Cannot shift from 4H to 4L

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Sep 8, 2018 | 02:05 AM

ReconDoc83

Thread Starter

Mudding

Joined: Sep 2018

Posts: 231

Likes: 14

From: Kentucky

Cannot shift from 4H to 4L

2000 Disco2 V8 SD:

I am a new LR owner...so it is quite possible that I am a complete idiot when it comes to some of the questions I am going to be asking...so please bare that in mind when responding.

I have followed the instructions in the owners manual; I have tried the “alternative” process in the owners manual.

I can’t get the damned thing to budge from 4H; won’t move at all....tips, tricks, something I’m not doing right?

thanks

Doc

Sep 8, 2018 | 05:08 AM

naivedisco2

Mudding

Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 101

Likes: 10

From: South Carolina

Odds are good that your shift interlock solenoid is dead / jammed from not being used for the last 18 years. It's a huge pain, but you can get to it by removing your entire center console area. There are write-ups around somewhere that detail the process. That's what I had to do. Supposedly a handful of people were able to remove / replace it from below, but I can't see how that's possible, as the parts are on TOP of the transfer case, covered up with wires and cables.

You could also have a jammed up shift linkage, especially if your Disco has rust or corrosion all over. You might be able to try to lubricate it from below as a first attempt. Good luck, welcome to Land Rovers!!! I started with a Disco 2-3 years ago, now my wife drives a P38 and I'm working on a Range Rover Classic as well!

Sep 8, 2018 | 07:38 PM

ReconDoc83

Thread Starter

Mudding

Joined: Sep 2018

Posts: 231

Likes: 14

From: Kentucky

Are there any pictures of the process or the solenoid so I know what I am looking for?

Sep 9, 2018 | 02:40 PM

Richard Gallant

Camel Trophy

Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 3,813

Likes: 1,331

From: Mission BC Canada

Well you can lie underneath on the passenger side and lookup near the back of the transmission, you can see the cable from there. If you get a can of spray lubricant you can hit the area of the cable and nipple, you might get lucky and get it move. If you do repeat the process 4 or 5 times and then shift up and down a bunch time s to get things freed up

Sep 9, 2018 | 03:46 PM

OffroadFrance

Baja

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 5,845

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From: Near Bordeaux, France

It sounds familiar as the low gear is rarely used, the mechanism is probably rusted solid. There is a very slow procedure for changing into the low gear transfer box. Initially spray the mechanism with penetrating oil and leave for 24 hours and then respray again and wait for a few hours then try changing gear whilst moving very slowly, say 5-8mph in N neutral autobox.

Sep 9, 2018 | 06:41 PM

Best4x4

Super Moderator

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 7,983

Likes: 2,496

From: Beaumont, TX

On a 2000 D2 the interlock solenoid is mounted on the top of the Transfer Case just behind the E-Brake Drum assembly. If you remove the E-Brake assembly and you use a short 1/4 ratchet with a an 8mm socket you can remove the 4 screws that hold the interlock solenoid into place. You will also need to remove the 10mm bolt that secures the Hi/Low cable to the TC. Then you can simply lift the interlock solenoid up and out after you unplug it.

If you don’t have a rusty D2 I doubt it’s the cable. It’s most likely the interlock solenoid. Since you have a 2000 the chances are good you have the CDL nipple so I’d invest in an 04 CDL linkage, and while you were installing it you could remove the interlock solenoid from the TC. The 03-04 4hi/N/4lo assemblies have the interlock solenoid mounted on the assembly itself vs on the TC. Then just make a little blank plate out of some steel or aluminum and RTV it and mount it in place of the original interlock solenoid. Then just plug in the 03-04 interlock solenoid in and your done.