How to Switch Your Jeep From 2-Wheel Drive to 4-Wheel Drive

PDF download Download Article
Shift into 4-wheel drive high and low with these simple instructions
PDF download Download Article

One of the best parts about owning a Jeep is its 4-wheel drive that can take you offroad and onto bumpy, thrilling trails. But if you’re not sure how to take your Jeep out of 2-wheel drive and into 4-wheel drive, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how easy it is to shift into 4-wheel drive high and low using your Jeep’s transfer case shifter lever. The best part is that these instructions work for most Jeep models like the Wrangler, Cherokee, and Gladiator. Read on to get your Jeep into 4-wheel drive!

Things You Should Know

  • Find your Jeep’s transfer case shifter lever to the left of your car’s gear shift. The lever is labeled with “2H,” “4H,” “N,” and “4L.”
  • To put your Jeep in 4-wheel drive high, place it in park, or drive it under 40 mph (64 kph). Then, pull the transfer case shifter lever from “2H” down to “4H.”
  • To put your car in 4-wheel drive low, drive around 2 to 3 mph (3-5 kph). Put your car into neutral then pull the shifter lever down to “4L.”
  • Put your Jeep back in 2-wheel drive by driving around 2 to 3 mph (3-5 kph) and pushing the shifter lever all the way up to “2H.”

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

wH
Hi there! Do you have a question about how to diagnose or fix a problem with your car? I’ve read the manual so you don’t have to. Select your make, model, and year, then ask away!
*
*
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Putting Your Jeep in 4-Wheel Drive High

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your Jeep switches from 2-wheel drive to 4-wheel drive using the transfer case shifter lever. This is the lever next to the driver’s seat and to the left of your gear shift, or the lever that puts your car into park, drive, and reverse. You’ll know you’re looking at the transfer case shifter lever because it’ll have “2H,” “4H,” “N,” and “4L” written on the top of the lever. [1]
    • Most cars use 2-wheel drive, which is best for daily commuting on hard pavement. In 2-wheel drive, your car is only powering 2 wheels to move. This provides enough energy to get your other 2 wheels spinning.
    • 4-wheel drive high is great to use when roads are rainy, icy, or rocky. When your car gives power to all 4 tires, you have better traction and control. [2]
    • If you have a Jeep with part-time 4-wheel drive, only use 4-wheel drive high on slick, wet surfaces. Using it on dry ground can overheat your car.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To put your Jeep into 4-wheel drive high, your car needs to be on. Simply stick your key in the ignition to start your engine and leave your car in park. [3]
    • Or, drive your car under 40 mph (64 kph). The great thing about Jeeps is you can also switch to 4-wheel drive high as you’re driving. This comes in handy when roads become slick with rain or snow. [4]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Whether in park or cruising under 40 mph (64 kph), simply pull the transfer case shifter lever down to “4H.” A “4WD” signal on your dashboard should light up, confirming that your Jeep is now in 4-wheel drive high. [5]
    • Before shifting to “4H” while driving, take your foot off the gas. Not accelerating as you're shifting helps the transfer case shifter switch to 4-wheel drive quicker.
    • If your Jeep has a manual transition, press on the clutch pedal as you shift from “2H” to “4H.”
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Putting Your Jeep in 4-Wheel Drive Low

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When shifting into 4-wheel drive low, your car can’t be in park or moving at high speeds. Instead, it needs to be rolling slowly so the shifter gears can mesh together. To do this, just start your Jeep’s engine and drive very slowly, about 2 to 3 mph (3-5 kph). [6]
    • 4-wheel drive low is only used when you’re going slow but need more torque, or pulling power. You might need to drive over mud while hauling a trailer, or make a steep climb over rocks. Going into 4-wheel drive low gives you the power, traction, and control to carefully maneuver the terrain.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you’re at a slow roll, take your foot off the gas. Then, shift your car from drive to neutral. This helps you maintain the slow speed and prevents you from accidentally going faster. [7]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Quickly pull the shifter lever from “2H,” “4H,” “N,” and down to “4L.” When you successfully shift to 4-wheel drive low, your dashboard will light up with a warning that the electronic stability control is off. This automatically turns off when you’re in 4-wheel drive low to give you the control to drive offroad. [8]
    • For Jeeps with manual transitions, press on the clutch pedal as you pull the lever.
    • If your shifter lever sticks or resists going to “4L,” just put your car into drive and give it a little more gas. Then, put it back into neutral and pull the lever down.
    • Do not drive faster than 25 mph (40 kph) when in 4-wheel drive low. This mode is only meant for low speeds.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Going Back to 2-Wheel Drive

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Just like shifting into 4-wheel drive low, your car needs to be rolling at a low speed when you shift out of it. If you were driving, just press on the brakes to reduce your speed to about 2 to 3 mph (3-5 kph). [9]
    • If you’re starting from 4-wheel drive high instead of low, just push the shifter level up to “2H” while driving under 40 mph (64 kph). Or, put your car in park then push the lever up.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you reach a low speed, quickly put your car in neutral. Then, push up on the transfer case shifter lever to shift from “4L,” back to “N,” and finally to “4H.” [10]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Put-Jeep-in-4-Wheel-Drive-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To get back to 2-wheel drive from 4-wheel drive high, just push the transfer case shifter all the way up. The “4WD” light on your dashboard should turn off, showing you that your car successfully returned to 2-wheel drive. [11]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Open a Gas Tank
      Effective Methods to Make Your Car Roar
      How to
      Install a Rear View Camera
      How to
      Get a Tire Off a Rim
      How to
      Use Car Defrosters: A Guide to Mastering the Defrost Button
      How to
      Identify a Ford Motor
      How to
      Live in Your Car
      How to
      Adapt a Mousetrap Car for Distance
      How to
      Replace the Batteries in a Mercedes Key Fob
      Why Is Your Car Making Noises When You Start It?
      How to
      Adjust VW Idle Speed with a 34 PICT3 Carburetor
      How to
      Turn on Your Car Heater in 3 Easy Steps
      How to
      Find the Paint Color Code on Ford Vehicles
      How to
      Fight a Rental Car Damage Claim
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about car maintenance and repair, check out our in-depth interview with Nick Psaros .

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/G0tnvxpF9A0?t=44
      2. ↑ https://www.jeep.com/4x4/faq-and-glossary.html
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/G0tnvxpF9A0?t=159
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/LcVg-wQLRss?t=42
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/G0tnvxpF9A0?t=184
      6. ↑ https://www.jeep.com/4x4/faq-and-glossary.html
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/LcVg-wQLRss?t=71
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/G0tnvxpF9A0?t=285
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/LcVg-wQLRss?t=110
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/LcVg-wQLRss?t=111
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/St09oUGIa1U?t=101

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 85,167 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement