Up 4wd creek without a paddle

[SamCassidy]

So I just bought a 2009 5.7 Ram 1500, One huge mistake on my part was I didn't inspect the 4wd before I bought it. The owner said it worked great and he seemed like a stand-up guy. I just went to finally test it and when I put it in 4wd lock all it does is flash and same with 4low ( im following shifting procedures found in the owners manual.) It will flash for between 5 and 10 seconds and then disappear When I hit the t case neutral button all it does is flash as well. There is also no service lights on. Any help would be greatly appreciated! I tried to find similar articles but to no avail.

 

[dodge dude94]

Sounds as tho the actuator motor isn't functioning as it should.

 

[SamCassidy]

Sounds as tho the actuator motor isn't functioning as it should.

I should also mention that there is absolutely zero noise nor indication that it is trying to shift.

 

[808ram1500]

Maybe check the 4wd plug that's located on the front diff.

 

[ReactiveRam]

What is this transfer case (neutral button) do. Forgive me for jumping on this thread but this is of interest to me, thank you

 

[pickupman66]

NO lights illuminate after you try selecting the 4x4mode?

1. with the engine off, you should be able to hear the encoder motor assembly move. it is a high gear reduction motor so it sort of sounds like a tone and ten the click of it shifting.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNVWlQxC-1M

this is how it should sound. shifting from 2high, to 4 auto the front diff will engage and the transfer case shifts. (0:01-0:03). then to 4 lock a small click (0:05). Then to 4 LOW (0:07-0:11). then a reverse back through the selections (0:14)

Neutral button is held with the trans in Park and foot on brake. this disengages the driveline at the transfer case for recreational towing. it should blink for a bit, then you will hear the transfer case making noise then the light will go solid.

 

[huntergreen]

Op, are you moving when you try 4wd ?

 

[RamRoy]

Just started having the same problem with my 09. It will go into 4 hi while driving, but 4 hi or 4 lo is a no go from a stop or a slow roll. I get the light flashing and service 4wd comes on. Your tranny should be in neutral to go into 4 lo. The neutral button on the 4wd selector is for towing the truck.

 

[WilliamS]

As posted above start with the harness to make sure its connected. From there its hard to diag without proper tools.

 

[SamCassidy]

To answer a couple question in one post. All of the light flash individually when I try to select the option. The appropriate selection flashes on the dash as if it's trying to switch then it just goes out and nothing shifts. There are no noises at all of it trying to shift either at speed or at park/ neutral. I will check the harness tomorrow and hopefully, that's the answer.

 

[pickupman66]

the truck does not illiminate a SVC4WD light? that is odd. when mine was not shifting or reading properly, it wodl throw this light and TCS woudl turn off etc.. I woudl check wiring harnesses and plugs on the Encoder motor and front end first to see if they are proper. from there, repalce encoder motor and front dif motor.