transfer case shifting from hi to lo
 

1997 disco automatic. I have taken out my center console and figured out that the shifter is not stuck. I can move it back and forth to lock the diffs but can't shift to lo. I can see the linkage try to move but it will not move the hi/lo selector shaft. What am I missing? I have tried it in neutral, stopped and moving slowly. I searched the strings and did all the normal checks that I read about. What about the shiftlock(couldn't find a thread on it)? I am going to trace the wires and see if that could be the problem. Any suggestions would really be appreciated. I am new to Land Rovers -- was a SAAB guy. Thanks in advance.

There are 2 common problems that will keep it from shifting.
1-the linkage is seized from lack of use.
2-the soleinoid is bad.

Lube the hell out of the linkage, work it, lube it, work it some more.
If that does not work then just remove the soleinoid, it is ontop of the t-case and you need to remove the center console to get to it.
Make sure you put the cover back onto the t-case when you are done.

I am sure there is someone with pics who can post them.

I searched (before) but didn't find information on that solenoid. It just made sense to me that it could be the issue. The center console is already out. The linkage is free and I took the bottom cover off to check the condition of the gears. It is cold here in the northeast and I am limited due to the weather. Hey look....It is snowing. Again! Of course I buy a fixer upper that doesn't fit in my garage ;-) THANK YOU for letting me know I am on the right track. I have done so much so far. This will be a new truck by summer.

I would just unplug the solenoid and forget it, I would do it to my truck even though it works just to prevent the problem in the future but I dont want to rip out the center console.

I can just unplug it? Doesn't the solenoid have to be energized to release the shifter? I had the Disco in neutral with the ingnition on and off with no difference. Hmm... Doesn't seem to easy to replace with the case installed. I might have to wait until the ground thaws before I can pull the case out. Would be another reason to pull it out for resealing. This is one lucky Disco. It is gunna get a total overhaul by the time I am done with it! Thank you again.

No you cant just unplug it, you have to remove it.
It wont let you shift into lo, it is a safety device so you dont explode your t-case while driving 80mph on the highway.

Remove it and you can become a expert on replacing t-cases if your not careful.

No you dont need to remove the t-case to remove the solenoid.
You dont need to remove the t-case to reseal it either, the front and rear seals and the bottom seal can all be done with it in the truck.

Thanks for your help. I am going to check the wiring first to confirm the solenoid is bad. If that is the case I'll pull it out for now. I am the only driver so I'll just be careful until I put a new one in. My next chore is cc.

Diff Lock Low
 

The diff lock is nice, but I found in the snow that diff lock low is no better and may be worse than diff lock high. In low the wheels break loose and spin easier. I suppose if you were climbing mountains low might be nice, but I haven't needed it, although everyone should exercise it once in a while to keep it working.

Just a reminder to people ... Do not drive on dry pavement with the diff locked. Offroad or snow only, and keep it under 40.

I just tried to post pictures to help others but lost my post in the process... If someone out there wants pics or info on what I did, just message me.

The solenoid turned out to be faulty. I jumped it directly to a 12v source with no response. And there is voltage in the leads when it is in neutral. Before I removed the sol I could lock the differential in Hi but could not shift it into Lo. It now shifts easily (into Lo) without trouble. Two bolts snapped on the sol cover. The previous person used some really strong sealant on the bolt threads. Spike, I guess I will become an expert in removing these anyway. Oh, well. One suggestion for others who want to remove the plastic center console. Loosen the Ebrake adjuster bolt under the car and remove the pin connecting the cable to the lever. This allows the lever to move freely so the console can be moved back and up.