I stay in Dubai, and have a 2011 5.7l V8 AWD.
Couple of weeks back, I took my D to the beach, like I'd normally done many a times before in the Low Range gear. But, this time, it got stuck in the sand, and the front wheels weren't spinning...
I know, if the system would get over heated, the AWD wouldn't send power to front wheels, but it was a fine 16 degrees C day, and I had just driven the car for probably 20 minutes from home to the beach, after an over-night parking. (And, the system didn't seem over-heated, either. The under the bonnet it was as hot as it always has been) I've taken it to the Dunes during summer here, when the temperature is easily around 45C up. What could it be?
We had front left side damper fluid leak around 5 months back, which the dealer replaced. Could that be the problem? If so, why suddenly after so many times?

 

I am new to 3rd gen Durango, but fairly familiar with 4wd systems in older vehicles. . If I understand the mid transfercase in these correctly, they should lock when in low range. The front and rear driveshafts should spin at same rpm. . . If your front driveshaft is not spinning, then something in transfer case is not engaging.

Does anyone know, do these transfercases use vacuum in any way to shift, or are they purely electro-mechanical (solenoids)?

I am curious why temperature makes any difference?
16C=61F 45C=113F (this IS hot )

The previous leaking damper should not have any impact on this problem.

Is the "low-range" light on dash coming on? did the gears switch to low range?

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Sounds like it just didn't engage. There is a specific procedure to get the Low range lock to engage and it tends to require forward momentum so if you're already stuck, it likely won't engage.

 

Bump...I was wondering how the AWD would work in the sand. It looks like there is a big difference in message between the JGC and the Durango. The Durango is not off road because of the front bumper clearance but what about the sand dune or going through that.