Transfer Case issues

Hi Guys,
I decided to take the Jimny out through some scrub outside of town when at some point the going got tough and the 4WD function was needed. The 4WD function activated but didn't wan't to return to 2WD as the front 4WD switch cable (one of the two red cables) had been torn out at some point. Re-attaching the cable locked the hubs but the transfer case was stuck in 4WD. Given that the hubs unlocked with the wire dangling freely, I was able to drive home. Once at home, I tried to unwind the transfer case by driving it whilst hoisted without load to no avail.

Now this is the second time that I had issues with the transfer case so I decided to replace it with a second-hand case. I put the new transfer case in on the weekend but it still does not want to engage 4WD. When idling, I can hear what appears to be the transfer case making an attempt to move a rod, followed by one flicker of the green 4WD light, followed by another similar sound from underneath the car with what appears to be a rod returning to the previous position. What's strange is that the front hubs aren't locking at the same time but were doing so when I had the car hoisted trying to unwind the old transfer case.

The old transfer case was stuck in 4WD prior to replacement, and the second-hand case was in 2WD when put in. I am not sure if this caused the problem. To top it off, the battery died days after this problem, so what effect that had I don't know. I will appreciate any advice in regards to this situation.
Cheers, Patrick

This is a push button box? Are you fully depressing the clutch when attempting to engage drive when the wheels are suspended?

Hi Lambert,

Thanks for the reply.
It's a push button box, 2007 Jimny. I did try the clutch fully depressed when the wheels were suspended as well as in gear with the initial transfer box, in 1st and then in reverse without luck. But I haven't tried to suspend the Jimny with the new transfer case installed in it now.