Won't Shift out of 4H

[mechman]

I have a 98 Montero, and it will not shift out of 4H into 2H, The lever moves to the right position, but the lights in the dash are still blinking, and I don't feel the truck shifting out at all, does anyone have any suggestion on what the problem could be.

[blupajero]

Did you tried backing up? When I have this problem, it's because the front hubs are not released. Backing up for about 100 feet will unlock them.

[mechman]

I have backed the vehicle up, but not for 100 feet, I will try that and see if it gives me results. if that does the trick does that mean that my automatic hubs are not working properly, and that I should replace them?

[blupajero]

Not really. They sometimes like to do this. Sometimes, the shift lever get stuck and won't shift from gear. You just have to take out the shifter and put it back again (not your case). I guess they do this to mess a little with us...

[elreydeespana123]

ok this is super simple...after you shift into or out of a different gear in the monteros, if the light keeps flashing, just lightly pump the gas pedal a few times until it goes away. Nothing is wrong with your car, and it is switching out of 4H, lights just keep blinking...no biggie

[seabird]

Originally Posted by elreydeespana123

ok this is super simple...after you shift into or out of a different gear in the monteros, if the light keeps flashing, just lightly pump the gas pedal a few times until it goes away. Nothing is wrong with your car, and it is switching out of 4H, lights just keep blinking...no biggie

I have a similar issue (on a Montero 1995 LS automatic with 130k miles) and have tried many of the remdedies suggested. However ther does seem to be a problem - last night I drove the car about 8 miles with the flashing front wheels indicator. When I put the car in the garage it smelled VERY hot. I am not sure I would want to go on driving it like this. Any further thoughts? Of course now it has cooled down, I will do the back and forth and other tricks. Will also check the tranny fluid. Seems like good sense anyhow!

Thanks in advance, and thanks to previous posters,

I;ll let y;all know what happens

[off-roader]

I assume those of you with this problem are still running your stock automatic hubs right? Have you ever had them serviced/lubricated? They do go bad.

Alternatively, I've heard the sensors sometimes go bad but I don't think this will be the case based on your comment about it not seeming to disengage.

HTH.