4x4 shifter moves around freely with no resistance

move car to dirt or ice, gravel , off pavement
PT is not for pavement unless covered in ice.
the operators guide told you that.

move to dirt and shift out.
if you have not already damaged it.. that is.

Duplicate question.

You may have broken a retainer clip on the linkage. Raise the vehicle and look where the shifter comes through the floor while a helper moves the shifter. Verify the linkage arm moves with the shifter. If not, then look closely at the linkage arm and bottom of the shifter shaft to see if either broke or if the clip is missing.
Good luck!

With the Jeep in park, move the left shifter to 4 wheel drive. Proceed to put right shifter into drive, proceed to drive. Only use 4wheel drive when neccessary...ie...snow, mud, use 4 wheel lo in steep incline or when really bogged down.

Hope this helps

Have someone watch the linkage underneath to make sure it is attached and that the adjustment collar isn't sliding on the rod. Otherwise, problem is in the transfer case (hope not). On the bright side, If it's cold where you are, at least it's not stuck in 2wd...no fun in the snow!!!

replace the shift cable remove it and see if it moves freely if not replace if it moves freely check the shift mecanisim on the tranny if it moves freely then the problem is the shifter... take it apart clean it and reassemble.. this should do it...

make sure your tire pressures and sizes are all the same then try backing a go froward while turning. and moving the shifter in and out of 4x4. if that does not get it then get all 4 tires off the ground with jack stands and allow the wheels to turn slowly while you move the shifter in and out of 4x4. USE CAUTION IF SPINNING ALL 4 WHEELS OF THE GROUND. if that does not get then the t-case will likely need to be disassembled and looked into.

there should be a c-clip on handle remove clip pull handle top off you'll find plastic rod is jammed

Give the shifter a good hard hit on the top. Sometimes it pops out of place.