Hello

Im hoping that one of you great mechanics can help like you have in the past. here is the scenario.

I have a 2000 Dodge Durango SLT

Tonight we are driving and my husband says to me I think your 4WD shifter is loose. We come to a stop light and drop her in neutral and test it out. She moved into 4WD Hi fine...2WD fine...4WD neutral fine ...and then when we went to try 4WD LOCK she made some grinding sounds. so we stopped drove back to the hotel.

Pulled into the hotel and did all of the above again and then again at 4WD LOCK and makes the grinding noises and gets it in but now my 4WD shifter is loose and she is permanently in 4WD LOCK. the shifter is back and forth as quick as can be not switiching into anything.

What is going on guys? I mean i have a general idea but some assurance from you would be great. Also how much could i be looking at to fix?

Thank you

Tina

 

Sounds like linkage to me. If so, cheap parts and only an hour of labor.

IndyD

 

really appreciate the help. We are in CHapel Hill NC right now and my husband is going in for brain surgery monday morning. as you can imagine this was not what we needed a few days before but life goes on. Im hoping no more than a few hundred dollars. Also if anyone knows of a reputable mechanic in the Chapel Hill NC area other than Dodge that would be some good information too. Again any input is helpful.
Thanks Indy you are taking some ease off our minds

 

yup i agree with indy, sounds like the linkage came off

and just fyi you have 2wd 4hi lock and 4lo lock, and it might be wise not to 'experiment' with a suspected temperamental system when you have enough to worry about already (not trying to be a smart *** or anything, but from what you said you didnt need this new problem which you caused (or at least accelerated the problem)by playing.)

 

+1 Indy!

 

Ya i agree with it being linkage. if it is stuck in 4 low u could crawl under the truck an pop the linkage off an then move it into 2wd manually just to get it out of 4 low for now, then have it fixed soon as possible.

 

My husband and I want to thank you all for your replies. It is a load off. We have both been dealing with his medical situation so well. We almost let this be our outlet of emotions but we got right back on track. I did kick my own *** because I told myself pulling into the hotel...leave well enough alone

Everytime I have utilized the site you have all given great input and more so in our situation tonight. Again a load off. Thank you.

Hope you have a great weekend.

 

Tina, best of luck with your husband's surgery.

IndyDurango

 

My husband wants to attempt moving it back into 2WD. Where underneath the Durango will he find the spot to move the gear back?