My 4WD (4 wheel drive) is not working why?

Tiny
BLAZE45
  • MECHANIC
  • 380 POSTS
It could be the brake light switch, which is like $11. Its a fairly common problem. For further troubleshooting refer to this thread with some good troubleshooting information.

Number one cause of a failed cruise control is the vacuum line running to the servo on the drivers side under the battery. Battery acid leaks down and eats a whole in it. Next check the brake light switch on the brake pedal. Seems to be the next most common failure and cheap replacement part at the auto parts store. The clock spring in the steering wheel also will go bad and is pricey. Also the cruise button on the steering wheel gets dirty contacts that can be cleaned.

Good luck and feel free to donate!
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NICK123
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 38,000 MILES
I got this truck a few months ago from a guy who had it sitting for 2 years. The problem is that when I put my truck in 4wheel drive the transfer case locks but I dont have 4 wheel drive. The back tires spin but the front hubs dont lock in. I think its a problem with the vacuum line but im not sure.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 12:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Chances are you are correct. Follow the vacuum lines from the transfer case to the engine and to the front axle. Make sure there are no leaks, damaged hoses, or disconnected lines.

Let me know what you find.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 12:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
IWS1274
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
  • 2000 DODGE RAM
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
I just finished installing a re manufactured transfer case. Works great and can shift into all the gears. The issue is that I can't shift from 4H to 2H from the cab. I adjusted the linkage to the case by the repair manual but it seems like when in 4H the steel arm coming off the case goes too low and the trunnion ( the bar that extends from the cab lever to the case lever) is just pushing straight into it instead of trying to turn it by pushing it up. Know that it does shift into and out of 4H and 2H because I can get under there and shift it manually. That not going to be a pleasant experience when the snow starts falling.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 12:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
If it's remanufactured, the case is from another truck and most likely was built by the original manufacturer. Tell me, is the lever adjustable? I have had some that are installed wrong and won't shift properly.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 12:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
IWS1274
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The lever in the linkage is adjustable but the I have no idea if the little knob on the case is adjustable. If it is, then thats awesome and would love to know how to do that. I tried adjusting the the linkage in both directions but nothing helped. I can't imagine that I installed it wrong enough that it wouldn't shift in one direction.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 12:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
It's been awhile since I worked on this model. However, if I recall, the lever on the transfer case can be unbolted and moved. Check that and let me know what you find.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 12:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
IWS1274
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks for the help. You would be correct in saying that the lever can be unbolted but the rectangle that it the lever goes over does not. And the lever has one rectangle so I can't adjust that. The only thing that I can see to adjust is the trunnion and the slide on the lever.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 12:27 PM (Merged)

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