4wd shifting

[rcan1015]

Hello,
I have a 1998 full size Montero with 62,000 miles on it. I recently bought it and have a few questions--that my local dealer does not seem to be able to answer.

I have tried shifting from 2H to 4H while driving down the road at about 15 to 20 mph. Sometimes it shifts smoothly into 4H and other times it takes many tries because it feels like gears are not meshing. Often it has a grinding noise (I back off and try again). Some times it passes quickly thru the 4H and goes to 4Hc (center diff lock) and then I back it up into 4H.

Is this normal for the Montero?

Any help would be appreciated.

Richard

[off-roader]

Originally Posted by rcan1015

Hello,
I have a 1998 full size Montero with 62,000 miles on it. I recently bought it and have a few questions--that my local dealer does not seem to be able to answer.

I have tried shifting from 2H to 4H while driving down the road at about 15 to 20 mph. Sometimes it shifts smoothly into 4H and other times it takes many tries because it feels like gears are not meshing. Often it has a grinding noise (I back off and try again). Some times it passes quickly thru the 4H and goes to 4Hc (center diff lock) and then I back it up into 4H.

Is this normal for the Montero?

Any help would be appreciated.

Richard

Hmmm, I'm not sure with the 98's but with my 90, I shift it when stopped and in neutral just to be safe. Of course mines' set up and used for off roading versus a daily driver.

[Johnniej_sr]

Originally Posted by rcan1015

Hello,
I have a 1998 full size Montero with 62,000 miles on it. I recently bought it and have a few questions--that my local dealer does not seem to be able to answer.

I have tried shifting from 2H to 4H while driving down the road at about 15 to 20 mph. Sometimes it shifts smoothly into 4H and other times it takes many tries because it feels like gears are not meshing. Often it has a grinding noise (I back off and try again). Some times it passes quickly thru the 4H and goes to 4Hc (center diff lock) and then I back it up into 4H.

Is this normal for the Montero?

Any help would be appreciated.

Richard

Richard your problem from my experience in Monteros is normal. That smooth shifting is normal, the differential sometimes couples easily and sometimes it takes longer. Many factors include, driving, speed, type of terrain. But remember NOT to shift into 4Hc on normal pavement. If you have your drivers manual it will be self explanatory. This mode is only for loose terrain, gravel, mud, ect. You can shift in and out of 4H with ease but as I recall Select Track II which is equiped on your Montero (Please check) is only up to 40mph.


Hope this helped.

JJ