4WD issue?

[KRSmitty]

Have a 2017 CTD auto 4wd...Back in 2019 on a RV trip going up I-95, my 4WD service light came on. Sounded like it was trying to go into 4WD mode or did go into 4WD. Heard some noise coming from the driver side tire. Stopped for the night, shut the truck off, set up camp and started the truck up and warning light and noise was gone. Truck seemed to go in and out of 4wd ok. According to the owners manual, warning light means that 4WD is not functioning properly at the time.

Had the dealer check it out when I got home and they found no issues. No further warning light...

2 years later...last month heading up I-95 at all most the same spot...4wd service warning light came on. Was able to clear the warning message by shutting off truck, but this time 4wd warning light kept coming on. 2,500 miles later made it home with no issue, except the occasional 4wd warning light. The warning light seems to only come on while towing my RV.


This time though, even with 4WD off, it seems like it may be on. Get the loping feel sometimes when turning the wheels and moving.


Before I take it to the shop, thought I would see what you folks think.


Thanks...

 

[DonFitzwater]

What does your front axle gear lube look like? How many miles? There will be trouble codes set that should point the tech in the right direction.

 

[KRSmitty]

Have not looked at the lube yet. Had less than 15K miles when the warning first went off.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Have not looked at the lube yet. Had less than 15K miles when the warning first went off.

If you heard noises, odds are it was making metal while trying to engage. These front ends are usually silent in my experience.

 

[DGamelin]

Mine has been going on and off for a short time since last winter, but the 4wd all ways worked. Today I went to the dealer to order a new truck and see what they will give me for mine. The truck hasn't been moved in a month. Started it up the light came on and didn't go off and the 4wd doesn't work. Great! I wish the 4wd manual stick was still in the floor.

 

[KRSmitty]

Take the truck into the dealer Monday. They need to do "diagnostics" to see what they find. It anything found, could be covered by powertrain warranty.

 

[wyosteve]

Check the front axle disconnect actuator. A fairly common problem.

 

[crazy jerry]

Check the front axle disconnect actuator. A fairly common problem.

why is there rarely any threads about it ? ive seen more posts about the position sensor (also pretty rare) than the actuator

 

[wyosteve]

Not sure why there are not a lot of threads. I posted one in June about a friend's truck that had the problem and when I did a search, I found a fair amount of information. I searched under 'service 4 wd' CEL. Forget the numerical code that it throws.

 

[crazy jerry]

im not saying the failure rate is zero but people forget theres hundreds of thousands of these trucks working perfectly fine.
even if the actuator went bad, its only about $130 and 10min to change it.
if the actuator is trying to engage unexpectedly i would be looking at the position sensor first

 

[Learjet]

I also try to cycle the 4wd on and off about once a month...excising the switches may help.

 

[DGamelin]

The axle actuator wasn't working. Looks like the board got a little hot. Ordered a new one, $110. This is the first part other then shocks and maintenance witch I don't count, that I have put on this truck in a 130k miles. So I am ok with that. The truck has been setting a lot, Learjet is right. Lack of use will lead to issues.

 

[crazy jerry]

The axle actuator wasn't working. Looks like the board got a little hot. Ordered a new one, $110. This is the first part other then shocks and maintenance witch I don't count, that I have put on this truck in a 130k miles. So I am ok with that. The truck has been setting a lot, Learjet is right. Lack of use will lead to issues.

View attachment 130994

after you removed it off the axle did you apply power to it some how and thats how you discovered it wasnt working ?
ive never taker one apart but just by looking at mine i knew there was a electric motor with some gears in there, based on the shape of the exterior cover

 

[SnoKing]

The axle actuator wasn't working. Looks like the board got a little hot. Ordered a new one, $110. This is the first part other then shocks and maintenance witch I don't count, that I have put on this truck in a 130k miles. So I am ok with that. The truck has been setting a lot, Learjet is right. Lack of use will lead to issues.

View attachment 130994

I would like to see a picture of the other side of that circuit card when removed.

 

[KRSmitty]

Took it into the dealer yesterday for some "diagnostics". Service advisor called today and said it was a bad "Transfer case module". Same as what others are calling an actuator?

Repairs being covered by Power train warranty.

 

[nukegm]

Took it into the dealer yesterday for some "diagnostics". Service advisor called today and said it was a bad "Transfer case module". Same as what others are calling an actuator?

Repairs being covered by Power train warranty.

View attachment 131004

thanks for the wrap up on the story. its always nice to see how a story ends....cheers!

 

[DGamelin]

after you removed it off the axle did you apply power to it some how and thats how you discovered it wasnt working ?
ive never taker one apart but just by looking at mine i knew there was a electric motor with some gears in there, based on the shape of the exterior cover

Just got back in town, No I didn't but you can hear the transfer case working and the front axle won't disengage. When I took it apart I rotated the motor by hand until positioning sensor got to the other end, unlocked. Then put it back together for a run. The new one will be here this week.

 

[DGamelin]

I would like to see a picture of the other side of that circuit card when removed.

I will post a picture when the new one gets here.

 

[KRSmitty]

Not sure if this will help anyone or not. Writeup from dealer...

"Confirmed customer concern, found multiple DTC's for Front Axle Disconnect Actuator. Followed diagnostic procedure for DTC's and found internal fault with Drivetrain control module. Removed and replaced DTCM and performed multiple front axle disconnections to confirm DTC would not return. Confirmed DTC's did not return, customer concern corrected."

Hopefully it does solve the problem. It seems the only time the 4wd service light came on was when I was towing Not sure why it would only happen while towing. Anyone have any thoughts???

 

[crazy jerry]

did you try to determine what the black stuff on the board was ? doesnt look like mud . unless its a bit of the fipg sealer