2017 1500 Express 4WD 4x4 button not working

[mick1152]

I have a 2017 Ram 1500 Express crew cab 4x4. The 4wd full and 4wd low buttons aren’t working. When I press them nothing happens. I last used 4wd about 3 months ago without issue.

When I turn on the truck, the 4wd lights on the cluster light up with the rest of the lights. There are no stored error codes. Shifting the transmission works fine. I’ve also tried the neutral button and pushing the 2wd button but none of them light up or do anything anymore. There is no noise from the transfer case when I push the buttons. I am guessing/hoping it would be as simple as a fuse.

I’ve checked a few fuses I thought could be an issue but I don’t recall their numbers now. Anybody experienced this or have suggestions? I’m worried I may have to buy a new shifter but at about $300 I’m hoping it’s much simpler.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Check the harness / connector going to the xfer case for bad connections / corrosion.

 

[Grams]

STOP pushing that Neutral button with your engine running until you have read and understand your Owners Manual warnings about it. (the 4H, 4L, N is the Transfer-Case control. If you select “N” for the transfer case…the TRANSMISSION will be DIS-connected from the drivetrain entirely. This is for Towing your truck behind your MotorHome, etc. If you select your transfer-case to “N”… be CERTAIN to use your Parking Brake…if not towing your truck….because the “PARK” function of your Transmission will have NO EFFECT…. the truck WILL ROLL unless the Parking Brake is used.
Also, if you select “N” on your transfer-case…and then with the engine running select any other mode (such as 2H or 4H etc)….the Gears May CLASH. (ouch) So when de-selecting transfer-case “N” …. stop the engine first.

Have you tried placing your TRANSMISSION in “N” …. while the engine is running…and THEN selecting 4H…? or 4L..?

Some models will not shift into 4L until the transmission is placed in “N” with the engine running. (Don’t get the transmission N confused with the transfer-case N.)

From your description, it sounds as if your shift-motor is not working or the wiring harness to it is damaged or disconnected. The control panel (2H, 4H, 4L, N) sends an electrical signal to the shift motor. (Looks like a windshield-wiper motor on your transfer case.)
You might check to see if that harness is securely connected and the shift motor is working properly.