Hello all,
Recently I had to have my truck towed home. They didnt use a flat bed truck, and towed it with the rear wheels on the ground and the front ones up. The truck was in Neutral. Now my SVC 4WD light is on. Related? Was this a fault by the tow truck company?
Thanks..

2004 Durango Limited.
4.7
AWD/4WD

 

There was an earlier thread about this, but I can not remember the outcome. Try to use the search function. Always use a flatbed or a dolly in the future,
FF

 

ADKG:

Please clarify a bit more. I assume you mean that the trans was in neutral. Was the transfer case also in neutral?

Most folks don't ever have a reason to use the T case neutral, but towing is why it is there.

If they did not tow it more than a few miles, you most likely do not have serious damage. One of the reasons for either flat bedding it putting the T case in neutral is that some trannys have to have the engine running to get fluid pumped to the rear section of it. Driving a long distance with the driveshaft turning and no fluid can cause damage.

This is why the old school method was to remove the driveshaft if it would be a long tow.

I would have it evaluated, and possibly the tow folks owe you some repairs.

Most reputable tow companies will always flatbed a 4x4/AWD just to cover their butts.



Don

 

I dont believe there is a "neutral" on this FWD. I have the AWD all the time, with simply a **** on the dashboard that I can switch from AWD to 4WD. We did not go more than 3 miles, and we never went over 30MPH. But nevertheless, my SVC 4WD is now on and it wasnt before. I had used the 4WD 2 weeks prior to cross a muddy stream so I know that it was also working.
I have spoken to tow company and get this, I was told that driving through a puddle can cause the Tcase to become damaged, because it was SOOOOO hot before I hit the water puddle that the difference from hot to cold will cause it to seize up. I told him I was not an idiot and didnt appreciate being spoken to as such. Either way, I have to trust the a reputable towing company would know what they were doing as he assured me that it wouldnt hurt it..
I have a drivetrain warranty that also covers the 4WD and Tcase, so I hopefully it will be covered. I dont think I will share with them that it could have been towed improperly.
just a thought..|
thanks..

 

Yep, I definitely would be having the tow company fix my ride. Never tow a AWD on 2 wheels unless you have a dolly.

 

Ok went to the dealer, and they have informed me that I need a new Transfer Case Shift Motor/Range Sensor Assembly. I am confused though, is this just the long name for the shift motor or are we only talking about a range sensor that controls the shift motor?

EDIT: Spoke to dealer, the range sensor is included in the part. It is an attached system. Could this have been damaged due to improper towing?
Thanks.

 

ADKG:

Do you "exercise" your T case shift motor monthly? If not, you should be switching it over to 4Hi at least once a month to keep things freed up in there.
I would also switch into 4 LO every other month to accomplish same.

You can do the 4Hi switch while moving as long as you are not making turns.

Regarding neutral, do you have the 2 or 1 speed transfer case. If you have 4 LO, then you have the 2 speed.

Look at the switch on the dash. In the lower left corner, you should see an "N" with a recessed button next to it.
This is how you put the T case into neutral.

I have not done that myself, but the T case section of your owners book does.

IIRC, you put the parking brake on so it wont roll, trans in neutral, and then depress the button while turning the switch counterclockwise to the N.

This completely disconnects both driveshafts from the transmission inside the T case.

The shift motor itself is not too pricey, but they seem to want a bit of change to install it.
I don't THINK the T case has to come out.

Don