how do i check the vacume shift motor on a 2001 dodge 1500 4wd? the front axles are not disengaging when shifted into 2wd.
Feb 25, 2006 at 1:49 PM
2001 Dodge 1500 Stuck in 4WD
DODGE
PLUMN69
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THE best way is probally going to be removing the vacume shift motor cant remember real name 4 it...
Located on front axel houseing, passinger side, rear..
driver tire> ()---o-m-() < Pass. tire( m standing for motor...& looking at it from rear) Had same problem wth my 98 Ram.. Got cold out & there was water in motor and froze..
Took it out & warmed it up and lots of water came out.. Worked just fine but now currently stuck in4x4 again.. thinking rusted now.. Price for part about $120 to $160..
let me know how it works out..
Located on front axel houseing, passinger side, rear..
driver tire> ()---o-m-() < Pass. tire( m standing for motor...& looking at it from rear) Had same problem wth my 98 Ram.. Got cold out & there was water in motor and froze..
Took it out & warmed it up and lots of water came out.. Worked just fine but now currently stuck in4x4 again.. thinking rusted now.. Price for part about $120 to $160..
let me know how it works out..
Feb 25, 2006 at 4:14 PM
name actuator pump(motor)
Feb 27, 2006 at 5:56 PM
My 1987 Dodge Dakota 4x4, auto, V-6, carb will
not come out of 4-wheel drive (high) without my
stopping, killing the engine and waiting several
seconds. I have been told by a xmsn. mechanic
the front differential vacuum actuator should be
replaced. The estimate is $350. Anyone else
have this problem and solved it himself? c38clark@hotmail.com P.S. It's also called a
front differential shifter.
not come out of 4-wheel drive (high) without my
stopping, killing the engine and waiting several
seconds. I have been told by a xmsn. mechanic
the front differential vacuum actuator should be
replaced. The estimate is $350. Anyone else
have this problem and solved it himself? c38clark@hotmail.com P.S. It's also called a
front differential shifter.
Apr 17, 2006 at 3:43 AM
sorry but that seams kinda high for a max hour job... pump for mine is about 140.oo it really isnt that tough of a job to do..
jess s.
jess s.
Apr 25, 2006 at 1:54 PM
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Suggested Repair
Remove and inspect the vacuum shift motor, also called the front axle actuator, on the passenger-side rear of the front axle housing. Water inside can freeze and stick the unit, and rust can cause the same problem. A water-filled unit worked after it was removed and warmed, but replacement is about $120 to $160 if it is rusted or stuck. A $350 estimate was considered high for roughly an hour of labor and a part near $140.
Conversation Summary
A 2001 Dodge 1500 4WD owner asked how to check the vacuum shift motor because the front axles stayed engaged after shifting to 2WD. An expert said the actuator is on the passenger-side rear of the front axle housing and described water freezing in a similar 1998 Ram unit, followed by rust sticking it in 4WD, with parts around $120 to $160. A separate 1987 Dodge Dakota owner reported a similar stuck-in-4WD issue and a $350 actuator estimate, which the expert said seemed high for about an hour of work.