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2008 2500 wont go into 4x4 **HELP**

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factory style fender "flares" for a 2005

Code P2509 and now P0116

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JTMATTEL05

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I have a friend that is in need of assistance troubleshooting an issue with his truck. When he switches it to 4x4 it will blink like its shifting then it will return to 2wd. He has replaced the Transfer Case, Sift motor (3x), Cab Switch, TIPM Control Module to trouble shoot and to no avail.

What else do you think it could be? any assistance would be GREATLY appreciated as he is about to get rid of the truck strictly because of this one issue and is not in a position to afford another truck.
 
From the ones I looked at all had a pretty generic message a scan tool is required to troubleshoot. There are a bunch of Transfer Case codes, might be a good start to look at any of the C codes for that TC system.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/ram-diagnostic-trouble-codes.263610/
Tim he has ran a OBD scan tool on it numerous times with no codes popping up. I asked if he had and lights on the dash and he said no. I thought of the ABS sensors but that was not coming up either. Do you think that there could be any other issues that might not pop up?
 
This sounds more of a wiring issue since no codes come up when scanned. Need to check all the wiring for loose or corroded pins, pinched wiring or anything that looks like a problem. Grounds are a known issue with our trucks, check all grounds and look for any broken/corroded ones. Is the actuator binding up when activated? It's trying to engage but unable to get the return signal from unit. Have him under the truck while someone activates it to listen to the unit. Pull unit off and do the same thing to confirm motor is working. Wish him the best with it.
 
I have a friend that is in need of assistance troubleshooting an issue with his truck. When he switches it to 4x4 it will blink like its shifting then it will return to 2wd. He has replaced the Transfer Case, Sift motor (3x), Cab Switch, TIPM Control Module to trouble shoot and to no avail.

What else do you think it could be? any assistance would be GREATLY appreciated as he is about to get rid of the truck strictly because of this one issue and is not in a position to afford another truck.

Does the scanner he has read the ABS codes? I have had multiple problems with the automatic shift transfer case in my truck. If there is an issue with the ABS sensors that could be the problem. My ABS sensors were telling the TC that the truck was travelling 250 kph when in fact it was standing still. I replaced the ABS sensors and that fixed the transfer case shift issue.

I am in the planning stages of making a swap from the NV273D (electric shift) to the NV271D (manual shift) transfer case to eliminate these problems once and for all. I found some threads on the Cummins Forum that walks you through the process including using the AlphaOBD scanner to change the ECM from 273 to 271 so the dash lights work correctly. I KNOW HOW HE FEELS BUT NO NEED TO SELL THE TRUCK!
 
Does the scanner he has read the ABS codes? I have had multiple problems with the automatic shift transfer case in my truck. If there is an issue with the ABS sensors that could be the problem. My ABS sensors were telling the TC that the truck was travelling 250 kph when in fact it was standing still. I replaced the ABS sensors and that fixed the transfer case shift issue.

I am in the planning stages of making a swap from the NV273D (electric shift) to the NV271D (manual shift) transfer case to eliminate these problems once and for all. I found some threads on the Cummins Forum that walks you through the process including using the AlphaOBD scanner to change the ECM from 273 to 271 so the dash lights work correctly. I KNOW HOW HE FEELS BUT NO NEED TO SELL THE TRUCK!
Thanks for the info!

I told him to go by my house and grab my Alpha OBD (I am deployed currently)

to run some deeper diagnostics on it.
 
Stupid question but just to make sure - how does your buddy attempt to make the shift?
Because I can make mine do the same just by not doing it in the right sequence.
 
Tim he has ran a OBD scan tool on it numerous times with no codes popping up. I asked if he had and lights on the dash and he said no. I thought of the ABS sensors but that was not coming up either. Do you think that there could be any other issues that might not pop up?

Generic tools do not read any codes that aren't generic codes that are required by law to be readable with any code reader.
Only high end diagnostic tools can access these. AlfaOBD is the only one affordable that has full access to all systems within the truck.
Generic Scanners are a waste of money if it comes to these trucks IMHO.
 
So is it an electronic dash knob for 4x4, or the mechanical floor shift? When you say he replaced shift motor, I'm guessing you mean on the transfer case. (because the axles don't disengage anymore, right?)
 
Stupid question but just to make sure - how does your buddy attempt to make the shift?
Because I can make mine do the same just by not doing it in the right sequence.
He said that it does not make a noise at all. Once get the Alpha Hopefully i can force it to shift into 4WD... won't know until december.
 
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So is it an electronic dash knob for 4x4, or the mechanical floor shift? When you say he replaced shift motor, I'm guessing you mean on the transfer case. (because the axles don't disengage anymore, right?)
It is the electronic shift knob. I am hoping he keeps the truck until I get home so I can do some investigating on it myself. Everyone thanks for the information and once I am able to fill in more information I will be sure to!! hopefully I am able to fix his issue!
 
He said that it does not make a noise at all. Once get the Alpha Hopefully i can force it to shift into 4WD... won't know until december.

No noise aside from slight clunk is normal as it is a synchronized unit.

It's more about how he, the driver, shifts.

The procedure is - engine running, transmission in N, vehicle stopped, then turn the knob, release brake so that the dog clutch can line up in the transfercase, wait for the light clunk, shift is accomplished.
If it doesn't clunk, shift transmission to D and back to N for just a blink of an eye while the indicator on the TC Shift Knob is still blinking, that usually clears the tooth-on-tooth situation inside the TC that stops the shift from happening.
It does not work with transmission in P or D for example, and also not with the engine Off.
 
No noise aside from slight clunk is normal as it is a synchronized unit.

It's more about how he, the driver, shifts.

The procedure is - engine running, transmission in N, vehicle stopped, then turn the knob, release brake so that the dog clutch can line up in the transfercase, wait for the light clunk, shift is accomplished.
If it doesn't clunk, shift transmission to D and back to N for just a blink of an eye while the indicator on the TC Shift Knob is still blinking, that usually clears the tooth-on-tooth situation inside the TC that stops the shift from happening.
It does not work with transmission in P or D for example, and also not with the engine Off.
It’s an electronic shift and doesn’t work at all.

he unhooked the shift motor and it works with no problem.
 
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