4x4 stuck in 4HI

screwy: I have a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder which is new to me and recently have been trying the 4x4 out. I soon realized that it is not very easy to shift from 4HI back into 2HI. All the other 4x4 gears operate fine. Having owned other earlier model 4x4's in the past, I was under the assumption that shifting from 4HI to 2HI was something that you could do on the fly. Playing around with it a little, I do eventually get it back into 2HI, but there is no set way. It goes back sometimes by stopping, putting in R, shifting into 2HI, and then going into D; or by stopping, shifting into 4LO, driving, stopping, then shifting into 2HI. Sometimes (rarely) it will even go into 2HI by shifting back on the fly and then coming to a stop.....when I take my foot off the brake and go, its back in. An owners manual did not come with the vehicle. The bonehead took it when he traded it in. Any ideas?

Usually all you need to do is let off the gas to allow is to disengage. It's easier when you get a little speed up then quickly let off the gas. If it doesnt' want to shift back to 2Hi you can also take a sharp turn, that usually works when it is stubborn.

But you also might want to check all 4 tires for uneven wear or tire pressure. If there is any kind of diameter difference in your tires from front to back then the transfer case will have a hard time disengaging. This just happened to someone on another forum after they replaced a single tire with a new one.

Usually all you need to do is let off the gas to allow is to disengage. It's easier when you get a little speed up then quickly let off the gas. If it doesnt' want to shift back to 2Hi you can also take a sharp turn, that usually works when it is stubborn.

But you also might want to check all 4 tires for uneven wear or tire pressure. If there is any kind of diameter difference in your tires from front to back then the transfer case will have a hard time disengaging. This just happened to someone on another forum after they replaced a single tire with a new one.

Hey, thanks Lewisnc100. I think that you are right on. I have had this vehicle approx 3 weeks and the tires are in dire need of replacement. I have been shopping around for the last week and a half and finally ready to put another set on. During this time, the drivers rear tire has had a slow leak. I have been filling it up about once a week. From what you have informed me of, the chances are really high that this is my problem. I should have new tires by the end of next week and then I will face the moment of truth. Thanks man, Demps.

That's probably it, also you can get an owner's manual PDF file at Nissanusa.com for free, go to Owning and My Nissan and register. Once you sign in it will have your manual available for download.

That's probably it, also you can get an owner's manual PDF file at Nissanusa.com for free, go to Owning and My Nissan and register. Once you sign in it will have your manual available for download.

Thanks Lewisnc100, again you have saved me a ton of time and money. Also, I just got some new tires today but I haven't had a chance to test the 4x4 again. I got a set of Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo's. If I hadn't gotten such a good deal, there is no way that I could afford them. The deals are out there though. The next time you are looking for a set of tires, check them out. It's the best all-terrain tire on the market.
Hey, thanks again for the manual info.
Demps.