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Furniss · 07-31-2013, 03:46 PM

2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara -- When setting up the Jeep to be towed the instructions state to put the transmission in neutral then shift the transfer case to neutral. It takes a lot of pressure to move the transfer case shifter from 2H to Neutral. I am concerned that I will damage the shifter cable. Has anyone else had this problem ? If so what is the fix?

Walter

Rocky68D · 07-31-2013, 03:58 PM

My '06 Rubicon's transfer case lever is stiff on occasion but it's more when I come out of N to 2H. I don't know enough about the internal workings to know why but there are a couple jeep forums that might be able to help you better.
Here's one I look at when I have a question.

JeepForum.com - Jeep & Off-Road Discussion Community

Keith

justaroamer · 07-31-2013, 04:27 PM

This should be a "synchronization" issue. Usually turning engine on and shifting to DRIVE and the REVERSE, letting the vehicle move a bit will help you. Same thing when disconnecting the toad, if you can't get the gears to mesh, try physically moving/rocking the vehicle and the gears will sync and no excessive force should be needed. You should "feel" the gear mesh/sync when in proper position and it should be smooth and no force needed.

CampDaven · 07-31-2013, 05:18 PM

As I move my Wrangler up to be hitched, I slide it into 4H. After hitching, it slides into N nicely.

jdr159 · 07-31-2013, 08:49 PM

I have a 2013 Sahara and Rocky and 'justaroamer' have it right. Keep your engine running, WITH YOUR TRANSMISSION IN GEAR. next move your transfer case shifter from 4H to 4L, THEN neutral. IF you experience any grinding or strong resistance to making any of these moves,STOP and let the clutch out (or move 1-2" in an auto) to let all the gears engage. The problem is that there are no synchronizers in the transfer case so you need to 'bump' gears to align sometimes.

JMonroe · 08-01-2013, 09:09 AM

You may find it will loosen up a bit too with time and age.

Redridge · 08-01-2013, 08:44 PM

Do not force the transfer case into any of it's position... The connection of the cable to the gear is made of plastic... This is a known issue and I would buy a few of those plastic connectors, they are very cheap and a broken connector will def leave you stranded somewhere.

Furniss · 08-02-2013, 02:07 PM

Thanks to all who replied to my Hard shifting transfer case post. After a trip to our local Jeep dealer and instruction from Zack, my problem seems to be solved. Zack's instructions include , the motor running while shifting the transfer case to neutral. The manual states to shut down the motor. Also to hold the shifter all the way to the right when shifting out of 2H to neutral. Hold the foot brake down while shifting. It works for me. I also purchased 4 spare shifter cable bushes just in case.

Rocky68D · 08-02-2013, 02:35 PM

So, have you tried it Zack's way and how did it work? I find the comment about holding the lever to the right interesting as mine has no side to side play at all.
Keith

Furniss · 08-02-2013, 04:24 PM

RockyD68 Yes Zack's way works for me. Our jeep is a 2013 Wrangler Sahara w/ Automatic trans. It has a straight slot for the shifter to travel through the positions. The first time Zack shifted from 2H to N it went very smoothly so I tried his way and had the same results. I will post further results after our next trip.

Walter

Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376 · 08-03-2013, 06:24 PM

There's also a plastic clip that breaks quite often. It' located under the car near the transfer case. DO a search on any wrangler forum and you'll find a thread about it.

Furniss · 08-04-2013, 08:49 AM

Rick. Yes I read about the plastic clip that will break if you try to force the transfer case to shift. The staff at our local Jeep dealership stated that this is not a problem with the 2013 Sahara. Yes I believe them but I still purchased four clips to have for spares.