I have a 2001 dodge dakota with the 4.7 v8 engine that has had a recurring issue with the 4wd. The "service 4wd light" comes on and the 4wd will not engage at this point. I have had it to a dodge dealer on multiple occasions where the wiring has been verified to be good, the TCCM as well as the drive motor for the transfer case has been replaced. Both of these fixes have lasted only a short time. Since this, the 4wd will randomly work for awhile, then stop working for awhile. During the last episode of it not working I bought a refurbished TCCM from my dealer and replaced the unit myself. Now the 4wd still does not work. I have (2) questions; First, did the TCCM I got from my dealer need to be programmed before it was installed? Second, I'm kinda at my wits end here and am looking for any further suggestions on what to do.

 

I think your goanna want to get a test light under there next time it does it,also, when it quits does it still say its in 2wd on the indicator? or do you lose all lighting? there's a possibility that the shift lever is binding inside the TC causing it not to be able to shift, does your fluid level check ok in the TC? if low this could cause some issues as well..

 

Thanks for the reply: What do you mean by get a test light under there? To answer your questions, when this happens the truck is in 2wd and all lights on the 4wd selector switch go out and stay out. I'm pretty sure the fluid in the TC is good, but I'll double check it.

 

I'm in an '01 Durango. I've learned from the FSM that if the CTM doesn't get good PCI communication with the TCCM within 6 seconds after starting the vehicle, it puts up the 'svc4x4' dash light. I take the non-communication as either the TCCM isn't talking, or the CTM at the other end of the PCI buss is flaky.

My Durango has 1) the 'svc4x4' light occasionally, also 2) the 'Security' light randomly, and 3) chimes that come and go randomly with no dash light. I too swapped the TCCM to no avail. Just an hour ago I got a new (used) CTM and connected that. Earlier today I drove 7 start-and-drive trips doing errands and got any/all of the above three every time. After the CTM swap I just did a short drive and it acted normally.

I don't know if this info will help, but it's all I got. I accidentally found this thread because my new CTM appears to have the DRL feature, which I do not want.

 

Thanks for the reply, I think I will try to replace the ctm and see what happens. Does anybody know of testing procedures for the CTM?

 

Per the '01 Durango FSM, all the non-DRBIII CTM testing is just to ensure proper voltages and grounds. Apparently there is not much you can do without the tool. My used (eBay) CTM was $67 with $10 shipping and a 30 day return policy. The $65 TCCM I tried was from eBay too, and is currently on it's way back to Ohio for a full refund.

I visited my local dealer yesterday as 'more CTM testing driving'. Svc guy said it would just be a 1/2 hour labor with the DRBIII to clean up the new CTM, add the remote fobs, etc. They were fine with me having put in a used one. I'll wait to do that after a few days of driving to ensure all error symptoms are gone.

 

When replacing the TCCM does it need to be programed? I'm asking because I replaced mine with a factory refurbished one and my service 4wd light is still on