4x4 problem Ram 2013+ 8-speed 44-44 transfer case

[black14sport]

Appreciate the response. Started googling and found some stuff that the button doesnt even cut it off all the way. Found this from another forum.

Guess I need to go for a round 2 at the beach to see how the transfer case acts now. Even though I could tell that the truck was definitely digging in the rear more than the front.

Reading this it is saying there is a separate ESC button. All I see is the TCS on the center dash? Sorry if this is getting off topic from the transfer case.


Traction Control System (TCS) – If Equipped

The TCS monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s), and engine power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and stability. A feature of the TCS functions similarly to a limited-slip differential and controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning. This feature remains active even if TCS and ESC are in the “Partial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in this section of this manual. This brake pressure modulation transfers drive torque from slipping to non-slipping wheels to provide optimal forward traction.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – If Equipped

The ESC system enhances directional control and stability of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC corrects for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition. Engine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the desired path.
ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match the intended path, ESC applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition.
Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than appropriate for the steering wheel position.
Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the steering wheel position.

All Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles and Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles in 2WD, 4WD AUTO, or 4WD LOCK Modes Can Choose the Following ESP Operating Modes:


ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for ESC in 2WD/4WD AUTO/4WD LOCK modes and in 2WD vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is started or the transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 4WD LOW or Neutral, back to 4WD LOCK or 4WD AUTO, the ESC system will be in this mode. This mode should be used for almost all driving situations. ESC should only be turned to “Partial Off” or “ESP Off” for specific reasons as noted below.

ESC Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily pressing the “ESC Off” switch. When in "Partial Off" mode, the TCS portion of ESC, except for the “limited slip” feature described in the TCS section, has been disabled and the "ESC Off Indicator Light" will be illuminated. All other stability features of ESC function normally. This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand, or gravel conditions and more wheel spin than ESC would normally allow is required to gain traction. To turn ESC on again, momentarily press the “ESC Off” switch. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of operation.
Note: To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with snow chains or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off” mode by pressing the “ESC Off” switch. Once the situation requiring ESC to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by momentarily pressing the “ESC Off” switch. This may be done while the vehicle is in motion.
Warning!In the “Partial Off” mode, the engine torque reduction and stability features are desensitized. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESC is unavailable.


All Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles in 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK Modes Can Also Choose the Following ESC Operating Mode. This is the Only ESC Operating Mode in 4WD LOW:


Full Off
This mode is intended for off-road use when ESC stability features could inhibit vehicle maneuverability due to trail conditions. This mode is entered by pressing and holding the “ESC Off” switch for five seconds when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is running. After five seconds, the “ESP Off Indicator Light” will illuminate and the “ESC Off” message will appear in the odometer. Press and release the trip odometer button located on the instrument cluster to clear this message.
Note: The “ESC OFF” message will display and the audible chime will sound when the shift lever is placed into the PARK position from any other position and then moved out of the PARK position. This will occur even if the message was previously cleared.
In this mode, ESC and TCS except for the “limited slip” feature described in the TCS section are turned off until the vehicle reaches a speed of 40 mph (64 km/h). At 40 mph (64 km/h) the system returns to “Partial Off” mode, described above. When the vehicle speed drops below 35 mph (56 km/h) the ESC system shuts off. ESC is off at low vehicle speeds so that it will not interfere with off-road driving but ESC function returns to provide the stability feature at speeds above 40 mph (64 km/h). The “ESC Off Indicator Light” will always be illuminated when ESC is off. To turn ESC on again, momentarily press the “ESC Off” switch. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of operation.
“ESC Off” is the only operating mode for ESC in 4WD LOW. Whenever the vehicle is started in 4WD LOW or the transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 4WD LOCK or NEUTRAL, to 4WD LOW, the ESC system will be in this mode.
Warning!With the ESC switched off, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESC is unavailable. In an emergency evasive maneuver the ESC system will not engage to assist in maintaining stability. “ESC Off” mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use only.
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ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and ESC OFF Indicator Light

The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. It should go out with the engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.

The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” (located in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” also flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.

