2006 Dodge Dakota SLT TRX4
AWD
20,000 miles

I recently my Dakota from a Chrysler dealer.

When putting it in 4x4, the disengaging, most of the time it won't disengage. The light on the dash goes out, but it's still mechanically in 4x4. Ive even driven up to 2 miles and it won't disengage. However, sometimes it disengages just fine.

I brought it to the dealer, and he witnessed the problem. After a while of troubleshooting, he said he has to order a part to fix the problem. He said he's ordering a small electric motor that should fix the issue.

Does this make sense? I'm assuming this electric motor is what engages the 4x4? If the motor is bad, how come it engages perfectly fine?

Ideas?

 

Mine doesnt disengage all the time. I normally coast at about 2mph going straight in nuetral and turn off 4x4 and that does the trick. If the wheels are spinning while in drive/under load, normally it stays engaged. In a way I feel the shift-on-the-fly is more of a pain in the *** than its worth.

 

if it's awd isn't it always in 4x4? (or awd?)

 

Ya I've done all the tricks. Same issue. Ive tried coasting in neutral, I've tried giving it a shot of gas, I've tried stopping and being in neutral, and even going in reverse. Sometimes it just won't shift out of 4hi

 

Well. I guess I'm saying the engage and disengagement between awd and 4lock.

 

He has an AWD truck with part-time 4-lock. We have 2wd trucks with part-time 4 lock.

AWD sends approx 90% of the power to the rear wheels at all times. When one slips, it will send the power from the slipping wheel to one with traction. It can be driven with on dry pavement without binding.

 

Well let the dealer install the new motor and see what happens. It definetly should not be that hard to get out of 4-lock.

 

ahhh...gotcha....i guess the shift motor could be bad. thats what is in charge of all the shifting in and out of 4x4 so it would seem the logical place to start.

 

i am curious about something...what is the best? shift it often just to make it moove sometime eaven if you dont need it... or use only if you need to???

 

I personally try to engage mine once every 2 weeks; normally when its raining. I feel it just prevents things from getting sticky.