Transfer Case Problems of Dodge Dakota

Service 4wd light keeps coming on and I was watching it and notice the 4 low light blinked on once. Nothing seems to be wrong with the transfer case but I think it wanting to go into 4wd on its own. The serv 4wd light stays on at times and other times after awhile it will go off but later come back on.

See all problems of the 2005 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Approximately two weeks ago from this complaint, while driving the aforementioned vehicle (2005 Dodge Dakota) during normal, summer time road conditions, writer noticed that the "svc 4wd" warning indicator light illuminated. Light remained illuminated for approximately 3 miles before turning off. Light didn't illuminate again until Sunday, 09/09/2018. When unlocking the vehicle using the vehicle's remote unlock on the key, writer noticed a sound that sounded like the vehicle engaging the four wheel drive mechanisms. Writer started the vehicle, noted that the vehicle was not in four wheel drive, and the service light was not illuminated. During the course of this week, the service light has intermittently illuminated on occasion, remaining on for a short period of time, then turns off. Today, 09/14/2018, when leaving my work for an errand, I noted that the "svc 4wd" light was illuminated immediately after starting the vehicle. Writer noted that the vehicle was also, in fact, in four wheel drive, as the vehicle was "skipping" the tires while turning and exhibiting signs of a vehicle in 4 wheel drive while driving on dry pavement. Writer noted that the "4wd control knob" was in the 2wd position. Writer parked the vehicle and made several attempts, while both in park and neutral, to engage the 4wd and disengage using the 4wd control knob. None of these actions were able to disengage the transfer case. Writer drove the vehicle to my destination, (approximately 3 miles), noting upon my arrival that the service light was no longer illuminated and the vehicle was not in four wheel drive any longer. Writer also notes electrical symptoms such as vehicle now honks after locking with the remote lock on the key. Complaint is concerning spontaneous engagement of the four wheel drive mechanism, without cause, possibly related to defects associated with the tipm.

Tl the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Dakota. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shifted from two wheel drive to four wheel drive independently. The vehicle was taken to bill bryan Chrysler (3401 us-441, fruitland park, FL 34731) where it was diagnosed that the transfer case motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

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The transfer case on this vehicle will randomly shift from 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive or even to 4 wheel drive low range with no driver input. Shifting to 4 low is very dangerous as it tends to lock up the drive train which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.

Randomly, the 4 wheel drive will engage when not selected. So far this has only happened at low speed (in parking lots). I can tell it is engaged because I get wheel slippage while turning. After straightening the truck and shifting to neutral, the problem will be resolved. Additionally, the "service 4wd" light or "4lo" lights will illuminate while driving, but the transfer case does not appear to actually shift. No damage to drive train so far. Thirdly, the transfer case will shift while the truck is parked in the driveway, the ignition is off, and the key removed, with no-one in the vehicle. I can hear the shift motor trying to engage.

Transfer case shifting into 4 wheel drive on its own. You can sometimes here it shifting when you open the door no key even in the car yet ? it tries to shift into 4 wheel drive at all speeds . It sometimes goes into 4 wheel drive when turning at low speeds ? I don't have a problem paying to fix the problem but no one seems to have a solution ? change front control module?, transfer case shift motor?,change wiring from module to transfer case ? change 4 wheel drive selector switch . Which one, where do you start . Need help! should be a recall. Seem's very dangerous . Sounds like hundreds with the same issue and no answer's .

The 4wd transfer case motor sometimes operates while the vehicle is off, after doors are unlocked with the key fob. The 4wd randomly & spontaneously attempts to engage at highway speeds without any 4wd-related indicator lights. There is a moment of resistance - like an extreme headwind, then a violent thud in the drivetrain when it disengages. At times there is a rolling pulsation in the drivetrain, as if the 4wd is attempting to engage over longer distances. Engaging 4wd unexpectedly at highway speed could cause catastrophic failure of the drivetrain, loss of vehicle control, and potentially serious accidents. This complaint is posted literally thousands of times on internet forums and should be investigated.

