I have a 97 nissan truck 4WD and it will not shift into 2H or 4H but it will shift into 4L. Will it be okay if I drive it in N

Hi, On most modern 4WD there is lever which you shift in to 4H 4L 2H and N and on others there is a button to switch in to 4WD. Check to which one you have. You should also see a green or red indicator light showing up on your dash when you are in 4WD. Good luck.

normal driving 2h if using 4wd use 4h to drive on roadway 4l is a lower gearing that is usually used to get thru something slowly than if try to drive normal in low can damage motor or transfer case read ur manual it explains how and when it is advisable to use ur 4wd

1. • 1 Start your Dodge truck's engine.
     
   • 2 Turn the electronic transfer case from "2WD" to "4WD Lock" to engage the high range 4WD, if the dodge truck is equipped with an electronic transfer case; otherwise, shift the transfer case lever from "2H" to "4H." The electronic transfer case is located on the instrument panel and is marked with "2WD," "4WD Lock" and 4WD Low." The lever-equipped transfer case is located to the right of your leg and is marked with "2H," "4H" and "4L."
     
   • 3 Shift the transmission into "Neutral" while the vehicle is either stopped or rolling at 2 to 3 mph to begin engaging in the low range 4WD. Turn the electronic transfer case to "4WD Low," if the Dodge truck is equipped with an electronic transfer case; otherwise, shift the transfer case lever from "2H" or "4H" to "4L."
     
   Tips & Warnings
   • Indicator lights will come on and alert you that your vehicle is in either the high or low range of 4WD.
     
   • Do not engage in the low range of 4WD drive if the transmission is in gear; you must shift to "Neutral" first.
     
   • Many Dodge trucks allow you to shift from 2-wheel drive to the high range of 4WD at up to 55 mph--consult your truck's manual to ensure that this is possible. Do not exceed 55 mph while engaged in the high range of 4WD. Do not exceed 25 mph while engaged in the low range of 4WD.
     
   • Do not engage in 4WD unless you are on slipper or rocky roads.
     

two problems with these trucks the push buttons there self and the encoder on the transfer case.

This might sound like a silly question but did you put the truck in neutral before you shifted into 4L ? Reason being transfer case damage can occure if it wasnt in neutral when you shifted into 4L.

4L only to be used in extreme condtions
N
4H for off road/snow/ice
2H - normal driving

when switching to 4H vehicle must be stationary, as when changing from 4H to 4L
but it is possible to change from 4H back to 2H while in motion.
when 4wd is engaged a lamp will illuminate on dials telling that the hubs are free wheeling, when changing back to 2H you must press corresponding switch to dis-engage this function

If it is automatic transmission you must stop vehicle put it in neutral or "n" then put shifter that is indicates 2h 4h and 4L pull down to 4h if you are driving on highway or pull down then over and up to 4L if you are not going to be driving faster than 30mph.
If manual put in neutral also and do the same process as automatic there will be a light on dash board indicating that it is in 4wd also put transmission back to drive on automatic or shift to first gear on manual

btwn 2H and 4H can be done while driving up to 55 mph.
btwn 4L and 4H must stop put into Neutral in automatic trans. - do not stop at N on 4WD shifter. One solid motion.

I would first check the wires on the transfer case for possible damage at the 2wd/4wd switch.

that sounds like a bad universal joint on the transfer case to the front axle. have that checked out