I have a 2005 Dakota SLT with the V8 and 4WD. The past few days the 4Lo would start flashing and then stop when the Service 4WD would come on. Today the 4Lo actually came on even though my **** says 2WD and it won't come out. Any ideas? I was told I could unplug the control module from the transfer case but my fear is since it's in 4Lo it will just stay stuck. Any ideas on how to get it out of 4Lo. I'm on a tight budget right now and don't have the room to take it in to get fixed.

 

I'm sorry to inform you that your transfer case shift motor is bad. I hope you didn't spend too much money on valentines day.

To confirm that this is what happened get your truck in 2wd and make sure that it is in 2wd. Then disconnect the battery so that it cannot shift when you try to disconnect (it can shift even without the key in) and so the alarm doesn't go off. Locate the transfer case shift motor wire and unplug (it can be a b$&@? to do). If problems stop then it is the TCSM and you at least know what the problem is and won't have to worry about random shifting.

I will try to get some pictures up.

 

you need to pull the transfer case fuse, its a 25 amp fuse, this happen to me also, and haven't swapped out the switch, but pulling the fuse is a quick fix

 

I'll try a new fuse first and see if that works. If it doesn't and it is the transfer case shift motor is there any manual way to get it back into 2wd? Right now my 4wd **** does nothing. Neutral doesn't even light up when I push in the button.

 

worst case, you may have to drop the drive shaft for the frt, until you can get it out of 4 wheel

 

Had the same problem but was always able to get it back to 2wd - are you stopped and in neutral when trying to shift back to 2wd?

 

Turns out it was a bad transfer case shift motor. I had my mechanic get it back into 2WD and then just for now disconnect 4WD until I can get the money to replace it. He was saying a new one cost about $400 and I've seen used on ebay anywhere from $75 - $100. I haven't been able to find any rebuilt ones. Anyone have any ideas or for the cost difference do you think a used might be ok?

 

napa has them cheaper, but you need to get a matching spline one, just don't go buy anyone off the internet

 

I'd be tempted to chuck the motor/drive part and put a lever on it so it could be shifted manually. I hear that lots of Chevs and GMs have probs w/that unit also.
The more fancy stuff they put on the vehicles, the more there is to go wrong.

 

+1 on that lever! I would love to have manual hubs and 4x4 shifting. I will just turn the dial with crossed fingers until the inevitable occurs.