Truck has an awd 5 speed 545rfe automatic transmission. The "service 4wd" check light started randomly coming on and blinking while the vehicle was in motion and the transfer control case at times felt like it was attempting to and at times did shift into 4hi or 4lo. This happens without any touching of the control switch on the dash. Dealer disclaims any knowledge of the problem and there are no service bulletins or recalls. A search of the internet reveals that there are hundreds if not thousands of Dodge Dakota, durango and Jeep owners over various model years having this problem, some of whom have spent thousands of dollars replacing the transfer case and control modules without fixing the problem. Those few who have reported fixing the problem have indicated that this dangerous condition where the transmission might shift into low range at highway speed and explode is caused by corroded wiring on the circuit including the transfer case, tcu and air conditioning. At this time the electrical connector at the transfer case is disconnected, effectively locking the transmission in awd status and making all low ranges unavailable. This problem is very dangerous.

See all problems of the 2006 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

1. 4wd transfer case changes mode by itself (uncommanded transfer case mode change). 2. At highway speeds, console / cluster will indicate one or more of the following intermittently and randomly: service 4wd, 4 lo, 4 hi. I haven't determined if there is correlation to these indicators illuminating and the actual transfer case mode. 3. Vehicle will shift into 4hi by itself when moving, making u-turns on dry pavement difficult and dangerous. There is no indicator on the dashboard of transfer case mode when this happens. 4. Vehicle's transfer case shift motor will activate with truck parked (engine off, key out of ignition, parking brake set, in park) and seems repeatable by opening or closing any of the doors. Transfer case motor sound is the same sequence (truck is normally in 2 hi) every time. 5. Manually activating transfer case using dash-mounted 4wd selector knob, while truck is running and moving (4 hi) or in neutral (4 lo) appears to function correctly.

The 2005 Dakota began showing a service light on the dashboard instrument panel, indicating to service the 4-wheel drive system. Service light was intermittent but frequent, and continues today!. Four wheel drive gears would engage and disengage on there own, and the 4-wheel drive selector switch proved useless to disengage the 4-wheel drive upon choosing the various settings. Upon turning off the vehicle and exiting with the vehicle in park, the transfer case can be heard attempting to engage the 4-wheel drive gears, even with the key in the off position and after a number of seconds have passed. This would prove very hazardous if the vehicle self-engaged into 4-wheel drive at highway speeds, especially if it occurred and engaged the "lo-4-wheel drive" function, which would likely cause loss of control/steering and possibly damage to the rear chunk/differential resulting in highway debris. I see and read many instances from consumers on the internet about this problem in Dodge 4-wheel drive products from 2001 thru 2009, and it is supposedly caused by an electrical mechanism called the tccm or ipm (dependent upon your model) and which purportedly controls the transfer case motor that engages the 4-wheel drive.

"4lo" intermittently flashes when traveling at speed. "svc 4wd" may come on and go out for a few seconds, following by "4lock" flashing for a second or two. 4wd will engage/disengage on it's own with no indication. Transfer case motor will engage/disengage on it's own while vehicle is parked, turned off, and key out of the ignition. Today, the 4wd engaged and bound up the wheels. Transfer case was overheating. Pulled in parking lot and can manually "4lock", then "2hi", then pulled fcm fuse to disable 4wd. Manufacturer and dealer have not been contacted at this time.

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle forward drive activated independently and unknown warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transfer case connection motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Vehicle while on highway would flash 4lo on dash or illuminate svc 4wd. Vehicle at highway speeds would attempt to engage 4lo as well. While engaging, vehicle would lose acceleration and rpms would immediately increase. This would cause loss of control of the vehicle. With vehicle off and key removed, transfer case motor would try to change transfer case position. None of these symptoms occurred while 4wd was engaged using selector switch. Vehicle was taken to dealer for service. Codes recorded in computer were for transfer case position sensor being out of range. (both high and low values were recorded simultaneously) dealer originally found leads on fcm connector between wiring harness and pcb had corroded due to faulty sealant and were possibly shorting out. Manufacturer was made aware of fault. Manufacturer replaced fcm at no cost. After fcm was replaced vehicle would still exhibit symptoms. Vehicle was taken back to same dealer. After several days of testing, tech was able to get vehicle to exhibit symptoms in shop. Tech found that the range position sensor was failing. It was found that vibration would cause the sensor to short out or go open. Manufacturer was made aware but would not cover repair. Transfer case motor assembly was replaced at cost to customer. Vehicle has since been driven over 2000 miles without further issues.