Note:
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” come on momentarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver that caused the ESC activation.

The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.

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When you put it in 4 Low if I'm not mistaken it automatically turns off both of those functions but it does nothing in terms of how the transfer case engages the front axle. Unless you really want to get into rewiring everything or buying the clutch replacement kit that they have been talking about there is literally nothing you can do about the front axle disengaging

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[jbr]

Well almost lost my truck to the ocean yesterday. Had read about people issues with this case after I ordered but didnt think anything of it and figured I would be fine. Come to find out this thing sucks. Hit the sand and as I am going down the beach which is at a angle the whole rear end starts sliding out down the towards the ocean. You could tell that the rear wheels were digging more than the front wheels when I got out to lower the tire pressure. The rears were buried while the front was still somewhat on top.

After dropping pressure alot I was able to get momentum but then as I tried to turn up the hill to get off the beach the whole truck basically bogged down and felt like I was losing power to the truck. Has anyone noticed this? When in sand sometimes you just got to floor it and creep along slowly to get out of a situation. It was not letting me give power to the truck and pretty much stopped me dead in its tracks.

Has anyone written a little to FCA to see what there response was on this situation. Pretty disappointing that I need to be hesitant to go through any kind of soft sand where i may have to actually come to a stop for a little bit because I can not launch from a stop with the front locked.

My experience on sand with 44-44.

Air down to 20 psi
4 low

Gear +/- 3
10-15 mph

Keep momentum going foward

Learning curve on sand.

 

[black14sport]

I about wiped out on my way to work a couple weeks ago and finally just got sick of it between that and not being able to back a trailer up in wet grass without it jackknifing from spinning, ripping my yard up, RAM customer service being arrogant and worthless, dealerships unknowledgable and unwilling to help, etc. I got an f250 with lock out hubs. Screw Chrysler group llc! I would have gotten a 2500 RAM if they didn't treat me like complete ****

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[chesafreak]

My experience on sand with 44-44.

Air down to 20 psi
4 low

Gear +/- 3
10-15 mph

Keep momentum going foward

Learning curve on sand.

So does the 4 low actually turn off the traction control and stability control for you? I used lock. With soft sand I have always like 4wd Hi cause like mud wheel speed is good. So I would much rather have lock and be able to completely turn off the traction control bs.

And keeping momentum forward is bs. I used to be able to come to a dead stop with my old truck sink the rear tires then pull right out of the hole.

I am interested in turning off traction control now and seeing how the transfer case handles. I may not have as much of an issue if I can at least get power to the wheels..... Im sure I may not be able to bury the rear tires like I used to do but if i can atleast scoot down the beach I may be happy..

 

[jbr]

So does the 4 low actually turn off the traction control and stability control for you? I used lock. With soft sand I have always like 4wd Hi cause like mud wheel speed is good. So I would much rather have lock and be able to completely turn off the traction control bs.

And keeping momentum forward is bs. I used to be able to come to a dead stop with my old truck sink the rear tires then pull right out of the hole.

I am interested in turning off traction control now and seeing how the transfer case handles. I may not have as much of an issue if I can at least get power to the wheels..... Im sure I may not be able to bury the rear tires like I used to do but if i can atleast scoot down the beach I may be happy..

My $.02

From my experience with the soft sand on Long Island.

I can't get far on the beach without airing down and it tears up the beach. Unfortunately many don't air down unless there is a fill up station. I carry my own air compressor (MasterFlow MF-1050 Air Compressor)

The first time out I got stuck with stock tires and 40 psi. I aired down with 4 lock/4 hi and was able to make back to the main road.


4 low has done better for me than 4lock/4hi.

4hi I held down the traction control button for 10+ seconds and on the EVIC it states that traction control is disabled, but I don't know if it is fully disabled.

This summer I may try pulling the fuse and see if it works any better.

I do feel a little anxious with the 44-44 transfer case on the beach, which sucks. Its the only off roading I do and I don't tow anything.

I do have the 3.21 rear end, limited slip, and stock 20" Goodyears (for now).

