'96 Explorer will not shift out of 4WD Low

It sounds like you are experiencing an issue with the 4WD system on your 2001 Chevrolet Blazer. Here are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Check the fluid levels in the transfer case and the front and rear differentials. Low fluid levels can cause issues with the 4WD system.
2. Make sure that the front and rear driveshafts are properly connected and not damaged.
3. Inspect the 4WD control module and wiring for any damage or lose connections.
4. Check for any error codes using a diagnostic scan tool. This may help to identify any issues with the 4WD system.
5. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to have the 4WD system inspected and repaired by a professional mechanic.

I hope this helps! If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to ask

You have a switch on the instrument panel ?
The NVG 263 transfer case features a three button shift control switch located on the instrument panel
The NVG 236/246 transfer case features a 4 button shift control switch located on the instrument panel.
Or
The New Venture Gear (NVG) 261, RPO NP2 transfer case is a two-speed, part-time with "mode shift-on-the-fly" capability. It has a chain driven front output shaft and an epicyclical low range planetary arrangement. The NVG 261 transfer case features a four position shift lever control located in the vehicle floor plan. As required, the operator can select 4HI position from 2HI "on-the-fly," as described in the owners manual. A dash 4WD lamp will continue flashing during shifting, until all criteria have been met and the new mode/range position has been reached. Once the new mode/range position is fully engaged and the front axle disconnect locks in, the dash light 4WD indicator lamp will remain ON constantly. Range shifting functions similarly, although it should be limited to speeds 8 km/h (5 mph) or less.

Check connection at the 4X4 control module , check power and grounds . Do you know how to do basic electrical testing ? Does your truck have manual or automatic trans mission ? Which transfer case does yours have ?

The NVG 263 transfer case features a three button shift control switch located on the instrument panel. When the ignition is in the RUN position, the transfer case shift control module (TCCM) starts monitoring the transfer case shift control switch to determine if the driver desires a new mode/gear position. At a single press of the transfer case shift control switch, the lamp of the new desired position begins flashing to inform the driver that the TCCM has received the request for a new mode/gear position. The lamp continues to flash until all shifting criteria has been met and the new mode/gear position has been engaged. Once the new mode/gear position is fully active, the switch indicator for the new position remains ON constantly. In the event that the TCCM can not or will not complete the shift, the indicator returns to the previously selected position; this is a Transfer Case Shift Control Switch Indicator Flashes, then Returns to Previous Mode condition.

The NVG 263 transfer case provides the driver with 4 manual mode/gear positions:
• 2HI - 2 Wheel Drive high range
• 4HI - 4 Wheel Drive high range
• 4LO - 4 Wheel Drive low range
• Neutral
Have it check for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes ?

DTC B0790
DTC B2725
DTC C0306
DTC C0327
DTC C0359
DTC C0379
DTC C0550

Your best bet would be take it to a qualified repair SHOP

The electronic module (located behind the glove compartment) controls the operation of the transfer case in response to inputs from the electric shift motor, 4x4 mode switch, CPP switch, BPP switch, DTR sensor, throttle position output from the PCM, front and rear OSS sensors, and the VSS. Do you know what DTC'S Are ? Diagnostic trouble codes !

P1804 4WD High Indicator Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1806 4WD High Indicator Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1808 4WD Low Indicator Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1810 4WD Low Indicator Short Circuit to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1812 4WD Mode Select Circuit Failure GEM GO to Symptom Chart. P1815 4WD Mode Select Short Circuit to Ground GEM GO to Symptom Chart. P1820 Transfer Case CW Shift Relay Coil Circuit Open or Short to Ground GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1822 Transfer Case CW Shift Relay Coil Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1824 4WD Electric Clutch Relay Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1826 4WD Electric Clutch Relay Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1828 Transfer Case CCW Shift Relay Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1830 Transfer Case CCW Shift Relay Coil Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1836 Transfer Case Front Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Failure GEM GO to Symptom Chart. P1837 Transfer Case Rear Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Failure GEM GO to Symptom Chart. P1838 Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1846 Transfer Case CONTACT PLATE "A" Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1850 Transfer Case CONTACT PLATE "B" Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B .

