I have a 1995 Dodge Ram 1500 and my 4wd won't engage when i put it in 4wd high or low. The 4wd light on the dash comes on but from 4wd won't engage. Anyone know why its like this?

 

Welcome to DF. How do you know it is not working?

Future reference: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...new-topic.html

 

http://dodgeram.org/tech/repair/4X4/4x4_engagment.htm

 

Does your transfer case shift when you move the lever? When its in 2WD, you should be able to very easily rotate the front drive shaft by hand. Place the transfer case in 4high and see if the front shaft locks like it should. If it does, than your problem may be your vacuum shifter for your hubs, and your wheels aren't actually locking to the drivetrain. Check the tubing, its very small diameter plastic. I once had a similar issue because mine had melted because it was ran too close to the transmission. When I replaced it, it was rerun away from heat sources.

 

I have same problem with my '97 1500 excab 4x4. Try replacing ALL the vacuum lines, if that don't work, replace the vacuum switch located on top of transfer case. that fixes mine!

 

Well i got stuck while offroading last week and i put it in 4wd High and the front tires did not move when I tried to move. I had my buddy try it out and i could see that 4wd High didnt engage as he tried the same thing i did to get out. a couple days later i tried using 4wd low and it works but it seems like its real shakey and rough when i accelerate slowly. I don't think my vaccum lines are shot but im not sure what the problem is.

 

Mine was the same way. Got rid of the crappy plastic lines and replaced with rubber vac lines (less than 5 bucks at the auto part store) and she worked fine after that.

Scratch that. When my vac line was broke the 4WD light did not come on since the actuator did not engage to ground the switch for the light. Looks like your might be a different problem.

Have you tried it again since then? Did you shift to 4WD while the trans was in neutral? If I remember correctly (which may not be the case) I think you have to be moving at 3-5mph while the engine is on to shift into 4 low..... I could be wrong,.

 

Check the lubricant level in your transfer case. None, low, or dirty can cause problems.
And I hope you're not trying this on dry pavement. Your vac. lines are OK, or the 4W light wouldn't come on.