Ill see if I can find a video I watched of the 44-44 on the beach.

This video I the truck has a different transfer case. I don't know when the 44-44 started off hand. It may be in this thread somewhere.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KeSC1ZNkG4&feature=youtu.be

Still looking for another video.

It seems the other video has been deleted from another forum.

 

[chesafreak]

Would be interested in that video. Thanks for the tips.. So guess 4 low will disable everything is what your saying? I feel that should help a ton. I usually air down but was going on a quick trip and before with inflated tires have never had an issue like I had with loss of power from the tcs.

 

[black14sport]

And keeping momentum forward is bs. I used to be able to come to a dead stop with my old truck sink the rear tires then pull right out of the hole.

I agree it is complete BS but it is also the truth. Take it from one of many who has gone to multiple dealerships and had multiple calls to Chrysler with all the same ending, them telling me that I am not an engineer and that it is acting the way it was designed to do whether it's "right or wrong", that's how it is designed to work. They also told me that if I did not like it then to trade it in or get use to it because anything I did to alter it would void my warranty. And this is coming straight from Chrysler. You used to be able to do a lot of things with the older trucks but with today's "electronics and Technology"they have really screwed everything up

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[Hemi395]

JBR are these the videos you were talking about?

Video1_zpsbb52248f.mp4 Video by ActiveShooter556 | Photobucket

Video2_zpsed67d649.mp4 Video by ActiveShooter556 | Photobucket

 

[black14sport]

https://vimeo.com/143203353

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Fyi Here is what it is supposed to do in 4 low, and 4 lock. According to RAM technicians and customer service

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[black14sport]

So has anyone installed this RSG kit yet?

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[Hemi395]

Are they even selling it yet? I checked their website about a week ago and I couldn't find anything about it...

 

[black14sport]

Are they even selling it yet? I checked their website about a week ago and I couldn't find anything about it...

From what they were talking about on here it should have been available a couple weeks ago... Idk

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[chesafreak]

Thanks for the videos. Crazy to see the delay and the fact that the front is not going to crawl while just idling says it all.

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[black14sport]

Thanks for the videos. Crazy to see the delay and the fact that the front is not going to crawl while just idling says it all.

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Exactly. When you floor it, it kicks in then let of the gas it disengages then will coast backwards down that hill in drive with the rear wheels spinning forward trying to climb and the front wheels spinning backward (wish I could have gotten a video of that) proving complete disengagement with no throttle applied (as if the idle test didn't prove it already)

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[iam_canadian22]

Ya its bs, "working as designed", what a retarded design, really happy with the new outdoorsman now

 

[jbr]

JBR are these the videos you were talking about?

Video1_zpsbb52248f.mp4 Video by ActiveShooter556 | Photobucket

Video2_zpsed67d649.mp4 Video by ActiveShooter556 | Photobucket

Yes....

 

[Moparman16]

I got the problem fixed on mine, traded in for an outdoorsman, saving 20$ bi-weekly to boot

Do you miss the nicer interior, dual exhaust, better looking rims, etc. that your Sport had on your new Outdoorsman, or does having the good transfer case and lower payments make it worth it?

 

[iam_canadian22]

Do you miss the nicer interior, dual exhaust, better looking rims, etc. that your Sport had on your new Outdoorsman, or does having the good transfer case and lower payments make it worth it?

I miss the dual exhaust, i will swap that eventually, interior is almost identical minus leather, its been completely worth it in my opinion

 

[Moparman16]

Has anyone emailed George at Rockland Standard Gear to purchase one of the transfer case kits for the BW 44-44? I mentioned awhile back that they had some kits ready to ship and that anyone interested should email George, even though he has not updated his websites yet.

Thunderhorse emailed George as well and was told that kits are ready to ship right now for $635 shipping included.

 

[crash68]

4hi I held down the traction control button for 10+ seconds and on the EVIC it states that traction control is disabled, but I don't know if it is fully disabled.

Even with the truck in ESC Full Off mode, it will still automatically re-enable when the truck goes over 40 mph(turns back off under 35).