P1854 Transfer Case CONTACT PLATE "C" Circuit Failure (GEM Only) GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1858 Transfer Case CONTACT PLATE "D" Circuit Failure (GEM Only) GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1866 Transfer Case Maintenance Required (GEM Only) (4-wheel drive operation can be restored by clearing the DTC and cycling the ignition.) GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1867 Transfer Case Contact Plate General Circuit Failure (GEM Only) GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1874 Automatic Hall Effect Sensor Power Circuit Failure GEM GO to Symptom Chart. P1875 Automatic Hall Effect Sensor Power Circuit Short to Battery (GEM Only) GEM GO to Symptom Chart. P1891 Transfer Case Contact Plate Ground Return Open Circuit GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B Your best bet , take it to a qualified repair shop

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.
     

Ok, this is probably going to sound greek if you have no automotive experiance, so here goes:

There are 2 possibilities I can think of at the moment depending on your 4wd system, however there are several things that can cause this

If you have a Push button 4wd (you push a button or turn a knob) the system engages using actuators or sylinoids meening you turn the 4wd on, the switch sends power to the selector option (high and low) and the 4wd light on the dash. the selector determines where the actuator/silenoid engages (either high or low) in the transfer case. However the actuator or silenoid can be faulty and yet the system will say 4wd is on because the switches still sending power to the 4x4 light

The next setup is the manual linkage set up, and given the year of your kia I doubt you have this setup However I am going to go through it anyway.

With a maual linkage setup you engage the trasfer case maualy using the 4wd shifter. Ironically on newer manual shift 4wd systems the dash light is still triggered electrically by location of the shifter not what is going on in the transfer case (Ah a flaw in the design) So if you linkage is loose/bent/damaged or somehow disconnected your 4wd wont engage but the light will still show that it is! Hope this helps

Electronic Shift On the Fly (ESOF) Operation
The ESOF system is an electronic shift 4x4 system that allows the operator to choose between two different 4x4 modes as well as 2-wheel drive. The operator can switch between 2WD and 4WD HIGH mode at speed. To engage or disengage LOW Range, the vehicle speed must be less than 5 kph, the brake depressed, and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL.

The transfer case is equipped with an electromagnetic clutch which is located inside the case. This clutch is used to spin up the front drive-line when shifting from 2WD to 4x4 High mode at speed. When the control switch on the instrument panel is turned, the generic electronic module (GEM) recognizes that a shift has been requested and activates the electromagnetic clutch and the relays which power the transfer case shift motor. When the shift motor reaches the desired position as determined by the contact plate position inputs to the GEM, power to the shift relays and motors will be removed. When the transfer case front and rear output shafts are synchronized, the spring loaded lockup collar mechanically engages the main-shaft hub to the drive sprocket. Finally, the front axle collar is engaged and the electromagnetic clutch is deactivated.

Shift Between 2WD and 4x4 HIGH:
Shifts between 2WD and 4x4 HIGH can be made at speed. Listed below are the inputs and outputs needed by the GEM to execute a change between any of these modes.

Feature Inputs:
*4WD Mode Switch (Various resistances).
*Contact Plate Position Inputs A, B, C, D (grounded when closed, open circuit when open).

Feature Outputs:
*4x4 Shift Motor Relay Outputs
*Transfer Case Clutch Relay (grounded when relay is on, open circuit when relay is off).
*4x2/4x4 Vacuum Solenoid (grounded when activated, open circuit when deactivated).
*Cluster Indicators (ground when activated, open circuit when deactivated).

Shifting Into/Out of 4WD LOW:
When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW, the GEM requires that the vehicle speed be less than 5 kph, the brake is applied, and the transmission is in NEUTRAL.

Feature Inputs:
*4WD Mode Switch (Various resistances).
*Contact Plate Position Inputs A, B, C, D (grounded when closed, open circuit when open).
*VSS Sensor (Sinusoid Signal: 0.7V-20V, 2.2 Hz/mph).
Brake Input (battery voltage when brake is depress, open circuit when not activated).
*Transmission Range Sensor (grounded when transmission is in NEUTRAL, open circuit otherwise).
8Start/Clutch Depressed Input

Feature Outputs:
*4x4 Shift Motor Relay Outputs
*4x2/4x4 Vacuum Solenoid (grounded when activated, open circuit when deactivated).
*Cluster Indicators (grounded when activated, open circuit when deactivated).

