2012 outdoorsman 4x4 issues

[Caveman45506]

I have a 2012 outdoorsman. Got stuck in deep snow, was in 4x4 hi. Put in 4low, 4x4 high and 4low lights flashed then they stopped. Now it will not engage in any range. Checked the actuator plugs on both transfer case and front axle, both are still plugged in. Jacked up front end and spun front driveshaft while holding rear shaft, can feel that nothing seems broken inside. Any help is appreciated.

Truck is bone stock.

 

[smithwessn]

Not sure which transfer case you have, but the auto 4wd case (44-44) is notorious for over heating.

My 12 outdoorsman has the 44-45 case and I had a similar issue. I was wheeling in 4lo at an offroad park. All of a sudden I got the "service 4wd" message on the dash and had nothing. No 4 hi, no 4 low. No visible damage to any connectors, wires, etc. A few hours later, everything started working again. Its been fine since. I wonder if it just got too hot and the computer shut the 4wd down to prevent damage. If you were stuck in a deep snow, maybe things were getting toasty. Give it a few hours to cool down and try it again.

 

[Caveman45506]

Thanks for the reply.
I figured it out. When I shifted to 4low I hit the neutral button and didn’t realize it.

 

[smithwessn]

Ah, well I'm glad nothing was broken!

 

[jws123]

Glad it was something simple. However future reference if anyone gets the service 4wd bs un hook battery for 10 mins and try again 90% of the time it fixes it Jeeps do it to.

 

[smithwessn]

Glad it was something simple. However future reference if anyone gets the service 4wd bs un hook battery for 10 mins and try again 90% of the time it fixes it Jeeps do it to.

I'll keep that in mind. Going back to rausch creek in June and my confidence in the truck's 4wd system is a bit rattled. Its been fine all winter, but that isn't the same as hard wheeling in 4lo all day. After the light came on and I lost 4x4, I could still hear clicking when I tried engaging it. If it happens again, I'll definitely try the battery trick. Thanks for the tip!