STOP!

If your FJ is actually in 4WD mode, regardless of where the transfer case lever is, DO NOT DRIVE IT ON PAVEMENT!!

In FJ Cruisers, the 4WD system used in conjunction with an automatic transmission is a PART TIME 4WD system, and can be used ONLY on "low traction" surfaces (like dirt, gravel, snow, etc.) that will allow a little wheel slippage that relieves driveline binding. Continues driving on high-traction surfaces, regardless of speed, can create severe driveline binding that can eventually damage the transfer case, driveshaft U-joints, and possibly the differentials. Since there is no center differential in this system, there is no way to "relieve" the torsional stresses resulting from the front and rear wheels traveling different distances when turning.

I think it is possible that in your recent encounter with snow, you did drive for some period of time on a high-traction surface, and the resulting driveline binding is what is preventing your transfer case from shifting out on LOW range.

Jack up the front end, so both tires are off the ground, (which will relieve any driveline binding) and see if you can shift the transfer case out of LOW range.

If this works, Google "part-time 4WD systems" and get an understanding of why these systems cannot be driven on high-traction surfaces, and what "driveline binding" is.

 

@FJtest

Thanks for the info. A buddy and I were able to get the tension off by rolling slowly and swerving and it popped back into High. I stopped for gas and went back to put it in gear and high gears were gone?

I’m back home now, had to get towed home and will bring to a shop to see what they say.

Thanks for your help.

 

You may be beyond this but you can only get in and out of 4WD Low when you are in Neutral or Park.

TT

 

Let me make sure I understand the sequence of events:

1. Drove in 4WD LOW range for some time on a snowy road (unspecified distance on high-traction surface), and afterward driveline was "bound-up" and transfer case could not be shifted out of LOW range.

2. After some manipulation, transfer case was able to be shifted into HIGH range, and vehicle drove normally.

3. After some period of driving, you stopped for gas.

4. After filling the tank and restarting the engine, "the high gears were gone".

Can you define exactly what you mean by "the high gears were gone"? You put the transmission shift lever into "D" range and applied throttle, but there was no drive to the rear wheels?

Are you ABSOLUTELY sure that you didn't accidentally bump the transfer case lever into the "N" position, or into some intermediate position other than H2?

 

Bud,

I do hope you come back and update us on the problem/solution. We all learn from this forum, no matter if it's something you did/didn't do. Let us know.
And you have FJtest willing to help you figure it out. If you stay around here for a while, you will see that he can be a world of knowledge as well as the rest of the room.

And welcome to the show.

 

I have a 2008 fj cruiser I went to the dealership so they can refil the Dif and check & gres the driveline

They noticed my 4×4 was leaking from the sills but the car drove ok

So I told them to proceed to fix it and do some clean up

When I received the car the VSC Off light was on with the 4×4 green light

I told them to but it back to H2 they try with no luck it can go to H2 and these lights still remain on

They managed to turn off all the light and engaged H2 after they pull the Center console and and work under the 4×4 lever

but after I drove away the car hit a small hole on the road and i heard a bang sound and the VSC Off & the 4×4 came back and want turn off

 

Take it back.

 

They are closed I will tomorrow

but I drove it on the highway without knowing that it's not good to drive on the highway