4WD Mode Switch
A rotary switch allows the vehicle operator to choose between 2WD, 4WD HIGH, and 4WD LOW modes of 4x4 operation.

GEM Module
The Generic Electronic Module (GEM) controls the operation of the 4x4 system

Vehicle Speed Sensor
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS), mounted in the rear of the transfer case, informs the GEM of the vehicle speed.

Transfer Case Shift Motor Sense Plates

The shift motor sense plate, an integral part of the electric shift motor, informs the GEM to the positions of the transfer case

Transmission Range Sensor
Located on the left side of the transmission, this sensor informs the GEM when the transmission is in the NEUTRAL position.

Electric Shift Motor
The electric shift motor, mounted externally at the rear of the transfer case, drives a rotary cam which moves the mode fork and range fork within the transfer case to select between the 2WD, 4WD HIGH, and 4WD LOW positions.

4x4/4x2 Vacuum Solenoids
These two solenoids are attached to the upper RH side of the engine compartment dash, and alternately route vacuum to the vacuum motor which engages/disengages the center axle disconnect collar in the front axle assembly.

4x4 Shift Motor Relay
A module containing two relays which under the control of the GEM, shift the transfer case shift motor between the 2WD, 4WD HIGH, and 4WD LOW modes.

Transfer Case Clutch Relay
An electromechanical relay is used to activate the transfer case clutch within the transfer case.

Good luck and hope this helps,but start with the simple and check the fuses and wire harness. Both white/light blue stripe wires should have 12V in run. The GEM will ground the left side (closest to engine) solenoid to disengage the front axle. It will ground the the right side solenoid (closest to fender) to engage the front axle. If the GEM doesn't see Neutral it will not let the truck come out of 4Lo. If the GEM had water leaking on it it may well be the root of the problem. The shift motor only has power when the GEM sends it a signal to move the shift lever. Once the shift is completed the motor shuts off. There are 2 wires that control the shift motor. A yellow and an orange. The GEM alternates between 12v and Ground to these wires to control which way the motor turns. The GEM uses the transfer case shift relay module to control the power to the motor. There are contact plates inside the shift motor assembly that indicate the position that the shift lever is in. This is what the GEM used to know what the T-case is doing. Any one of these components can fail.

make sure your 4WD switch is working.and fuse is okay.because your 4WD is control by 4 electric shift motors in which drive a rotary cam which moves the mode fork and range fork inside the transfer case to select between 2WD HIGH A4WD - 4WD HIGH AND 4WD LOW RANGE.a shift motor sensing plate on the shift motor monitors the range in which the transfer case is operating a transmission range sensor monitors the gear position of the transmission.which must be in neutral to shift into low.a pair of solenoids one for 2WD one for 4WD.mounted on the upper right firewall route vacuum to the vacuum motor which engages and disengages the center axle disconnect collar in the front axle assembly.a 4 x 4 shift motor relay module contains two GEM controlled relays which shift the transfer case shift motor between 2WD and 4WD modes.a solid state clutch relay activates the A4WDclutch inside the transfer case.

2-Speed Torque-On-Demand (TOD) Operation
The automatic 4-wheel drive (A4WD) system is a 2-speed torque-on-demand (TOD) operation that utilizes the following components:

• Transfer case
• 4-wheel drive (4WD) control module (integral to the powertrain control module [PCM])
• Mode select switch (MSS)
• Gearmotor encoder assembly (part of the transfer case shift motor)
• Transfer case shift motor
• Shift motor sense plate (part of the gearmotor encoder assembly)

Principles of Operation
Transfer Case Shift Motor The externally mounted transfer case shift motor, located at the rear of the transfer case, turns the shift cam assembly. As the shift cam assembly turns, it positions the reduction shift fork for desired transfer case operation. An integral position sensor in the shift motor provides shift motor position information to the 4WD control module.
Mode Select Switch (MSS) The push button MSS, mounted on the instrument panel, allows the operator to select the 4x4 Auto, 4x4 High, and 4x4 Low transfer case operating modes. The indicator light, on the instrument cluster push button, will illuminate only when the 4x4 Low position is engaged.
Visual Inspection Chart Mechanical Electrical

