I just bought my first land rover! Its a 97 discovery I bought for 1k. The main problem is that the trans is stuck in 4H. All attempts to switch to 4L failed. The shifter feels "gummy" and will move from side to side. The vehicle has been sitting for 1 month. There has been a cold snap in VA but I doubt if the cold would freeze it up. Thanks in advance for any replies!

 

The cars has to be moving forward at creeping speed (up to 5 mph) in order to be able to change transfer case gears.

 

This may help you
http://home.twcny.rr.com/eeibooks/ro...codifflock.htm

 

DuplinDisco has the answer. Just do not force it, it will break.

 

First of all, it is not the tranny that is stuck, it is the t/case.
Seond it can because the linkage is frozen, if so don't force it. If it is not the linkage, then it is either a switch on the tranny that is not releasing when the tranny is in neutral or the solenoid that the trannsy switch is supposed to release the t/case so you can shift into low range.
Either way, if you are not familar with it, you shouldn't try to fix it, get it to a small Rover shop and let them deal with it.

 

DO NOT TRY AND FORCE IT.
You will cause some major damge to the t-case.
Not soemthing you want to deal with.
Like mike said, bring it somewhere if you arent sure what to do.

 

A '97 for $1000 bucks? Now that's a deal! I paid $3300 for mine a few months ago...
Of course, condition is everything.
Try "un-winding" your driveline by backing up slowly and then manipulating your TC lever. Is your Dif. locked? You should see an indicator light on your dash if it is. If your truck has been driven for any length of time with the Differential locked on dry ground or pavement you are looking at serious issues. Your $1000 truck will quickly become an average LR "Investment" if that TC lever is in the left position.
Never fear, it could simply be a sticky linkage (very common with Disco I's) or could escalate into a full blown Transfer case problem. Either way, you're in good shape. You can put a couple thousand into that Disco and still be lucky. Just be aware that you have to be able to do your own work. '97 Discos are relatively easy to work on. Don't be afraid to dive in, source your parts through the forums and never, never ever resort to the local stealership for help or advice. Independendent shops with LR experience are the way to go and are easily found.
Good luck and I hope you stay with the LR. You won't regret it.
HossH.

 

If the guy has some mechanical ability...don't you think he could do the second method listed on the page I posted? Its time consuming but not difficult.