4x4 Gurus step inside

[RamRoy]

2009 Ram 4x4

I can shift into 4hi while driving with no problems. While at a stop, in neutral, I cannot shift into 4hi or 4 low. The 4wd light just keeps blinking and I eventually get a service 4wd light. Switch it back to 2wd and the light and warning disappear. Odd thing was this morning I started it up in the driveway, switched to neutral and was able to go into 4hi and 4 low; followed shortly by the service 4wd.

Now here is the twist, while driving I can shift on the fly into 4hi without any problem or any warning lights.

Another symptom or possibly a different problem: When I am in 4wd and go below 30 mph it shakes terribly; speed up and all is well. Not sure if this is related or due to the cheap (soon to be replaced) 4" lift I added. It is the Tuff Country lift which is basically new control arms, shocks for the back, and some spacers.

I do have a lifetime powertrain warranty and believe the transfer case is covered, but like most of you I want to avoid the dealership since they always find something to charge you for.

Much thanks to all the guys/gals here that take time out to help

 

[R.L.K.]

Odd your getting the service 4x4 while switching in Nutral .

Have you tried switching while sitting still in drive ?

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[muddy12]

Shift into 4hi while moving (think the manual says you can do this at any speed up to 55 or something).
While in 4hi, slow to <5mph, shift trans to neutral, shift transfer case to 4lo. Once the case shifts to lo, shift transmission back to drive.

Shifting from 4 lo, back to 4hi, is the same.
Slow to 5mph or less, shift trans to neutral, shift transfer case to 4hi, then trans back to drive.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RamRoy]

I was able to shift into 4 hi on the fly and then stop, put in neutral, and shift into 4 low.

The problem is that I cannot shift into either from neutral to start with. If I get stuck out hunting, I should be able to switch into 4wd to get out. I have never had this problem before.

 

[DannyMK2]

when you say neutral, are you referring to the transmission being in neutral or are you putting the transfer case in neutral?

 

[RamRoy]

Transmission in neutral. My 4x4 shift knob does not have neutral like the old shift stick in my 98. It has 2wd, 4wd Auto, 4 Hi and 4 lo

 

[DannyMK2]

Transmission in neutral. My 4x4 shift knob does not have neutral like the old shift stick in my 98. It has 2wd, 4wd Auto, 4 Hi and 4 lo

you should have a neutral button, i just wanted to make sure you werent pressing that.

the transfer case engages better while the truck is rolling vs being stopped. its possible that when your trying to switch into 4x4, the gears are not lined up and the electric shift motor doesnt have the power to force it like you could with a manual transfer case. waiting to get stuck to engage 4x4 isnt the best idea.

 

[muddy12]

these transfer cases, need to have the internals moving in order for the electronic actuator to be able to move the shift fork.
I won't say it's impossible, but rather very unlikely that these cases would be able to shift with the vehicle at a complete stop, regardless of if the trans was in neutral or not.

In order for the case to shift while the truck is stopped, everything inside the case would have to be lined up perfectly.

Shifting while moving (at a low speed with the trans in neutral) allows the gears in the case to line up and mesh smoothly with only a little force applied by the electronic actuator.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[muddy12]

I was able to shift into 4 hi on the fly and then stop, put in neutral, and shift into 4 low.



The problem is that I cannot shift into either from neutral to start with. If I get stuck out hunting, I should be able to switch into 4wd to get out. I have never had this problem before.

Best suggestion I can give in regards to getting stuck while hunting, is to put the truck in 4wd as soon as you turn off the pavement.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RamRoy]

No , I believe the other neutral switch is for towing behind a vehicle

 

[SYKRAMMAN]

Best suggestion I can give in regards to getting stuck while hunting, is to put the truck in 4wd as soon as you turn off the pavement.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Best advice today^

 

[WilliamS]

these transfer cases, need to have the internals moving in order for the electronic actuator to be able to move the shift fork.
I won't say it's impossible, but rather very unlikely that these cases would be able to shift with the vehicle at a complete stop, regardless of if the trans was in neutral or not.

In order for the case to shift while the truck is stopped, everything inside the case would have to be lined up perfectly.

Shifting while moving (at a low speed with the trans in neutral) allows the gears in the case to line up and mesh smoothly with only a little force applied by the electronic actuator.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is the correct answer. Although you should be able to shift to 4hi anytime this would lead me to believe that the actuator is not working 100%. That actuator has to push the gears together to engage 4x4 if its weak it might not be able to "force" its way so when slow rolling the gears can slip together instead of being jammed.

 

[sticknstring]

In my 13 1500 and now my 17 2500 I always come to a complete stop before shifting into 4hi or 4low. Never once had a problem with either truck at a full stop. 13 had the stupid knob but the 17 has the manual transfer case.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SYKRAMMAN]

Yes nothing beats the manual shift, f those electric crap, just more **** to go wrong and drive you nuts trying to figure it out.

 

[RamCares]

2009 Ram 4x4

I can shift into 4hi while driving with no problems. While at a stop, in neutral, I cannot shift into 4hi or 4 low. The 4wd light just keeps blinking and I eventually get a service 4wd light. Switch it back to 2wd and the light and warning disappear. Odd thing was this morning I started it up in the driveway, switched to neutral and was able to go into 4hi and 4 low; followed shortly by the service 4wd.

Now here is the twist, while driving I can shift on the fly into 4hi without any problem or any warning lights.

Another symptom or possibly a different problem: When I am in 4wd and go below 30 mph it shakes terribly; speed up and all is well. Not sure if this is related or due to the cheap (soon to be replaced) 4" lift I added. It is the Tuff Country lift which is basically new control arms, shocks for the back, and some spacers.

I do have a lifetime powertrain warranty and believe the transfer case is covered, but like most of you I want to avoid the dealership since they always find something to charge you for.

Much thanks to all the guys/gals here that take time out to help

Hi RamRoy,

If you end up deciding to visit your local dealership for further diagnosis I'd be happy to offer assistance if needed. Just PM our page with your VIN and let me know!

Andrea
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[RamRoy]

these transfer cases, need to have the internals moving in order for the electronic actuator to be able to move the shift fork.
I won't say it's impossible, but rather very unlikely that these cases would be able to shift with the vehicle at a complete stop, regardless of if the trans was in neutral or not.

In order for the case to shift while the truck is stopped, everything inside the case would have to be lined up perfectly.

Shifting while moving (at a low speed with the trans in neutral) allows the gears in the case to line up and mesh smoothly with only a little force applied by the electronic actuator.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The book says that you have to stop and put transmission in neutral before going to 4 lo. I believe you can put it in neutral and coast while transferring to 4 lo, but isn't required.

This moringing it worked the first time, but I just tried again and it will not engage 4wd. The only way I can get 4wd right now is 4 hi shift on the fly

 

[DannyMK2]

No , I believe the other neutral switch is for towing behind a vehicle

sure, thats one instance where you would use it. it still puts the transfer case in neutral.

The book says that you have to stop and put transmission in neutral before going to 4 lo. I believe you can put it in neutral and coast while transferring to 4 lo, but isn't required.

thats not what the book says. the preferred method is from a slow roll. alternatively, it can be done from a stop (on electronic transfer cases). however, as your finding out first hand engaging 4x4 works better from a roll.

 

[RamRoy]

I have read about the actuator switch having a bad connection. I just found it under the truck but could not unplug it. One guy cleaned his and it worked fine. I am at work and have nice cloths on, so it will have to wait.

I am hoping it is that connection or the switch, because it is something I can actually get to.

 

[RamRoy]

I found this...

Problem Description and Possible Solution


If the vehicle will not shift into, or out of four wheel drive, and the "Serv 4WD" warning light is illuminated, the front axle disconnect actuator may need replacement and a power module (TIPM) may need a software update.

 

[WilliamS]

Can Ram test the actuator for torque? It sounds like its weak or going bad. I dont know if there is a test they can run for operation.