I got in my truck Sat evening and put it in drive and it got stuck in 4 low. Is there any way to reset the transmission to get it back in 2wd or is it something in the tranny that I'm gonna have to fix?

 

It is very likely that the shift motor on the transfercase has died. The dash switch rarely goes bad. Try to engage 4 High or 2wd while sitting still with the door open abnd see if you can hear the motor work or make any noise when trying to change the t/case. If you hear nothing at all you will probably have to replace the motor.
You are sitting still with your foot on the brake when trying to shift out of low aren't you? I don't think it's a shift on the fly t/case in your truck.

 

In my '02 you have to be in neutral in the transmission with foot on the brake to get in and out of 4 low. Just on the outside chance you hadn't tried that.
Eric

 

I tried in neutral and in park. Driving backwards, forwards, goosing it and easing into it. It's a 96 automatic. I'm getting the idea from different places that it IS the shift motor like ya'll said. Is there anything else about these that you guys can enlighten me with that I should know about. I didn't pay but $400 for this truck. It needed a fuel pump. It's a really nice truck and it worked great in the snow. But I don't ever recall needing to put it in low. If you don't use it or run through the gears, will it cause problems? Thanks for your responses. We are going to try your suggestion now. I'm not giving up that easy!! I'll repost in a bit. THANK YOU!!!!! Not scared to work!!!

 

Does the truck need to be running when I shift it or can I just have the key in the start position?

 

Try it running first and if it don't work try it not running. If you have to put the shift motor in the truck it is not a hard job. read the posts here and you will get all the info you need to do the job. If there's a Pick N Pull salvage yard near you a used motor will be less than $20.00.
Good luck with it and keep us posted on your results.

 

just our of curiosity how did it get in low range? I have a 96 also and you have to be in neutral so it will shift. good luck with the motor shifter.

 

If you need to drive the truck before you have access to a working shift motor, 3 bolts secure it to the T/C, remove it and shift the T/C by hand.

You may drive with the motor removed..

Note: to keep these little motors working it is imperative to make them active at least once a month, the switch plate inside tarnishes and breaks contact, result, the condition you are in.

Most times just taking it apart. cleaning and coating the contact area with dielectric grease will resuscitate the motor..

 

I just love people that will post a problem here, ask for help, get a few answers and then just disappear never letting us know if any of the answers helped them. Oh well, human nature just sucks sometimes.