Have a 2004 Discovery II. After not having used the transfer case in a while, I decided to "exercise" the transfer case linkages knowing that they have a tendency to stick. Well, it turns out she sure is out of shape because no matter how much I shove, push, pull, and bribe the lever it does not come back to hi unlocked. I've rolled forward, I've rolled backward, I've rolled my eyes back too. I can lock the differential to the left but either locked or unlocked, I can't pull back. I also don't want to bend or break the lever either...

I know it's a common problem and many fingers point the blame at the linkage solenoid. But as far as I have read the only solenoid on the 2004 is on the linkage itself. I've attached a picture that I believe shows this isn't where it's getting stuck anyways. I know my transfer case is good. The only other part that I can't feel with my hand (but blasted as best I could with deep creep) would be the end of the cable on the transfer case and the bracket that turns the nut.

Anyone with an 04 experience this, and what did you do to fix it?

 

My first guess would be seized linkage/cable.

 

Try this get moving about 5 mph, then take your foot off gas, pop the Disco in neutral wait about 10 seconds and start applying firm rearward pressure. With luck it will pop out of low and into hi.

If that does not work you can see the connection from the rear of the disco looking forward past the e-brake drum, it is awkward but you can see it.

 

That's the solenoid right there - looks to me like it's in the out position keeping you from shifting. Get a helper and climb under there while they put the transmission (foot securely on the brake!) in neutral and see if it retracts or if it moves at all.