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle was engaged in four wheel drive when the transmission erroneously slipped into neutral, causing the vehicle to roll away in reverse. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who indicated that the electronic shift transfer case had malfunctioned. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 01v077000 (power train). The failure mileage was 81,000.

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Upon slowing to enter a garage the truck slowed further as if it was about to stall (svc 4wd dash light came on) but regained power. After parking, the truck was turned off but I began to hear mechanical noises from the undercarriage. When departing later in the day, the same slowing motion started as I emerged from the garage but the truck regained full power and operated normally. After arriving home, I parked and locked the truck from my key fob but again the undercarriage noises started again and sounded like the power locks were running amok. A couple days later, the same occurrence. Took the truck to my trusted garage (not a Dodge dealer) who called Dodge (no clue) and another mechanic hotline service to check for any technical service bulletins/recalls, but no good results. Next, the chief mechanic road tested the truck and could not replicate the undercarriage noise but did see the svc 4wd dash light. The truck was returned with an admonishment to return if it crops up again. Two days later it did and I return where upon driving up, the chief mechanic heard the noises and declared it was trying to shift into 4wd. By this time I was seeing the 4 hi dash light in addition to the other warning light. The team at the garage went back to work and contacted another mechanic helpline that wasted no time in identifying the issue. As a matter of fact, after explaining the situation the helpline guy asked if the truck had rolled on it's own - because if it has not it would eventually. This is supposed to be a documented problem in these truck that Dodge has not seen fit to fix/recall for safety. Fix was test and replace the transfer case shift motor assembly.

). I am writing to inform you of safety concerns I have with my 2006 Dodge Dakota laramie (4x4 quad cab). My issues are with the transfer case / transmission of my truck. 1. My truck has shifted into four low on its own at low speeds in both reverse and at low speeds moving forward. 2. When I am not in the vehicle my Dodge Dakota will try and shift into four wheel drive on its own (like I said, no one is in the vehicle). 3. When I hit my unlock button, my truck will try and go into four wheel drive. 4. While I am driving both at high and low speeds the 4 low will flash and periodically the svc four wheel drive light will illuminate for a few seconds and then go out. 5. When the vehicle switches into four wheel drive (intermittently) the tires feel to be skidding or locking up.

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the truck transfer control module independently switched from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive, causing the tires to seize. The contact had to unhook the wires from the transfer case and power the vehicle off in order for the contact to secure the vehicle in two-wheel drive mode. The failure was recurring. The contact, who was a mechanic diagnosed that the transfer case control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the transfer case seal started to erode which caused the transmission fluid to leak out of the vehicle. The leak also caused the transfer case to fail and the differential to lock when the 4 wheel drive mode was activated. The manufacturer stated that they could not offer any assistance since he didn't have a full warranty agreement. The contact is concerned that the manufacturer is aware of the failure and will not authorize the repair. The failure mileage was 22,980.

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: the contact stated when engaging the 4-wheel drive as long as the vehicle was going straight it worked. The more the contact turned the steering wheel to the left or right the wheels tended to stick and not want to roll. The front wheels tended to lock if turning it all the way to right or left. If vehicle was off road and going down grassy surface and had to turn the wheel, the back wheels will push the vehicle or contact was unable to steer vehicle where he wanted to go. If vehicle was on a pavement it just lock or froze up. The vehicle was seen by the dealer, who determined it was the normal function of the 4-wheel drive.

On October 20, 2005 I was driving my 2003 Dodge Dakota quad-cab 4wd pickup back from visiting a friend when I sustained a catastrophic failure of the transfer case. This resulted in a complete loss of motive power. Vehicle was towed to the nearest Dodge dealer and repaired. Dealer claimed case was struck by something (implying abuse) which is unsupported by any physical evidence. The dealer's position prevented repairs being made under warranty. Investigation by an independent shop identified the source of the damage to be the coupling between the front driveshaft and the transfer case. Daimlerchrysler refuses to acknowledge the factual cause and adheres to the dealer's (erroneous) position.

