Another 4WD Issue

[dunney]

Hey Folks, writing again for expert help because my 2011 1500 has intermittent 4WD again.

I apologize for the long post, but here is some history… I’ve had 4WD issues because of broken cv axles, stripped clutches in the transfer case, and several transfer case motors. I don’t think it is any of these this time.

Around 250,000 miles (the truck has 288,494 miles now) the motor blew. I had my local mechanic replace it with a jasper (the non cylinder deactivate type) and it worked OK for a little bit. Then it had trouble starting (switch to on and not turning over). My mechanic replaced the TPIM module twice, and fuel pump once, (when it would turn over but not catch) and it still had intermittent starting issues. Last week, my 4WD croaked again. My mechanic went out of business, and had to bring it to a new place. The CV axles
were cooked again, so the new mechanic replaced them and all was good until last week.

I picked up the truck and noticed it wouldn’t go into 4WD while driving. I ran my scanner and it had one error 0156 and some satellite radio error. I reset the 0156, but the radio error wouldn’t go away.

I brought it back to my new mechanic, and they said there were no codes, which I can confirm, but still wouldn’t go into any of the 4WD modes. They replaced the front actuator and cleaned a bad contact on the transfer case motor. I drove it again yesterday and the truck would not go into 4WD. Not in neutral, running, or driving, there is no code, no SERV4WD. If I turn the knob to go into 4WD, the the transfer motor doesn’t move, and the 4WD light on the dash doesn’t come up. Drove the truck for an hour, then let it sit for an hour. The truck then wouldn’t start three times, not turning over, and no 4WD. The fourth time I turned the key the truck started and then let me put it in 4WD.

I think I have another bad TPIM module. Does anyone have any insight on this?

Any and all suggestions are welcome - thanks!

 

[tron67j]

So, one thought is your key switch. If turning it did nothing and the without warning it works, perhaps that is bad, especially if it is original. Coupling your lack of starting and then the all of a sudden everything working to think there might be a problem there.

You have a couple issues here and it makes the most sense to chase the main one first, which is the starting problem. It is possible that you fix that and then other things get resolved.

I wouldn't normally just throw parts at a problem, so if you can, take it off and check it for continuity as you turn key. It may take many turns to verify it is working correctly. However, if it is original and with the high mileage you have, this one has done more than it's duty and if nothing else replacement with a new unit ensures the module isn't a intermittent problem.

If you do go for a TIPM, try to find a new one. Not sure if this is a fit for you: https://www.moparsupply.com/oem-parts/mopar-intelligent-power-power-distribution-center-68322371ad

 

[markabby]

15 year old truck with over 250,000 miles? Plus you listed numerous parts that have been replaced, some at least twice?

where am i going with this......???

 

[tron67j]

25 year old truck with over 250,000 miles? Plus you listed numerous parts that have been replaced, some at least twice?

where am i going with this......???

Yeah!

 

[David H]

25 year old truck

I get your point but, 25?

 

[markabby]

I get your point but, 25? View attachment 580254

lol....sorry about that...my fingers are ruff on this laptop.

 

[turkeybird56]

lol....sorry about that...my fingers are ruff on this laptop.

"RUFF" fingers or "oversized"??? lmao 15??? 25??? Potato/Potatto

(not what I was gonna really say but gonna keep civil)

 

[markabby]

"RUFF" fingers or "oversized"??? lmao 15??? 25??? Potato/Potatto

(not what I was gonna really say but gonna keep civil)

yea, most people get past the typos and understand what's being said.

im using a macbook pro and the keys are very sensitive, but, that's my only excuse for making a mortal sin typo in the forum.

 

[dunney]

Ughh…I forgot about the ******* contests on this site. Sigh.

But yes, if you’re going to be snarky, maybe get your math right.

That said… thank you for ONE response, from Mr. Tron67. Ironically Mr. Tron, I ended up in a different direction. After replacing a new faulty brake switch from O’Reilly’s, the problem remained. After screwing around with the OBD scanner and saying many Hail Mary’s, I couldn’t get the transfer case motor to move. Then I remembered one suggestion, to check the fuses. For the hell of it, I just reseated (really just pushed in) all the fuses in the fuse block with the engine off. I tried the 4WD again, and the transfer case immediately engaged. I had 4WD to plow my driveway from last night and I quote “0-18” inches tomorrow night. All is good!

