Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Manual Shift-On-Stop (MSOS) System
The transfer case is connected to the transmission output shaft and is responsible for transmitting power through the rear driveshaft to the rear axle, and through the front driveshaft to the front axle. There are 2 types of transfer cases: manual shift and electronic shift
Vehicles equipped with a MSOS system allow the operator to choose between 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) and 2 different 4WD modes.
To shift from 2H (4X2) to 4H (4X4 HIGH):Β
- With the vehicle stopped engage the hublocks to the locked position, making sure both indicator arrows are aligned.
- Shift the transfer case to 4H (4X4 HIGH) with the vehicle rolling at a speed below 5 km/h (3 mph).
To shift from 4H (4X4 HIGH) to 2H (4X2):Β
- Shift the transfer case to 2H (4X2) with the vehicle rolling at a speed below 5 km/h (3 mph).
- With the vehicle stopped disengage the hublocks to the free position, making sure both indicator arrows are aligned.
To shift from 2H (4X2) or 4H (4X4 HIGH) to 4L (4X4 LOW):Β
- Bring the vehicle to a speed below 5 km/h (3 mph).
- Shift the transmission to neutral.
- Shift the transfer case to 4L (4X4 LOW).
- If the transfer case shift lever does not move, or only partially moves, to the 4L (4X4 LOW) position, carry out a transfer case shift with the transmission in neutral and the vehicle rolling at a speed below 5 km/h (3 mph). This ensures the transfer case is fully engaged into 4L (4X4 LOW).
To shift from 4L (4X4 LOW) to 4H (4X4 HIGH) or 2H (4X2):Β
- Bring the vehicle to a speed below 5 km/h (3 mph).
- Shift the transmission to neutral.
- Shift the transfer case to 4H (4X4 HIGH) or 2H (4X2).
- If the transfer case does not engage into 4H (4X4 HIGH) or 2H (4X2), carry out a shift with the transmission in neutral and the vehicle rolling at a speed below 5 km/h (3 mph).
- If shifting to 2H (4X2), with the vehicle at a complete stop disengage the hublocks to the free position, making sure both indicator arrows are aligned.
Shifting the transfer case to N (neutral) overrides the transmission and puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of the transmission gearshift position. Shifting the transfer case to N is designed to be used only when the vehicle is being towed.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.