See all problems of the 2003 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

The consumer was driving at 35 mph on the street when the transfer case busted. It fall out of the bottom of the vehicle. Consumer had to manually push the vehicle to the side of the street. The engine was still running, but the vehicle was nonmovable. There were no events leading up to this problem. There were no other problems with the vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership and they told him they had never seen a problem like like this before. They said the whole housing busted and fell down, and they would have to replace the whole housing.

See all problems of the 1999 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Dodge Dakota quad cab 2000, problem with transfer case shifting. The truck began to shift out of normal gear. When the vehicle did go out of gear, the consumer had to coast to the side of the road and come to a complete stop before he could get the vehicle to shift back into gear. The consumer stated a truck of this age and mileage should not require this type of repair.

See all problems of the 2000 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

While driving the transfer case cracked down the middle. The friction and sparks caused it to catch on fire. It was loose and severed from the main attachments which dumped the oil ontothe skid plates.

Reference 2001 Dodge Dakota 4wd: there has already been a safety recall on the 4wd module. It needed reprogramming to assure that it wouldn't slip out of gear causing the truck to roll. This recall has been performed on my truck. However, the module, after only a few thousand miles has gone out again. The "service 4wd" light comes on, but Dodge tells me that they cannot even retrieve diagnostic codes from the module. . . And that it needs replacing. This failure of the 4wd module and the dealers inability to even diagnose the problem, after having recall work done on it, makes me wonder if the original safety recall service was even effective.

While attempting to engage the two wheel drive vehicle became inoperative. As a result, vehicle became stuck in four wheel drive.

Dealer replaced twice both upper and lower ball joints, also, the transfer case was replaced. Dealer notified. Please provide further information. 1999 Dodge Dakota has had the following repairs peformed: replacement of transfer case, upper and lower ball joints, wheel bearings, right hub assembly, right rotor, right axle assembly, and front shocks.

I do not have the exact dates for each time the transfer case has failed, my documents are in the vehicle, still in in the shop. The dealership has lead me to believe that it might be the way it was driven (of course). I assured them this was not the case and offered for them to drive the vehicle (if they can repair it again) as long as they drove it 20 miles per day and engaged the 4 wheel drive system for at least 1/2 mile per day. These are the exact driving conditions each time the transfer case has went out. My only other stipulation is that whomever drove it, did not transport children in this vehicle. (no takers so far) we live out in the county and off the main road. Four wheel drive is utilized not because of rough terrain, but because of the 45 degree incline (saves wear and tear on our tires). Another vehicle has been purchased to get back and forth to work and because I am terrified to drive this truck for fear of losing control due to yet another mechanical failure. We are not talking windshield wipers here. Russel at the dealership has contacted the manufacturer and has "not received adequate answers" to his questions regarding this transfer case. He also stated that they "no long made this transfer case" which "should tell him something. " he has checked the gears in the transfer case to ensure the right gears were in there and they were. He also thought that maybe the previous owners did not engage the 4 wheel drive system. My response was "that would explain the first transfer case. . . What about the other two? we have purchased Dodge products for well over 5 years now and look at nothing else when purchasing a new vehicle. It appears however, that when you need them to right a wrong, it is the consumer who is the victim, not the big corporation. I will rethink the purchasing of Dodge vehicles from now on and can assure the Chrysler corporation that my cummings diesel will be the last Dodge product purchased in this household. Dt.

Speedometor and cruise control quit working replaced speed sensor per dealer and still not working. Also seat doesn't lock in upright position on drivers side. Transfer case seal went out and had to replace transfer case. I hate this truck and I couldn't give it away.

See all problems of the 1997 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Consumer stated vehicle was parked and when consumer went to check on vehicle, it had rolled down a mountain. Consumer also stated had gotten recall# 01v077000 but hadn't got recall fixed yet. Vehicle was totaled.

Recall 01v077 was completed on vehicle, however after repair, consumer drove onto driveway which is on a steep incline, waited for garage door to open and while consumer had foot on brake, the vehicle rolled back 2 feet or so, consumer pressed on gas to find engine had cut off, transmission specialist stated this is normal and it is a safety feature.

The 4-wheel drive tansfer case has a defect with the output shaft bearing which causes the shaft to become disconnected from the transmission drive gears. Nlm.

See all problems of the 1998 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

While driving 70 mph transfer case locked up and broke into three pieces. Vehicle could not be driven.