I believe my solenoid is not working as I have disassembled and lubed my cable, installed a new CDL linkage and still can’t get low range to engage. Is the solenoid easily accessible from the top through the transmission tunnel plate? Any idea how much a new solenoid would cost? I looked on lucky8 but didn’t see one listed.

 

You can remove the solenoid from inside. It's a pain, but doable. Most of us just remove the solenoid and call it a day....

 

Mine was unable to shift into low. After changing the XYZ switch due to S&M/limp it was no longer locked out of going into low.

Not necessarily recommending a XYZ would be a fix but may be worth checking the solenoids control circuit.
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I've got a sticky solenoid on mine - the hotter the engine the less likely it will shift into low. Cold engine it will shift almost every time.

 

Yes, Classic example of a failing solenoid. Mine did the same. Wasn't long before cold shift wouldn't work either...

 

If it works without the solenoid, what is the purpose of it? I am having the same problem and considering getting rid of it. Thanks.

 

Keeps it from being bumped into N or god forbid 4lo at 80MPH while in gear...

 

It's a safety feature that basically all cars have now also. So a person can't knock the vehicle into neutral with the engine off. The transfer case over rides the transmission.

 

Most other 4wd’s that don’t use an interlock solenoid have a shift pattern. On the LR it’s just straight up and down & without the solenoid to hold it into place it would be very easy to bump or just pop out of gear.

I prefer the setup on the 03 Linkage/04 CDL linkage where the solenoid is externally mounted vs 94-02 where it’s actually mounted on the TC.

 

Who are we kidding?? Almost all vehicles built today are electronically switched into four wheel on the dash?? lol