• Axle shafts and CV joints
• Driveshaft and universal joints
• Fluid leaks
• Matching tire sizes
• Transfer case shift motor

• Battery junction box (BJB) fuses:
  • 8 (30A)
  • 17 (5A)
  • 18 (20A)
• Central junction box (CJB) fuses:
  • 12 (5A)
  • 24 (15A)
• 4x4 module (PCM)
• Wiring harness
• Gearmotor encoder contact plate
• Connector(s)
• Circuitry
• Mode indication switch (MSS)

1. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

1. If the concern is not visually evident, connect the diagnostic tool to the data link connector and select the vehicle to be tested from the diagnostic tool menu. If the diagnostic tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
   • check that the program card is correctly installed.
   • check the connections to the vehicle.
   • check the ignition switch position.

1. If the diagnostic tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the diagnostic tool operating manual.

1. Carry out the diagnostic tool data link test. If the diagnostic tool responds with:
   • CAN circuit fault; all electronic control units no response/not equipped, refer to Section 418-00 .
   • No response/not equipped for 4WD module (PCM), Go To Pinpoint Test G .
   • System passed, retrieve and record the continuous diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), erase the continuous DTCs and carry out the 4WD module (PCM) self test.

1. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to the 4WD Control Module (PCM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index to continue diagnostics. 4WD Control Module (PCM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index
   DTC Description Source Action B1317 Battery Voltage HIGH 4WD Module (PCM) REFER to Section 414-00 . B1318 Battery Voltage LOW 4WD Module (PCM) REFER to Section 414-00 . B1319 Driver Door Ajar Circuit Failure 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test M . B1322 Driver Door Ajar Circuit Short To Ground 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test M . B1342 ECU is Defective 4WD Module (PCM) CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the 4x4 module (PCM) self test. If DTC B1342 is retrieved, INSTALL a new 4x4 module (PCM). REFER to Section 303-14 . CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self test. B1483 Brake Pedal Input Circuit Failure 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test M . B1485 Brake Pedal Input Short to Battery 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test M . C1729 Transfer Case Unable to Transition Between 4H and 4L 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . C1970 4WD Low Mode Switch LED Short to Battery 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . C1971 4WD Low Mode Switch LED Circuit Failure 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . P1707 Transfer Case NEUTRAL or PARK/NEUTRAL Indication Circuit 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test M . P1812 Transmission 4-Wheel Drive Mode Select Circuit Failure 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . P1815 Transmission 4-Wheel Drive Mode Select Short Circuit to Ground 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . P1816 Transmission NEUTRAL Safety Switch Circuit Failure 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test M . P1819 Transmission NEUTRAL Safety Switch Circuit Short to Ground 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test M . P1820 Transfer Case Clockwise Shift Relay Coil Circuit Failure 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . P1822 Transfer Case Clockwise Shift Relay Coil Circuit Short To Battery 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . P1824 4-Wheel Drive Clutch Relay Circuit Failure 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test H . P1826 4-Wheel Drive Low Clutch Relay Short Circuit to Battery 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test H . P1827 4-Wheel Drive Low Clutch Relay Short Circuit to Ground 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test H . P1828 Transfer Case Counterclockwise Shift Relay Coil Circuit Failure 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . P1830 Transfer Case Counterclockwise Shift Relay Coil Circuit Short To Battery 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . P1849 Transfer Case Contact Plate A Short Circuit to Ground 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . P1853 Transfer Case Contact Plate B Short Circuit to Ground 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . P1857 Transfer Case Contact Plate C Short Circuit to Ground 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . P1861 Transfer Case Contact Plate D Short Circuit to Ground 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . P1867 Transfer Case Contact Plate General Circuit Failure 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . P1891 Transfer Case Contact Plate Ground Return Open Circuit 4WD Module (PCM) Go To Pinpoint Test K . U1900 CAN Communication BUS Fault 4WD Module (PCM) REFER to Section 418-00 . U2023 External Node Fault 4WD Module (PCM) REFER to Section 418-00 . U2051 One Or More Calibration Files Missing/Corrupt 4WD Module (PCM) Reprogram/Reflash the 4x4 module. REFER to Section 418-00 . - For All Other DTCs 4WD Module (PCM) REFER to Section 418-00 .
2. Your best bet mite be to take it to a qualified repair shop !