2016 3500 Front Axle Lock Actuator Engaged Automatically

[wkuykend]

Hi All,

I have owned and currently own a number of Dodge/Ram pickups but experienced a first this past weekend. My family and I were towing our 42' 5th wheel with our 2016 3500 4x4 Laramie and had the cruise control set on 67 mph when we suddenly heard a grinding noise. The sound was similar to what you would hear when a rock is scraping a brake rotor so I immediately started slowing down to pull over. By the time I pulled off the interstate the noise had stopped and I couldn't pinpoint the exact location so after a quick visual inspection we pulled back onto I40. We drove another 50 miles or so and heard the same noise but this time I was able to confirm that it was coming from the front passenger side and we had a service 4WD message. It turns out that the front axle lock actuator had engaged twice at 67 mph and attempted to lock the passenger side axle into 4WD. To get off the interstate and ensure that it didn't happen a 3rd time, I unplugged the actuator and got us to a safer spot. Once parked, I loosened the 10mm bolts that attach the actuator to the front axle and oil filled with metal shavings started to pour out.

I haven't been to the dealer yet but I assume this is under warranty given the pickup only has 33,xxx miles on it but I am curious if anyone is aware of other cases where the electronic actuator attempted to lock the front axle without touching the selector knob?

I haven't checked the transfer case yet but I believe this is the only actuator that engaged so I believe the damage is isolated to the front axle.

Thanks,

Len

 

[sag2]

If they both tried it most likely would have completed the shift because everything would have been spinning at the same speed. Either faulty switch or the 5v circuit is shorting making it think you asked for a shift.

 

[crazy jerry]

the metal shaving is because the inner shaft was turning backwards to the outer shaft while the fork is trying to slide the collar. whats weird is something is sending a signal to the cad while the tcase is in 2hi. that should never be able to happen

 

[DonFitzwater]

Squirrels under the hood are known for wiring problems.

 

[wkuykend]

Squirrels under the hood are known for wiring problems.

That’s what I hear. So far no indication that the two are related, especially since the squirrel problem happened a week after the front axle while the pickup has been parked waiting for repair.