Dodge 4x4

[Anonymous-0]

I Have a 97 Dodge 2500 that the 4 wheel drive sometimes connects when you pull the engage lever and other times it don't engage . Was wondering are there any electrical connections[sensors] to engage it I crawled under it [motor off] and wiggled some electrical plugs ,started it and it engaged shifted out of4x4 tried again and wouldn't engage any thoughts? Thanks Tom

 

[Larry59]

I have a 97 Dodge 4x4. Mine won't kick in at times. Have to play it back and forth to get in in or out. I was told there was some sensor there but I have not found it.
One time I shifted it in and thought it was in.. but after I took off it kicked in and jerk the truck doing so.

 

[Jim J]

The sensor is on the transfer case. The sensor has several vacuum lines going to it.

 

[26Red]

Check the vacuum lines running to the axle. Also look for other vacuum leaks around the engine(under the battery tray).

 

[Anonymous-0]

I just got done fixing mine they shift with vacuum. There is a vacuum plugin on top of the transfer case that might not be sealed up good .That front axel is engaged with a vacuum moter That can go bad . If the front axel has ever jumped out and then went back in it bends the shaft in the moter and the fork to the shift collar if not repaired very soon it will ruin the inner axel shaft . The moter with fork is $280 and it will fit in your hand easily it is easy to replace . The inner axel is only $90 but you have to remove the spindle to replace that.

 

[Mathias NY]

Sometimes on my '97 Dodge, I have to hold the lever in the engaged position for a moment for it to catch. This problem is worse in cold weather. Not sure if this is the same thing...

 

[jogl]

Check the forums at one of the Dodge diesel sites.

EG.: http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/index.php

There are probably stickies with step by step instructions and pictures to fix it. It is a fairly common problem.

JP.

 

[Larry59]

Vacum lines on the transfer case..interesing. Never would have thought about that place to look. Thanks all.

 

[edj856]

Like others said, it's all vacuum operated. Depending on how much you need or rely on 4 wheel drive, there is a kit to replace the vacuum setup with a cable. I think it's called Posi-Lock. I've seen them in JC Whitney, but you could probably find them elsewhere, too.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Thanks to all who replied I know now that it is a common problem will now see about having it corrected .Tom

 

[loveshisallis]

i was thinking...do you suppose it is humanly possible to put more contraptions on them or to make them more complicated?
I like it simple myself.

 

[dave guest]

99 Ford had small switch for 4x4. I changed this for about $33. Just felt like it was the problem. It had leaked fluid inside.

 

[HeyPigFarmer]

Another spot to look is your center axle disconnect. It's what disengages your front axle by unocking your long side (passengers side) axle shaft. Sometimes those go bad. Depending on the year that's what needs the vacuum or electricity to go if you have a lever on the floor... As far as I know the transfer case should be manual shift, but my knowledge doesn't extend much past around 95 on the actual workings, but I know they kept the center axle disconnect on the straight axle trucks up to today.