Until… it was not. My driveway is huge, like 1200 feet, and about halfway into plowing a pretty big mound of snow, I get the SERV 4WD error. *********! I thought I had it solved but that shows you how good a mechanic I am! I hook my scanner back up to it, scan, and it has no error codes. But, if you go into review all modules individually, there are codes for the TPIM, transfer case motor, and that godforsaken satellite antennae radio error. The truck is toasty, it’s 29 degrees outside, and I’m lazy. I keep trying to reset the codes, and almost every idiot light on the dash goes off in random order. The traction control light is on permanently, but the engine light flashes, peppered with the ABS and BRAKE lights. The truck is running the whole time. It says it’s in 4WD AUTO, but I’m clearly not as evidenced by said snowbank. I take it out of 4WD, shut it down, wait 30 seconds, and try again with the key in ON mode, but not running. I kept resetting the codes in each module, and FINALLY it went into 4WD. I finished the driveway. Phew.

My opinion is, it’s another bad TPIM module. It seems to be an electrical gremlin, and considering my former mechanic already replaced two of them, my guess is they are not getting reliable replacements. A good mechanic friend of mine said get a new one from Dodge, but I’m guessing that’s going to be pricey.

FYI, the truck has been running now for a couple hours while I snowblow. No errors. I am NOT shutting it off until I’m done. An object in motion, right?

Welcome to any helpful input as always. Thanks guys!

 

[turkeybird56]

Ughh…I forgot about the ******* contests on this site. Sigh.

But yes, if you’re going to be snarky, maybe get your math right.

That said… thank you for ONE response, from Mr. Tron67. Ironically Mr. Tron, I ended up in a different direction. After replacing a new faulty brake switch from O’Reilly’s, the problem remained. After screwing around with the OBD scanner and saying many Hail Mary’s, I couldn’t get the transfer case motor to move. Then I remembered one suggestion, to check the fuses. For the hell of it, I just reseated (really just pushed in) all the fuses in the fuse block with the engine off. I tried the 4WD again, and the transfer case immediately engaged. I had 4WD to plow my driveway from last night and I quote “0-18” inches tomorrow night. All is good!

Until… it was not. My driveway is huge, like 1200 feet, and about halfway into plowing a pretty big mound of snow, I get the SERV 4WD error. *********! I thought I had it solved but that shows you how good a mechanic I am! I hook my scanner back up to it, scan, and it has no error codes. But, if you go into review all modules individually, there are codes for the TPIM, transfer case motor, and that godforsaken satellite antennae radio error. The truck is toasty, it’s 29 degrees outside, and I’m lazy. I keep trying to reset the codes, and almost every idiot light on the dash goes off in random order. The traction control light is on permanently, but the engine light flashes, peppered with the ABS and BRAKE lights. The truck is running the whole time. It says it’s in 4WD AUTO, but I’m clearly not as evidenced by said snowbank. I take it out of 4WD, shut it down, wait 30 seconds, and try again with the key in ON mode, but not running. I kept resetting the codes in each module, and FINALLY it went into 4WD. I finished the driveway. Phew.

My opinion is, it’s another bad TPIM module. It seems to be an electrical gremlin, and considering my former mechanic already replaced two of them, my guess is they are not getting reliable replacements. A good mechanic friend of mine said get a new one from Dodge, but I’m guessing that’s going to be pricey.

FYI, the truck has been running now for a couple hours while I snowblow. No errors. I am NOT shutting it off until I’m done. An object in motion, right?

Welcome to any helpful input as always. Thanks guys!

Hopefully U not get too much inundated with da white chit, and able to use yer ride to take care of it. Glad not got those issues here, cept we did get that 3" of frozen sleet end of January, and the freak storm in Feb 2021. Why I have snow rated tires and semi-aggressive tread, but not for snow but muddy fields getting hay and water issues on and over roadways.

CAVEAT: Seems getting reliable parts these days more of a unicorn than a reality.

 

[dunney]

Lol ru go t you are!