Electronic 4WD Shifter not letting me out of 4WD

[cannongeorge]

2004.5, 5.9, w/electronic transfer case selector. After shifting into 4WD High or Low, unable to shift back into 2WD. The 2WD light will flash, indicating unsatisfied condition to permit shifter to shift. Problem started about 3 years ago, after driving 20 miles or so shifts would be permitted. This is no longer the case. Backing up, stopping in Neutral, etc. no help.
The "Workaround" I'm using is to force the transfer case into neutral then back into 2WD: Place transfer case into "Recreational Towing" mode; shutoff engine, turn ignition "on," place transmission in Neutral, depress recessed Neutral selector button for 4 seconds (N light comes on). Once this is done can move the 4WD selector to desired mode (2WD); depress recessed Neutral selector button for one second; transfer case moves to desired mode.
No codes showing up on OBD. No oil drips. All tires same size.

 

[Timd32]

I'm not sure the codes will be in the OBDII section, but there are other codes in different modules. Someone might be able to clarify that location and how to pull them.

I found this article, might be of help, or cause more confusion which I apologize in advance then.

Good luck with the fix.

 

[Regcabguy]

I hope you figure it out. When I ordered my '07 the fleet manager questioned my decision to get a manual transfer case lever.
I'm going to be buying a 2024 Honda CRV soon and dread the stop/start madness and the electric parking brake that's universal on cars now.
It seems the trend for more complexities in vehicles is fueled by young techy's. The more complicated the better.

 

[Topzide]

@Regcabguy, I believe that you can disable the stop/start option. It may be buried in the menus making it difficult to find. You should also be able to have the dealer disable it also. That whole system to me, would tax the starting and charging circuits to an early repair or death of those components! The key to the electronic 4x4 shifters is to engage them every few months. Just engaging and driving straight forward for a short distance and then disengage and reverse to make sure it has. Do that very thing with my truck, but I have an advantage, 1/4 mile gravel drive.

 

[bcbender]

I believe that you can disable the stop/start option.

There is a button on the dash to disable it... but alas its like our tow/haul mode.. you have to push it EVERY time you start the vehicle... I'm sure its emissions compliance related as stop/start is how they make the mileage and emissions ratings.

 

[cannongeorge]

I'm not sure the codes will be in the OBDII section, but there are other codes in different modules. Someone might be able to clarify that location and how to pull them.

I found this article, might be of help, or cause more confusion which I apologize in advance then.

Good luck with the fix.

Timd32, Thank You!
The article you provided is helpful! Waiting upon parts (expected Monday) and then hopefully post an update as to conclusion!

 

[cannongeorge]

Transfer case is now transferring again! The shift motor was the culprit. Shout out to Elliots Performance in Ventura, CA for quickly diagnosing this. The integrated shift motor module also reads several sensor inputs and can generate confounding data, complicating diagnosis.