2nd Gen Dakota Tech 1997 - 2004 Dodge Dakota Tech - The ultimate forum for technical help on the 2nd Gen Dakota.

2003 Dakota 4WD Erratic

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 1, 2013 | 10:01 AM
  #1  
richard.a.morgan's Avatar
richard.a.morgan
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Default 2003 Dakota 4WD Erratic

My 4WD Low sometimes engages on its own and is difficult to get out of it; no light changes on switch. Can't tell if actually engages or if the engine just reacts like it is engaged. Tachs about 500 higher and increased sound in engine compartment. Otherwise appears to work normal. WTF???
 
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2013 | 10:08 AM
  #2  
00DakDan's Avatar
00DakDan
Section Moderator
15 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,858
Likes: 47
From: MA
Default

What engine/transmission do you have? How fast are you going when this happens?

It may be an overdrive problem. Your engine would really scream if it went into 4 low at speed.
 
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2013 | 10:21 AM
  #3  
richard.a.morgan's Avatar
richard.a.morgan
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Default

It's a 4.7L and I don't know the tranny. It's a 5 speed with OD. Generally it kicks in at a stop but occasionally at low speed.

Sorry, I mistyped. It's 4WD high, not low!! My bad.
 

Last edited by richard.a.morgan; Nov 1, 2013 at 10:47 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2013 | 11:21 AM
  #4  
00DakDan's Avatar
00DakDan
Section Moderator
15 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,858
Likes: 47
From: MA
Default

4wd high shouldn't change the engine RPM. You would notice it "binding" during turns though.

Can you describe the sound from the engine compartment?
 
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2013 | 12:34 PM
  #5  
richard.a.morgan's Avatar
richard.a.morgan
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Default

It sounds just like it is in 4WD Lo, the high whine, but the tach only indicates about 500 or so higher than normal. Pickup is a bit sluggish, but I can obtain normal speeds at a slightly higher tach. Strange huh?? Could it be the mode sensor or I/O speed sensor?
 
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:29 PM.