I've got an 89 Cherokee, bought for the winter, but my 4WD doesn't work, as when I lift the lever it puts itself into "Part Time" mode (according to the console) and won't lift past the first notch (4WD high, I believe). Any thoughts as to what could be causing it before I take it to a mechanic?

how do you know that the 4wd isnt engaged? the light will say part-time 4wd wether in 4high or 4 low.

to shift into 4wd low, you have to move the 4wd shifter to the right 1/4" and then back into 4wd low. ....keep in mind you can only engage & disengage 4wd while under 25mph - if you listen close enough you can hear the front diffrential and gearbox change when engaging & disengaging 4wd modes.

Yeah, nah, the thing of it is that the front tires don't spin when stuck on a hill in the snow, that sort of thing. 4WD definitely isn't engaged... I used to own an 85 Cherokee with working 4WD, so I know how it's supposed to work.

The way I always check the 4WD is to jack up the Vechile with all4 wheels off the ground with jack stands and start the Jeep and put in drive and move your 4wd selector. Check the linkage and see if it engages. If iam right your year is vacum activated look for vacum leaks and check the engagment mechanisim on the Diff.

if the 4wd shifter won't move back..... could possibly be the linkage to the transfer case.

if the 4wd shifter won't move back..... could possibly be the linkage to the transfer case.

I just replaced the transfer case on my 88. It was not hard to do at all. Took a bit of time but in all easy other then finding the part. My TC is a 242 (has 2wd -p/t 4 hi-f/t 4 hi- and 4 lo). I found prices anywhere from $150 - $850. The place I got mine was in Waterloo IA for $150.00. He was willining to ship it to me for an additional $24.00.

Pat's Auto Salvage 1-877-232-0704