I have a 04 wtih what seems to be a frozen CDL shifter. Is there any tricks on how to free it up? I have sprayed copious amounts of penetrating oil on the linkage under the truck but cant get it to break free.

 

First lets clarify something. When you say CDL do you mean the actual CDL linkage or are you having issues with going from 4Hi to N, and 4Lo? The reason I ask is the 4Hi, N, and 4Lo has an interlock solenoid located on the actual shifter assembly and it can fail. If it's just the CDL not engaging then the cable that activates it is either frozen, or there could be a possible issue with the TC itself.

Another thing that I have seen happen is debris can get into the small opening under the leather shift boot if the boot gets holes in it. Then that can jam up the shifter linkages.

 

I looked to see if something was in the boot itself and didn't see anything. The shifter is in 4hi and can be moved to the left the lock position. When I try to move it up towards the N or Low position it will not budge. Thanks for any advice to help fix this issue.

 

I don't know the '04 at all, but unless the '04 has a different transfer case shift pattern to the earlier years, that doesn't sound like it has to do with the CDL cable, but rather with the high/low mechanism shift arm.
Normally the lever should not be able to move into any other position without first shifting the transmission into neutral and then shifting the t-case lever into neutral. You shouldn't be able to just move it to the left.
It sounds like you might have to remove the central console to be able to fix an alignment issue with the shift mechanisms.

 

Look into the solenoid in the shift assy and related circuit. Mine developed the same issue. Replaced the x,y,z switch due to S&M lights and limp mode. That cured my H/L shift problem.
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100% positive it's your interlock solenoid. If it's INOP you will be stuck in 4Hi as it won't pull the rod back to allow you to shift into N or 4Lo. Your CDL Diff Lock is working properly.

Good news is you have an 04 vs an earlier 99-02 so the interlock solenoid is actually on the 4wd selector linkage vs on the actual transfer case. You'll have to remove the center console, drill out the rivets to fully access it, but you can bypass it or replace it much easier vs 99-02 models.

 

The issue has been fixed, thanks to all that have helped with it. Kind of embarrassed on what solved the problem. I just needed to know the right way to engage the CDL. Thanks again

 

Isn't there a decal near the shift lever indicating the process for shifting?

 

To shift into N or 4Lo you must have PRND321 in the N position before it'll go from 4Hi, N, and 4Lo. CDL will engage in 4Hi or 4Lo and the indicator should illuminate on the gauge cluster.

 

Yes but not the finest sample of intuitive stickers.
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