Ok, I went to use my 4 wheel drive today on my 2002 1500 Ram and it wouldnt engage even though its shift on the fly. When I came to a complete stop in finally let me engage it. I then discovered that even though the lever was in 4 hi and the 4x4 light was on, I was not in 4 wheel at all. When I put it back to 2hi, I then heard this metal grinding noise from up front, like gears not meshing right or something. Its almost like its stuck not quite in 4hi but not quite in 2hi. Any ideas?

 

I had a problem with mine where it would not go back into 2 wheel from 4. It ended up being a wiring problem and they replaced the whole 4 wheel wiring system. Thank God for warranties.

 

Hi everybody.
I've just imported an -03 1500 4x4 5,9L from US to Sweden and i have the same problem as jem3650.
The only difference is that i have the electric switch. Its like it doesent engage completly.
If jem3650 have solved the problem or anyone else have a sollution please let me know.

// Martin
Sweden

 

You can try putting it into 2wd and backing up around 30 feet. Stop, go forward and make sure its in 2wd.

Then, stop. Put it into 4wdhi, and try it forwards and backwards.

Sometimes they don't want to come out of 4wd, just put into 2wd and backup. It'll come out.

Unless you have a real problem.

 

I agree with Kenihemi, I always try to make sure that I can backup after shifting back into 2WD... I guess its an old habit from driving older 4x4's. another thing I do to make sure I am back in 2WD is make a tight turn to either side. If the tires still fight in the front, then I back up again. The only time I usually have an issue is when I turn just after switching back to 2WD, thenI can feel the tires fighting/rubbing up front.

 

Those electronic switches never seem to work as quick as you want them to.
You gotta love a manual transfer case lever.

JEM3650,
Since your post was almost a couple months ago, you likely fixed your problem by now.
Does your truck have a manual lever? Was it some serious mechanical damage?

 

Hello again.
Seems like i have a real problem like kenihemi said.
The splines on the driveshaftsand on the diff. side are round.
Luckily the guy who sold it is gonna ship me a new frontaxel.
But i'm wondering,how is it possible forsuch a thing to happen?
Anyone who have any ideas?
I believed American stuff were tough [sm=confused06.gif]
For now i have to skid around in the snow in 2WD.

// Martin
Sweden

 

Whoa... Before you go and replace the front axle, check the vacuum lines going to the shifter module on the front axle. Likely you have a leak that is not allowing vacuum to be applied to the actuator.

 

I'm not sure what vacum and actuator you are talking about, can you explain a litle closer.
How can that help me?

// Martin

 

Hi again.
Arethere none here who have a qualified guess of what may have hapend?
Wrong size tires (front-rear)?
City driving on dry roads with 4x4 engaged?
It would be interesting to hear if there are any ideas from you guys.

// Martin