Not possible to engage 4L on 99 GR 2.8tdi

[OhBugger]

Well, the title says enough: i can't engage low gear. When i push down on the gearstick it doesn't go down so i can't shift to low.
Anyone else have this problem or knows what i'm doing wrong (since i'm a 4x4 newbie...)

[GUtsy ute]

Check the mechanism under the car, it could be seized from rust or full of mud.
Get someone to try the lever while you watch underneath.
Could be damaged also.
The selector rods could also be damaged or seized.
How long since 4low has been engaged?
Let us know what you find.

[growler2058]

You must be in neutral and stopped or going very very slow

[the ferret]

You might need to take the floor up and check that something hasn't fallen down around the gearstick.
Have you tried tapping it with a rubber mallet?
The linkage might need adjusting.
Cheers, the ferret.

[OhBugger]

When i tried i was standing still and had the car in N.
I heard from one of our mechanics on base that the previous owner got stuck in very salty mud, and didn't clean it for a while.
I'll check underneath...

[the ferret]

When i tried i was standing still and had the car in N.
I heard from one of our mechanics on base that the previous owner got stuck in very salty mud, and didn't clean it for a while.
I'll check underneath...

Very salty mud??? OHHHHHHH bugger.
Cheers, the ferret.

[OhBugger]

Very salty mud??? OHHHHHHH bugger.
Cheers, the ferret.

Yep, and they conveniantly failed to mention it...

[growler2058]

Wash Wash WAsh coupla cans of WD40 or similar and gentle tap on transfer with rubber mallet to try free up

[OhBugger]

Well, a couple of bangs and some wd40 solved the problem. Thanks guys!
I don't think the previous owners used 4L a lot...

[growler2058]

Beauty good to hear it wasn't anything worse


Tap tap drip drip

[AB]

Well, a couple of bangs and some wd40 solved the problem. Thanks guys!
I don't think the previous owners used 4L a lot...

Also mate, I would be getting your Patrol a full wash down, flush out everything underneath, inside the chassis, etc. Salty mud is no good!

[OhBugger]

They eventualy did that, but it was caked in mud foor more than a month. After the washdown they coated the underside in anti-rust, which seems nicely done. But i don't think they used 4L a lot, since it was stuck in place

[AB]

Good news mate. If you get a spare weekend though do it again so you knows it done properly though.