Before it happens to you...

[Craw]

So, was testing the 4x4 in the parking lot before I need it . Knew I could on the fly do 4x4 auto, high, lock but with low must go into neutral.

All 3 checked out but when I went to do 4x4 lock I pressed the nuetral button like normal. However this time the truck stayed in neutral wtf! Tried the column shifter would shift like normal but stayed in nuetral. Tried pressing the button. Tried doing the coulmn button for emergency no luck.

Called my Ram spot. Saved me.

So, what I went through to fix it.

1. E brake engaged
2. Hold neutral button down for 30 seconds or until truck prompts you to move the selector.
3. Move into drive then to park. Truck should prompt you to hold the brake down and move unto neutral where from there you can move into drive like normal.

Unsure, if there is a better method if so post it so I can edit my manual lol.

 

[22hemi13]

I thought the neutral button was for when truck was being towed? Hmmmm I always put mine into N with my shift lever...... that said I have a 2014 2500 and it might be totally different for the 1500 and 8spd t-case

 

[Craw]

I thought the neutral button was for when truck was being towed? Hmmmm I always put mine into N with my shift lever...... that said I have a 2014 2500 and it might be totally different for the 1500 and 8spd t-case

I am avoiding that button like the plague now and will go shift column route. I have a 6 speed. I asked the Ram Tech who helped if I did it right and he said yes so yeah wierd.

 

[Tach_tech]

The neutral button on the 4X4 shifter is to put the transfer case in neutral for towing.

Shifting to auto4/4lock can be made just by pressing the button. 4low you have to put the transmission in neutral when going into and out of 4low.

 

[WilliamS]

The neutral button on the 4X4 shifter is to put the transfer case in neutral for towing.

Shifting to auto4/4lock can be made just by pressing the button. 4low you have to put the transmission in neutral when going into and out of 4low.

Yeah you put the transfer case in neutral not the transmission. This is for when you are flat towing the truck.

 

[hdvespa]

Like others have said to go into 4 low you are to put the transmission in neutral and not push the n button.

 

[crash68]

You can shift the transfer case into/out of 4X4 Low when the truck is rolling slowly (under 5 MPH) with the transmission in neutral, it's actually easier on the transfer case.

 

[Navy Six Zero]

good info

 

[Craw]

Ahh, well sh*t even the tech said I did it right. Thanks everyone sigh 2 years have had this truck and thought that button was for convenience sake when going into 4 low.

 

[averageguy]

The neutral button on the 4X4 shifter is to put the transfer case in neutral for towing.

Shifting to auto4/4lock can be made just by pressing the button. 4low you have to put the transmission in neutral when going into and out of 4low.

That being said, do you have to go through the procedure the OP described every time you want to put the transfer case back in gear after towing?

 

[Tach_tech]

That being said, do you have to go through the procedure the OP described every time you want to put the transfer case back in gear after towing?

Pretty much ya, you have to hold the neutral button down till it shifts back out of neutral.

 

[averageguy]

So, was testing the 4x4 in the parking lot before I need it . Knew I could on the fly do 4x4 auto, high, lock but with low must go into neutral.

All 3 checked out but when I went to do 4x4 lock I pressed the nuetral button like normal. However this time the truck stayed in neutral wtf! Tried the column shifter would shift like normal but stayed in nuetral. Tried pressing the button. Tried doing the coulmn button for emergency no luck.

Called my Ram spot. Saved me.

So, what I went through to fix it.

1. E brake engaged
2. Hold neutral button down for 30 seconds or until truck prompts you to move the selector.
3. Move into drive then to park. Truck should prompt you to hold the brake down and move unto neutral where from there you can move into drive like normal.

Unsure, if there is a better method if so post it so I can edit my manual lol.

So all that is required is to hold down the neutral button until it shifts back into gear? I can remember that, but I will forget the procedure the op was instructed to use before I post this. I hope to never need to tow my truck and other than that I plan to avoid that button.

 

[crash68]

I hope to never need to tow my truck and other than that I plan to avoid that button.

The neutral button for the transfer case is for flat towing your truck behind an RV.
If your truck breaks down and doesn't start, use the neutral override for the transmission so the truck can be pulled on to a flat bed.

 

[averageguy]

Thanks for the info. Amongst my friends, we have what we call hillbilly rescues. You call whoever is closest and they bring a chain, gas, jumper cables etc. Its like roadside assistance for the rural and economically challenged. If it's really far or won't roll or steer, you get serious and locate a trailer. If it requires a flat bed, there probably isn't enough truck left for me to care how they load it.

 

[Kukailimoku]

You can shift the transfer case into/out of 4X4 Low when the truck is rolling slowly (under 5 MPH) with the transmission in neutral, it's actually easier on the transfer case.

THIS.

I've had several 4x4s and currently have a 2005 Ram 1500 and Wrangler JK 2016. No matter what either owner's manuals say or don't say about the procedure (i can't remember) I've always found that a very short roll almost always is the difference between the lever going into 4L smooth as butter versus needing weightlifters' right arm and grinding metal to get it in. Even if not continually rolling slowly, just rolling the wheel a quarter or half-turn is enough to smoothly slide it in to 4L. Often the grade you happen to be on is sufficient to get that slight wheel rotation.

One shouldn't have to do a lever-&-button kabuki dance to get it into 4L.

 

[tomb]

like others have said -the "N" button is only used if you need to be towed--that being said,i really think it should have been placed a little further out of reach so as not to press it by accident--its not as if you would need to use it often-or ever I would hope.LOL

 

[MADDOG]

Seems to me you put the transfer case in Neutral with the button which is used to disconnect both driveshafts from the transfer case vs. shifting the transmission into Neutral before you shift into 4LO.

 

[rockbass]

Great info, Thanks