4wd actuator

bgoodwill0527 · May 29, 2016

I picked up a 2001 dodge ram 1500 last week, I knew it needed a new actuator one of the prongs for the vacuum line was broke put a new actuator on and the 4wd light still didn't come on so I thought maybe I put the vacuum lines on the actuator backwards switched them and the 4wd light came on in 2wd and nutral. Any ideas why the light wouldn't come on when there in the right spot. And I'm pretty sure its not engaging either when put into 4lo or hi put a new actuator on. Please help

Yeret · May 29, 2016

There is a vacuum switch on the transfer case that draws vacuum through one of two lines to either engage or disengage the actuator.

Concerning the two hoses going to the actuator, one should have a vacuum, the other should not. When you shift into four-wheel-drive, the vacuum signals should switch.

If neither line has vacuum when you shift into 4x4, there's a good chance that your transfer case switch is *****'d and will need to be replaced. You could try cleaning it, but they're so cheap to mail-order, it's not really worth the effort. You'll need a 1 1/16" wrench to fit it.

Be warned, the switch can be a PITA to remove. Even with a bigass wrench, I can't get mine to budge and am going to have to have a shop remove it.

Gr8bawana · May 29, 2016

You could also go with a cable operated actuator.

RamV10 · Jun 7, 2016

Thanks for the info. I just picked up a 98 1500 extended cab, with a 5.2 & automatic. The 4x4 wont engage. Now I know where to start Thanks.

4wd actuator

bgoodwill0527

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Yeret

The Village Drunk

Gr8bawana

Senior Member

RamV10

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