Ask the Car People.SM


Dodge Dakota 4x4 Problems

108 messages,  Last post on Sep 27, 2012 at 4:00 PM

You are in the Dodge Dakota-2010 and older Forum.

What is this discussion about? Dodge Dakota, Truck

Messages Page 9 of 11

#79 of 108 Re: Ratchety 4wd [bpeebles] by actx01

Jan 03, 2010 (1:59 pm)

Replying to: bpeebles (Dec 19, 2007 7:14 pm)
Thanks for detailed and informative info on the "rachety 4wd" thread. Have experienced similar issues with 2001 5spd V8 Dakota 170k miles;
ISSUES
- inadvertent/random engagement/disengagement (attempts) in/out of 4wd
- clunking noises from the front drive line.
- apparent clutch slippage under load
INSPECTION DISCOVERIES
- removal of the front drive axles revealed that splines on the LF shaft and CV joint were totally destroyed (apparent source of clunking noise)
- had dealer diagnose inadvertent shifting issue - problem with electronic controls on transfer case.
- removal of the clutch revealed just normal wear no damage.
REMEDIES
- removed LF drive shaft, until I save for replacement aftermarket units and control module for transfer case. Have heard that aftermarket units are much better.
- replaced clutch, pressure plate and throwout bearing
RESULTS
- clunking and grinding noises ceased
- slippage still happening (albeit less often and less severe) even with new clutch and pressure plate.
QUESTIONS
- Is there any other place in the drive-line that could produce a slippage sensation/feel?
- Does the clutch need time to wear-in and is initial (slight) slipping with a new clutch unit normal?

#80 of 108 Re: 2005 Shiting in & out of 4WD [clumberhunter] by cmcmullin

Feb 03, 2010 (10:12 pm)

Replying to: clumberhunter (Oct 16, 2009 4:30 am)
I'm having EXACTLY the same problem after only 35k miles. I've spent almost $3,000 at the dealership to have it fixed, but they don't know what they're doing, nor did they fix the shifting in-and-out problem. Also, on a couple of occasions the 4wd stopped working and the "N" light came on (for the neutral postion on the shifter) but I wasn't in neutral! It's annoying; the shift motor will even shift in and out after I've shut down, locked the doors,.. and you can hear it doing it when you're walking away from it in the parking lot. I don't dare go into a parking garage for fear it will shift while I'm in a tight turn. So far, the only thing I havent tried yet is to have the shift motor replaced. Those guys at Dodge replaced: the a/c transducer; the forward control module; the instrument cluster (none of these sound like they have anything to do with 4wd); and they attached a wiring harness. They said if all else fails (coming from their tech support center called STAR), replace the shift motor.,

#81 of 108 Re: 2005 Shiting in & out of 4WD [cmcmullin] by landon_ap

Feb 13, 2010 (11:12 pm)

Replying to: cmcmullin (Feb 03, 2010 10:12 pm)
I'm having the same exact issue as well! I have done a ton of homework as I don't trust many mechanics. I've heard too many horror stories of people paying dealers/mechanics hundreds of thousands of dollars to get one problem fixed, just to see it continue to exist.
 
None the less I read a ton and narrowed this problem down to one of two things. There is a sensor in the Electric Transfer Case Shift motor, unfortunately you have to replace the entire shift motor. Or the Front Control Module(FCM) There is no Transfer Case Control Module(TCCM) on the 05, it is all controlled by the FCM.
 
A good friend of mine new a mechanic he has used and trusted for several years. I had him look at it and his conclusions matched mine but he was very straight forward and told me he wasn't sure which either.
 
I purchased the Electric Shift Motor today ($284) and went to work. NOT AN EASY TASK! you have to remove the front drive shaft, which requires removing the Exhaust Y pipe that from the best I could tell would require the one tool I don't have to re-install, WELDING.
 
Needless to say I have not got the new shift motor on yet, but am hoping to soon. I will let you know the outcome.

#82 of 108 Re: 2005 Shiting in & out of 4WD [landon_ap] by landon_ap

Feb 14, 2010 (7:31 pm)

Replying to: landon_ap (Feb 13, 2010 11:12 pm)
Ok so I lied. It does not require welding, only unhooking the Y pipe (Crossover to some) at the manifold. I started this project today and ran out of daylight so will have to complete it when there is more light.

#83 of 108 Re: 2005 Shiting in & out of 4WD [cmcmullin] by landon_ap

Feb 21, 2010 (9:45 am)

Replying to: cmcmullin (Feb 03, 2010 10:12 pm)
Replace the Electric Shift Motor. Beware if you go DIY.

#84 of 108 4x4 engageing shifter by musicbyd

Feb 28, 2010 (2:31 pm)

I recently bought an 87 dakota 4x4 and there is no label on the engage shifter how many positions and in what order is it 2wl Hi 4 low 4 ???

#85 of 108 1995 dakota 4x4 locking problems by rwbohn

Mar 09, 2010 (1:29 pm)

i have a 95 dodge dakota that im having problems fiquring why it wont work in four wheel drive,there is no vacuum switch on the transfer,just the 4x4 lighting swich for inside the cab wich does work,when locked into four wheel drive the shaft going to the front axel does turn,ive looked the whole axel over to find what other people have been talking about as far as the acculater but the only vacuum line comming off the axel is a breather that mounts on the passenger frame,is it possable this axel is a full time and only is suppost to engage is when you pull the lever on the floor to engage the transfer case?,if thats the case im thinking i might have damage inside the pumpkin.

#86 of 108 1987 4x4 by gunslanger65

Mar 10, 2010 (2:46 pm)

hey guys i cant get mine to lock front tires in tran locks in just fine but wont lock front in any ideas

#87 of 108 Dakota Won't Move with front Driveshaft Removed by superflash

Mar 18, 2010 (6:25 pm)

Hi All, I have a 2001 4x4 Dakota 4door. I took the front drive shaft off to replace the CV joint on the transfer case end. I also have to replace the Left CV shaft. Shouldn't I be able to drive the truck out of shop and turn around using the rear drive? My Dakota is an automatic AWD/w 4hi 4lo. It won't move with the front shaft off in any position on mode switch AWD 4hi or lo. I assume I have been pulling the truck with the front diff. for a while. Thanks for any help, Superflash

#88 of 108 Re: Dakota Won't Move with front Driveshaft Removed [superflash] by superflash

Mar 19, 2010 (4:00 pm)

Replying to: superflash (Mar 18, 2010 6:25 pm)
Hey Gang, I cured it myself. Evidently the transfercase motor was stuck or ? Anyway I wiggled the wires and tapped on the motor and walla it worked and I could move the truck with the front drive shaft off. Worked as I thought it should. Superflash

Messages Page 9 of 11

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement