4wd is self engaging

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Hicks

Junior Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2014
Posts
2
Reaction score
0
Ram Year
1999
Engine
Magnum 5.2
As the title states I am having an issue with my 1999 1500 sport. I was pulling into a parking spot today and noticed that the 4wd light was on, but was very dim. As I came to a stop in the spot the light was completely lit and the 4wd seems to have engaged by itself. I just moved it around the spot and its seems as if it was in 4wd. I then actually put it into 4wd using the shift lever and then took it back out a few times, but the light stayed on and in 4wd. It was pouring rain so I ran into the store and got what I needed then came back out to mess with it some more. I pulled it out of the spot to see if the light was just staying on, but it was still in 4wd with the shift lever in 2wd. I then moved it farther out into the parking lot to avoid and then tried to shift it out of 4wd by putting the lever in and out, but no dice. I finally got it out by shifting the transfer case into neutral and then into 2wd. I noticed as I was driving back to my apartment, and the light would dimly light up and get brighter as I came to a stop. I couldn't feel it engage again until I had to stop for a light and as I turned the steering wheel fought me a little, the light was dimly lit and then went away as I turned and was going down the road. It has been raining all day, and I do not have a front bumper at the moment. The truck is a 99 1500 sport with the 318, I have never had this issue before, but it has not wanted to engage in 4wd before, the light would be on, but it would be in 4wd. I found a vacuum leak from the manifold and that fixed that issue. I'm hoping it has to do with the rain, but I could not find anything that matched my problem. I appreciate all of the input that you all may have.

I know there is a lot of writing above, but it was needed to accurately describe my issue.
 

Jimmy Sheafer

Junior Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2021
Posts
3
Reaction score
0
Location
Denver, CO
Ram Year
1998
Engine
5.9L 24 Valve Cummins
I had an issue with my 4x4 a couple months ago. Mine was kind of the opposite situation - I would shift the lever into 4x4 and it would engage, but then as I drove it would disengage. Just wouldn't stay in 4HI. Turned out to be the shift linkage needed some adjusting. Might be a place to start looking.
 

Chuck962500

Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2020
Posts
61
Reaction score
30
Location
83815
Ram Year
1996
Engine
5.9
As the title states I am having an issue with my 1999 1500 sport. I was pulling into a parking spot today and noticed that the 4wd light was on, but was very dim. As I came to a stop in the spot the light was completely lit and the 4wd seems to have engaged by itself. I just moved it around the spot and its seems as if it was in 4wd. I then actually put it into 4wd using the shift lever and then took it back out a few times, but the light stayed on and in 4wd. It was pouring rain so I ran into the store and got what I needed then came back out to mess with it some more. I pulled it out of the spot to see if the light was just staying on, but it was still in 4wd with the shift lever in 2wd. I then moved it farther out into the parking lot to avoid and then tried to shift it out of 4wd by putting the lever in and out, but no dice. I finally got it out by shifting the transfer case into neutral and then into 2wd. I noticed as I was driving back to my apartment, and the light would dimly light up and get brighter as I came to a stop. I couldn't feel it engage again until I had to stop for a light and as I turned the steering wheel fought me a little, the light was dimly lit and then went away as I turned and was going down the road. It has been raining all day, and I do not have a front bumper at the moment. The truck is a 99 1500 sport with the 318, I have never had this issue before, but it has not wanted to engage in 4wd before, the light would be on, but it would be in 4wd. I found a vacuum leak from the manifold and that fixed that issue. I'm hoping it has to do with the rain, but I could not find anything that matched my problem. I appreciate all of the input that you all may have.

I know there is a lot of writing above, but it was needed to accurately describe my issue.
Had the same thing going on in my 96 ..and it could be two things off hand .the spring loaded light switch down on the front axle.i always seal my connections that are going to get wet and dirty with a hot glue gun work great and easy to remove when needed .also my transfer case lever was being pushed back into 4wd by the boot sagging and the last thing it could be which is common the clip on the back of the transfer case under the output come to the rear drive shaft the inner shaft clip gets worn and breaks there's videos on you tube .
 

Chuck962500

Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2020
Posts
61
Reaction score
30
Location
83815
Ram Year
1996
Engine
5.9
IMG_20221124_093727.jpg
Always taking something out and upgrading .better than making payments !
 
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