Transfer Case TCCM wiring "corroded/also wet"

[VA10]

I have a 2014 5.7l Ram 1500 Crew Cab Outdoorsman w/ the 6'4'' (44-44 tcase) bed. bought it certified pre-owned w/ 48k miles. 9 months later it has 65k miles.

This past weekend I had drive around in winter conditions for about 2+hrs straight. Ice, slush, snow, freezing rain, and muddy road unmaintained back roads. The truck performed fantastically......At then end of the day the "service 4wd drive" light came on. I very confused as to why this happened. Especially because the 4x4 systems (4auto & 4hi) to be operating correctly even though the light came on. After parking at my house I started messing with the 4wd selector switches to test the tcase. I put the truck into 4lo and a new message popped up "4wd drive system temporarily unavailable." - this appeared after the truck shifted into 4lo.....I could get the truck out of 4lo.

Dealer Diagnoses

The Transfer Case Control Module wiring and connectors have become corroded and wet. Causing the service lights to appear. In potentially prevent 4wd from operating.

MOPAR customer service told me the TCCM is covered under warranty. Which is what I thought was going to be replaced. However, the dealer is going to replace the wiring from the TCCM to the Tcase. Which is not under warranty. MOPAR was great. They even called the dealer for me to ensure I paid $0 if any of the modules,motors,or tcase/drive train had issues.

Estimated dealer repair for the wiring/connectors $400. Since my truck is still under CPO warranty I kinda of do not have a choice but to use the dealer. I understand how the service departments work... Which is why I have to assume I am going to pay for the wiring to be replaced first - that way they make money before they do a warranty claim. This dealers service department has been good to me.


unfortunately moments after my truck locked in to 4lo - a family emergency occurred. I needed my truck and the 4wd system to be working in order to get to where I needed to go. Which I was not able to use. The truck has been great to me and trouble free for duration of my ownership. this situation has left me disgruntled at my truck haha. I know this type of issue can happen to any make or model. I am just nervous that once it happens it keeps happening.

I am tempted to trade it in on a newer RAM.

 

[chrisbh17]

Try a different dealer?

I find it hard to believe a CPO warranty wouldnt cover things RELATED to things that are definitely covered .

 

[RamCares]

I have a 2014 5.7l Ram 1500 Crew Cab Outdoorsman w/ the 6'4'' (44-44 tcase) bed. bought it certified pre-owned w/ 48k miles. 9 months later it has 65k miles.
This past weekend I had drive around in winter conditions for about 2+hrs straight. Ice, slush, snow, freezing rain, and muddy road unmaintained back roads. The truck performed fantastically......At then end of the day the "service 4wd drive" light came on. I very confused as to why this happened. Especially because the 4x4 systems (4auto & 4hi) to be operating correctly even though the light came on. After parking at my house I started messing with the 4wd selector switches to test the tcase. I put the truck into 4lo and a new message popped up "4wd drive system temporarily unavailable." - this appeared after the truck shifted into 4lo.....I could get the truck out of 4lo.

Dealer Diagnoses
The Transfer Case Control Module wiring and connectors have become corroded and wet. Causing the service lights to appear. In potentially prevent 4wd from operating.
MOPAR customer service told me the TCCM is covered under warranty. Which is what I thought was going to be replaced. However, the dealer is going to replace the wiring from the TCCM to the Tcase. Which is not under warranty. MOPAR was great. They even called the dealer for me to ensure I paid $0 if any of the modules,motors,or tcase/drive train had issues.
Estimated dealer repair for the wiring/connectors $400. Since my truck is still under CPO warranty I kinda of do not have a choice but to use the dealer. I understand how the service departments work... Which is why I have to assume I am going to pay for the wiring to be replaced first - that way they make money before they do a warranty claim. This dealers service department has been good to me.
unfortunately moments after my truck locked in to 4lo - a family emergency occurred. I needed my truck and the 4wd system to be working in order to get to where I needed to go. Which I was not able to use. The truck has been great to me and trouble free for duration of my ownership. this situation has left me disgruntled at my truck haha. I know this type of issue can happen to any make or model. I am just nervous that once it happens it keeps happening.
I am tempted to trade it in on a newer RAM.

Hi VA10,
We regret to hear you are experiencing these concerns at the time of the year you may need these systems the most. We would like to look into this further and see if there is any opportunity to assist. Please send us a private message with your VIN.
Julie
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[VA10]

Hi VA10,
We regret to hear you are experiencing these concerns at the time of the year you may need these systems the most. We would like to look into this further and see if there is any opportunity to assist. Please send us a private message with your VIN.
Julie
Ram Social Care Specialist

I sent a PM with my VIN. My appointment for the replacement wiring is tomorrow.

 

[Murphy Slaw]

Has this issue been addressed on newer models, or will this require a recall?

I could see this being very dangerous if your wife was pregnant in February or something.

 

[VA10]

all the dealer did was cut off the wiring harness connector to the TC. then ordered a new connector piece (fits in the palm of your hand) and soldered the connector to the existing wiring from the TCCM to the TC. They clearly did this to avoid the repair from being covered under warranty. I even called MOPAR and they said if they are replacing a wiring harness it is covered under the CPO warranty. Do not pay them - and they even called the dealer to tell them I should not pay anything for a wiring harness. they responded to me by saying they were replacing wiring/connector not the harness......

Part : https://www.moparamerica.com/oem-parts/mopar-wiring-black-8-way-68040486aa


I looked underneath the truck and it appears they did good quality work. But extremely frustrating that the part online as an authentic mopar part costs about $50-$85. They charged me $142 for the part plus a $159 labor fee......it took them less than an hour to install.

Prior to the repair taking place the technician disconnected the connector from the TC to the TCCM - cleaned the contacts from corrosion which caused the issue to go away. this cost $159 as well....However, given my situation I could not afford to have the issue to happen again.

so overall this ended up running me about $600.

there are a lot o variables at play here...I am hoping RAM and MOPAR will continue the great customer service I was provided over the phone......

 

[Murphy Slaw]

So, to be clear, this is the little box under the truck on the LH side with all of the wires. It's telling the 44-44 what to do? Should that stuff there be waterproofed ?

Is this a common problem?

 

[Bock]

So, to be clear, this is the little box under the truck on the LH side with all of the wires. It's telling the 44-44 what to do? Should that stuff there be waterproofed ?

Is this a common problem?

You would like to think that electrical connectors under the truck where waterproof. but I believe they are water resistant only.

 

[VA10]

I will take detailed pictures when possible off the connection. I cant imagine the connection being built or designed any different on 44-45 or on a different make or model for that matter. I think my issue is a rare occurrence. I drove through multiple puddles and splashed dirty muddy water on the TC area while checking some hunting locations this morning. drove around in wet/muddy conditions for about 40 mins...so far so good.

It is also possible the connection was not seated properly to begin with. I am the second owner of the truck.....god knows how the person worked on it before me or treated it.

Dealer stated it is highly unlikely that this is common issue. due to the fact that the parts department did not have the part in stock....

 

[VA10]

thank you @ramcares for the help. RAM/MOPAR stepped in to provide assistance and advice on the repair. I am shocked at the how good the RAM/MOPAR customer has been for me from the day I bought this truck. Hands down the best customer service from a manufacturer I have ever had.

 

[RamCares]

thank you @ramcares for the help. RAM/MOPAR stepped in to provide assistance and advice on the repair. I am shocked at the how good the RAM/MOPAR customer has been for me from the day I bought this truck. Hands down the best customer service from a manufacturer I have ever had.

We appreciate the shout out, VA10. We are always happy to offer our assistance.
Julie
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[Murphy Slaw]

thank you @ramcares for the help. RAM/MOPAR stepped in to provide assistance and advice on the repair. I am shocked at the how good the RAM/MOPAR customer has been for me from the day I bought this truck. Hands down the best customer service from a manufacturer I have ever had.

This needs to be spot-lighted.

Very cool !