1996 2500 4x4 Operations

[Switca]

It snowed on friday, so I took the Dodge (2500 96, auto, 4x4, no exposed hubs to lock up) out for a spin. Spin, that's about all the wheels did was spin.

I pulled the shift for the transfer case back to the first position (4H). Is there an indicator or light that comes on when you got it in 4H? After pulling the shift back, it moves easily from side to side (like a 5 speed neutral). It steered and behaved like 4x2. It was dark, so I could not tell if the front wheels were spinning or not. I'll have to check it in the daylight.

4x4 Fords I've owned would 'clunk' and lurch if the steering wheel was cranked all the way over. A sure way to tell if everyting was all locked up. The Dodge didn't. Is that normal?

Do you have to drive it backwards to get the hubs to disengage?

Oh yeah, Cooper "Discover" Tires. Maybe I DISCOVERED the need for snow tires.

Yeah, I'm sure this is covered in the manual, but I got the truck used and the only thing in the glove box was a candy wrapper.

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Gregor Switca
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96 2500 4x4 auto SLT.
99. 5 VW Jetta TDI
Nothing but diesel in my driveway.

 

[Joe G.]

Gregor,

There's an adjustment on the rod from the lever to the transfer case. The lock screw may be loose. An indicator light should come on if you are in 4H. Mine was off once and the light would come on but it was a lie! Still 2 wheel drive. I had to pull it back more to get the transfer case to work. If the linkage is ok, you may have a vacuum problem. There is a rubber block on the ends of the vacuum lines that plugs into the top of the transfer case. It's made so that it only goes on one way. However, you CAN get it on wrong if you work at it. It's a struggle, but it can be done. If that thing is ok, then there are two hoses that attach to two steel tubes on the cross member under the transmission. The connection is not exactly a high tech deal and may be leaking. If that's ok and the steel lines are ok (no kinks or busted places), then the front end of the lines has tubes that end up at the shifter on the front axle. I haven't ever had to go any further to fix mine the couple of times it was inop. Both times it was yours truly's agile and cordinated clumsyness that caused the problem. #ad
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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

[illflem]

Gregor,my '95 should be the same as your '96. When you shift to 4H a light will come to the left of the steering wheel AFTER the vacuum controlled sleeve has locked it into 4wd,it won't engage or disengage under load,you usually need to ease up on the throttle,no need for reverse. You can tell when it's locked up in a sharp turn,especially on a firm surface,it wants to go straight not turn.

Sounds like yours isn't engaging. The whole unit is fairly simple and is located on top of the pass. side front axle, right where dirt and water can foul up the electrical connections. First clean the connections,one controls the vacuum valve the other the light sender. Next check that the vacuum tube hasn't become kinked or melted from the exhaust. The whole unit comes off with 4 bolts if you have someone shift between 2 and 4 WD,with the trans in N,you can see if it is moving back and forth. Pull the hose off and see if you have vacuum. Only other problems would be wiring or the switch on the shifter.

This is the type of repair that is very easy to do if you have the Dodge service manual,in fact the manual would pay for itself on this one repair vs. taking the truck to a shop.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

 

[Switca]

Thanks, guys. I'll start going through the list later today.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Switcha,
Are you sure you were in the second position(4-hi) and not neutral ?
Is your 4x4 light coming on when you turn
the ignition to run(check mode)?
Well enough questions I 'll answer one for you.
I know with the manual there is no need to reverse the truck to get out of 4wd. I believe this is true with the auto also. It will take a few seconds or more to disengage the 4wd system.
With auto as I recall to get in and out of 4-lo you need to shift trans to neutral. Manuals need clutch disengaged.

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Bill Thomas
Missouri Mule - 96 Wht 4X4 ST CC,5 spd, 3. 54, 8 ft bed, 1 ft high cheater boards.
99 Freightliner bl/wht FL60 ISB-5. 9 24v,215 hp,520 tq,6 spd, 3. 59 nsr,16 ft box, 19. 5 tires,Wt/gvw 11,000/23000

 

[Switca]

I looked for the 4x4 light when the ignition is turned on and did not see one. Maybe it's burned out. Is it in 4 Hi or neutral? Got to be in 4 Hi, it moves and I confirmed that the front wheels are just going along for the ride. I did find neutral. That works. But shifting the thing is real hard.

I got side tracked and did not get to climb under the truck, but I managed to get it into 4 low. Put it in dive and all it did was shutter.

Thanks Missouri Mule

 

[Joe G.]

Bill,

When the tranfer case lever is pushed forward the 4X4 stuff in the case is disengaged. The front axle may still be connected so the light is still on. Mine turns off at the first turn if it sticks.