4WD LOW

Hi to all

As I am planing to buy my 1st jimny, i came across this site. I liked it and subscribed couple of days ago.

I would like to post a question on the forum asking to elaborate on:

FAQ>BUYING A JIMNY>
"Gently drive forward in 4WD Low Ratio. Try a gentle steer from left to right. The steering should be stiff and juddery, if it is not then the 4WD is not working. "

I came across 2001 soft top, low milage Jimny on Fri
when followed the suggested inspections, the car seem to be absolutely fine
but, when checking the L4wd the steering (as described above), the steering was soft as in 2wd.

I assumed the 4wdL is not working

the seller and the garage, however, insisted there is nothing wrong with it???

I'd appreciate your advise

Thanks

Get the garage to show you the following:

1. Start the engine (you have to start the engine to get the vacuum working) 2. Put the Gearbox in NEUTRAL 3. Put the transfer box in 4WD low.
4. STOP THE ENGINE.
5. Put the Gearbox in 1st Gear

At this point, because 4wd is engaged and everything is stopped and locked together in gear, jack up one front wheel only, it should NOT be possible to turn the wheel by hand (they will move a bit due to slack in the system). Try this with the other wheel as well. If the wheel turns fully then 4WD has not engaged properly and they need to sort it out. Whilst you have the wheels jacked up give the wheels a rock to see if the bearings are ok as well.

Martin

Hi Martin
thanks for the swift reply
these steps seem as quite easy to follow
however, should the steering feel normal on 4wdL, ?
cheers

It will feel the same when standing still but when rolling slowly and turning to lock you will feel the tyres scrubbing and the diff trying to lock up but take care only do it for a short distance or you risk locking the diffs/boxes up or causing damage.

If you start the engine and let it idle, wind the window down and listen, when you pull the small lever back into 4wd, you will hear "CLACK-CLACK" as the hubs lock, and the green 4wd light will come on and stay on.

When you move the lever back to 2wd, you hear "click-click*" as the hubs unlock, and the light goes out.

If you don't hear anything, the hubs are not working.

*weaker and higher pitch, almost a "ping-ping"

Also if they are reluctant to help you out and check it etc... Walk away or haggle hard, fixing it if its not the end of the world but there are plenty to choose from out there.