2nd Gen Ram Tech 1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

4x4 problem *Quick Response* Please!!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 1, 2009 | 09:02 PM
  #1  
ladenblowfish's Avatar
ladenblowfish
Thread Starter
|
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Exclamation 4x4 problem *Quick Response*

Well tonight was the first time I noticed the 4x4 was not working on my 98. Our first good bit of snow and ice in SC. 25 degrees and 6 inches of snow in 3 hours. Thats alot for us. I put the truck in 4hi & 4low, jacked up the front wheel, the wheel turns. Tried to turn the front driveshaft w/ both front wheels off the ground, driveshaft will not turn. Took vacuum lines loose from vacuum pump on front diff and there was no vacuum at all. Took vacuum lines loose from transfer case and still no vacuum. What could my problem be? Plus my 4x4 light on dash does not come on, but I have replaced the indcator on the front diff. Is there a vacuum switch on the transfer case that the lines go to?
 

Last edited by ladenblowfish; Mar 1, 2009 at 10:39 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 12:40 AM
  #2  
Aubrey's Avatar
Aubrey
Record Breaker
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 1
From: Englewood, CO
Default

Originally Posted by ladenblowfish
Took vacuum lines loose from transfer case and still no vacuum.
Still no vacuum on the lines or at the transfer case? You wouldn't have it on the lines at that point. But you should have vacuum at the transfer case. I've never heard of a loss of vacuum at the transfer case.
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 12:58 AM
  #3  
TMS Bill's Avatar
TMS Bill
Record Breaker
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 1
From: Warren, NJ
Default

If there's no vacuum at the axle, you'll get no 4wd light ... it's a simple switch that is tripped when the fork slides the sleeve over the half axles. A couple of pictures are worth 20 posts so: http://dodgeram.org/tech/repair/4X4/4x4_engagment.htm
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 07:33 AM
  #4  
ladenblowfish's Avatar
ladenblowfish
Thread Starter
|
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Default

Where is the vacuum switch on the transfer case? I see the lines at the skid plate but I can't tell where they go (Just taking a glance).
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 07:48 AM
  #5  
zman17's Avatar
zman17
Retired Moderator - RIP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 18,729
Likes: 17
From: NH
Default

Driver side just above the where the shift linkage connects to the shift arm on the TC. There is also a hose that goes from the pass. side of the intake manifold and goes down the back of the engine the the switch.
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 08:11 AM
  #6  
ladenblowfish's Avatar
ladenblowfish
Thread Starter
|
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Default

Good Deal, thanks man. I'll get out there in a few and check the switch.[IMG]file:///C:/Users/LADENB%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg[/IMG][IMG]file:///C:/Users/LADENB%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.jpg[/IMG]
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 09:20 AM
  #7  
ladenblowfish's Avatar
ladenblowfish
Thread Starter
|
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Default

I just changed the vacuum switch at the transfer case and there is still no vacuum anywhere. There is a slight bit of vacuum at the switch on the transfer case but thats it. I'm lost. I followed the lines and found no leaks or broken lines.
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 09:25 AM
  #8  
zman17's Avatar
zman17
Retired Moderator - RIP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 18,729
Likes: 17
From: NH
Default

Did you check the hose from the eng. bay down to the TC?
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 11:05 AM
  #9  
ladenblowfish's Avatar
ladenblowfish
Thread Starter
|
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Default

I couldn't find the vacuum hose in the engine bay at first glance, I gonna go double check it in a second.
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2009 | 11:40 AM
  #10  
ladenblowfish's Avatar
ladenblowfish
Thread Starter
|
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Default

OK, I'm getting vacuum at the switch on the transfer case. I'm also getting vacuum at the metal vacuum lines at the transmission mount but NO vacuum at the vacuum motor on the axle. I used my air compressor and sprayed both the black and red vacuum lines on the front axle. Now, what else could I check?
 
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:11 PM.