Transfer Case explodes while driving
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Transfer Case explodes while driving
I had a 2012 ram 2500 4x4 with 150,000 miles. I was traveling down the interstate at 75 mph and suddenly the truck rumbles and vibrates and explodes. Parts are flying everywhere and its on fire. The fire was coming up thru the 4x4 shifter in the floor. The key was already melted in tge ignition before the fire got big. Never got a trouble light and no warning. And no, the 4x4 was not engaged. And yes it was serviced as suggested. The truck is totalled. Experts at my local dealership said they had never seen anything like it so couldn't give me a diagnosis as to why this happened, but said the transfer case and drive shaft exploded. I think Dodge has a huge issue they need to fix before someone dies. Dodge was always my favorite truck but not after this. Anyone else have this issue or heard of it??
Last edited by Amanda Sholar; Dec 17, 2019 at 09:29 PM. Reason: Info missing
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Clayton MI
This is the first time I've heard that one..... so, it's evidently not a 'common' failure...... (else we would see more threads of this nature.) Only reason I can think of for it getting that hot, is lack of lubrication. Either low on fluid, or, the pump in the t-case failed. (if it even had one....) The bearings would get hot QUICK at freeway speeds, certainly hot enough to ignite any remaining fluid..... build enough pressure in the t-case, and it becomes a bomb...... or, a bearing suddenly seizing would tend to blow it into itty bitty pieces as well.
Trick would be to collect up as many of the parts as you can find, and have a look at 'em. Burnt bearings will be relatively easy to spot.
Trick would be to collect up as many of the parts as you can find, and have a look at 'em. Burnt bearings will be relatively easy to spot.
Thread Starter
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Registered User
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
This is the first time I've heard that one..... so, it's evidently not a 'common' failure...... (else we would see more threads of this nature.) Only reason I can think of for it getting that hot, is lack of lubrication. Either low on fluid, or, the pump in the t-case failed. (if it even had one....) The bearings would get hot QUICK at freeway speeds, certainly hot enough to ignite any remaining fluid..... build enough pressure in the t-case, and it becomes a bomb...... or, a bearing suddenly seizing would tend to blow it into itty bitty pieces as well.
Trick would be to collect up as many of the parts as you can find, and have a look at 'em. Burnt bearings will be relatively easy to spot.
Trick would be to collect up as many of the parts as you can find, and have a look at 'em. Burnt bearings will be relatively easy to spot.
Champion
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,053
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From: Mopar HQ
I had a 2012 ram 2500 4x4 with 150,000 miles. I was traveling down the interstate at 75 mph and suddenly the truck rumbles and vibrates and explodes. Parts are flying everywhere and its on fire. The fire was coming up thru the 4x4 shifter in the floor. The key was already melted in tge ignition before the fire got big. Never got a trouble light and no warning. And no, the 4x4 was not engaged. And yes it was serviced as suggested. The truck is totalled. Experts at my local dealership said they had never seen anything like it so couldn't give me a diagnosis as to why this happened, but said the transfer case and drive shaft exploded. I think Dodge has a huge issue they need to fix before someone dies. Dodge was always my favorite truck but not after this. Anyone else have this issue or heard of it??
We sincerely regret to hear that this happened. Please know that our team would be more than happy to provide assistance. Please follow up with us via PM to provide more details regarding your concerns.
Rob
DodgeCares