minutes. I started getting a lot of wheel slip and decided that I would be better off in 4Hi. JK hanlded great, I had some quick fun and when it was all set and done, decided it was time to go home. I went to put it back into 2H and the t-case shifter was completely loose. It fails to engage anything except 4Lo. I had to drive home at 8 MPH. Luckily i was only a few miles away.

Anyone have any suggestions to what this is or how I can get it fixed. Is this common?

Thanks in advance- Mo

 

So I'm the only one with this problem?

 

It's common. The plastic retainer for the cable breaks where it connects to the t-case lever. A few have broken at the lever under the console.
New retainer is about 25 cents from the dealer. 68064273AA is the little part you need for the end at the t-case.
In an emergency you can get underneath and move the lever to 2hi by hand.
You can also reattach the cable and hold it on with a zip-tie.

Look here https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/stock-jk-tech-12/4-wheel-drive-cable-breaks-100876/
And here https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/stock-jk-tech-12/stuck-4h-%7E-ugh-100401/

Here is a pic I found on the internet showing how to apply the zip-tie.

 

Thanks. Is there any way to prevent this from happening again?

 

First thing is be easy on the lever. If it doesn't go easy, things are not lined up and more force won't help. It will just break the retainer.

I was just looking for a thread that showed how a guy made a metal retainer that threads on with a bolt. His will not break again. I can't find it right now, but if you search, you'll see it.

 

Thanks ronjenx! Thanks to your advice I was able to get my JK rolling in 2H. I'll be taking it to the stealership on Monday and immediately using the ziptie mod! That's the reason I keep coming back to this site.

 

Good to hear you have it fixed... I had this and I was scared sh..less as it happened to me at 2k miles...

 

Just thinking out loud here, but I've read about this recurring problem on many Forums, regarding the broken Plastic Bushing. Seems to be a major thorn in the side, when shifting the transfer case. It's almost like a roll of the dice, whether you're going to get stranded somewhere or not, when shifting into 4-Lo or 4-Hi. Has anyone figured out a Sure-Fire-Fix for this, other than carrying spare Bushings or Cotterpins around?

You know, it's funny (not comical funny, but strange, odd, hinky, etc....), but my wife has a 2008 Suzuki SX4 Crossover 4-Banger, which has AWD. Now, the car is in 2WD until you flip a Switch on the back of the Console, just to the right of the Emergency Brake. It has, "2WD", "AUTO", and "LOCK", positions on the switch.





Now, if something as simple as this small Switch can be made, why not a stronger piece of hardware to keep the Transfer Case Cable on our Jeeps more secure? I mean, "COM'ON! IT'S A JEEP! IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE IN 4WD!" Only, not "STUCK" in 4WD!

Anyone know if this issue is being worked on at Chrysler at all?

Thanks for any info you can provide!

Cheers!

BB

 

I have had a 5:04 am brain flash....I'll check today, I believe two 10 cent pieces and a drill bit might PERMANENTLY fix these cable ends. I'll post photos if it works.