Hey all. Bought my D2 a year ago.

Went on a drive last weekend and when I tried to shift out of high gear I couldn't. Felt like something was blocking the transfer case from shifting out of high. After letting the truck cool down a bit it slid right into low without any problems. Did a little research and read this is a classic symptom of a transfer box interlock solenoid going out. Anyone have any experience with this? Does it sound like the solenoid is my issue? Anything else I should look into?

Assuming it is the interlock solenoid, how difficult is it to replace? Reading the RAVE manual it sounds like I can throw it on a lift and remove the old one pretty easily but I've also read other things that make it sound like a big project.

Any help is appreciated! Pic of the pretty lady below during a trip to Mojave National Preserve in California.

 

did you try moving into low while in neutral and the car rolling (forward or back) a little bit? often requires some movement to get things to line up and shift smoothly.

 

Yep, I tried engaging low while in neutral from a standstill and also with a slight roll as you mentioned. When the truck was hot it didn't want to budge out of high. I couldn't even get the transfer case to shift into neutral. As soon as the truck cooled down I was able to shift into low gear without any issues at all.

I guess I should also note this wasn't my first time trying to shift into low. I've taken the truck on several trips and have used my low gear a handful of times without any previous issues, hot or cold.

 

My truck had the same problem - if it was hot it wouldn't shift into low. Cold was no problem. Over time it wouldn't ever work. I did a delete and never looked back. I went in through the top - under the shifter in the cab. You have to drill out the rivets in a panel, then put new rivets in or replace them with sheet metal screws. Small hands help, but I managed with big meat mittens anyway. It's really not too bad.

 

When you say delete are you talking about deleting the solenoid altogether? Or something else?

 

Yeah, t-rex means delete it all together. I have this on the list for mine.

I agree with him about going through the top as well. I had to re-wire one of the 02 sensor connections and this was the easiest way. Wish I had known then my interlock solenoid was bad. Good access once the tunnel cover is removed. As a small bonus, you will probably make at least 25¢ in loose change you find.

When I re-installed the tunnel cover I put riv-nuts in it and used machine bolts, but sheet metal screws or rivets also work.

 

Like sqlbullet said, removal. I've had mine out for a long time and I've not once bumped it out of gear. Remove the 4 bolts, the solenoid pops out, RTV the cap and replace it.