Why Your 4WD Stops Working: SIMPLE PREVENTION SOLUTION!
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- Опубліковано 31 гру 2024
- Unless you're an avid off-roader, most people don't use their 4x4 system, UNTIL they actually need it. But by not engaging it often enough, things can freeze up or otherwise not work as intended. Do this SIMPLE thing to ensure your 4x4 system works when you need it the most!
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About The Truck:
2021 Ram 1500 Sport (Canadian Exclusive), Night Edition
Exterior Colour: Diamond Black Crystal Pearl
5.7-Liter V8 HEMI
8-Speed Automatic Transmission
Summer Wheels/Tires:
20x10 -18 Fuel Contra wrapped in Nexen Roadian AT Pro RA8
Winter Wheels/Tires:
20x10 -18 Fuel Maverick wrapped in Cooper Snow Claws
This is actually sound advice, unlike many youtube mechanic advice... this is actually accurate.... monthly is a bit overkill, but it's can't hurt (as long as people remember NOT to drive on dry pavement in 4x4 more than a couple feet. The reason this is good advice... Modern trucks with electronic 4x4 activation instead of the traditional manual Transfer case lever on the floor... the electronic ones use an actual electric motor to do the shift, instead of you doing it with a lever.. so this simply keeps the actuation motor & linkage & slide collars from developing surface corrosion preventing it from moving & potentially burning out the actuation motor. The same theorey should be used for the Emergency Brake... this applies to electric or traditional manual cable operated..... Most people that drive automatic transmissions almost never actually USE their Emergency brake (some call it a parking brake, technically only the traditional manually operated ones are "emergency brakes" because they indeed can be used anytime, reliably.. with or without keys & can be adjusted to light drag resistance or full lockup. (manual Ebrakes are actually MUCH more usable & reliable... The point being..... WHen you DON'T use the E Brake regularly... surface rust can develop on the equipment & then it won't work when you need it. Usually the brake WILL go on... the problem is they won't release because they get rusty.... Why would you need aN Ebrake or parking brake when the transmission holds it every day? well.... what if there's a driveline failure? There are MANY things that can break that would cause the transmission/driveline to NOT keep the vehicle from rolling away... If any one of those fail...without a working E brake... there's nothing keeping it from rolling away. **Side note education**... The PROPER way to use an E brake.. especially if parked on a hill or with a trailer or loaded heavy etc...Have you ever parked on s steep hill or had a trailer & it's really hard to pop it out of park?? when it does... it's harsh....that's because you don't want the weight on the transmission park pawl.. you want the load on the Brakes... the correct way is to come to a stop, keep your foot on the brakes, shift to Neutral... then firmly apply the E brake... then SLOWLY let up on the regular foot brake... you want the Ebrake to hold tight enough that it doesn't roll at all... if it groans or slow rolls... apply the Ebrake tighter... (if it's electric.. it can only tighten what the actuator motor will allow & it's likely out of adjustment... but a manual Ebrake you can apply tighter.... once it holds... THEN put it in park... Keep the load on the brakes, not the transmission park pawl.... Sorry for the long comment, Hope it helps someone.....
I'll keep this mind!
EXACTLY how I do it and tell ppl I know. Especially since my driveway is on an incline. Funny story, once when I was a teenager I parked on steep driveway and couldn’t get out of gear. Had to get another car to slightly push bumper to release pressure of transmission so I could get in reverse. Life lesson. Needless to say, That was the last time I made that mistake. Great information
You can drive on pavement in 4h just fine in older rigs at least
Manual locking hubs, axles and manual transmissions work better. IF you know how and when to use them.
But e-brakes? Well now, there are those automatic types that auto engage when you put in park now.
Also have two states full on or full off. That is not a good set of conditions with manual transmissions.
Cant depend on engine compression parked on a hill. But you can depend on the hill to start he engine as long as you remember to turn the key to on.
Don't how well that works with electronic push to start buttons. Was never asked to try it when testing.
Guess the young engineers never thought about that. Because manual 4 x 4s are scarcer then hens teeth?
Damn. I just learned so much. Thanks for this post. 👍
Good advice, it would also be a good idea to take your truck somewhere off any kind of pavement and actually engage and drive it in 4wheel drive to make sure everything works
Agreed!
Yes I was going to suggest same thing. I take my truck on a gravel road and engage to lubricate the gears etc.
This is some wise advice! It makes sense, if you don't use it you lose it. It is good to make sure all of your accessories are in working order!
I run mine once a month. I will engage 4 H on the go in a straight line for about a 1/4 mile then stop and engaged 4L for the same distance. That way the lubricant gets move around the seals and gears. This will cover the 4A as well. I don't feel like spinning my rear tires to make the front axle activate. As long as you make the shaft engage and disengage, you will be working all the components necessary for seal and gear lubrication.
Probably why the bearing went bye bye in the Envoy front diff. Snow did not get deep enough for couple of years. Don't need $WD to drive on the lawn.
Then also was his:
But $WD Lo also locks the front and rear differentials. So you must drive in a straight line on pavement. Or work on the transfer case. Learned that one with a manual 4 x 4.
I was taught as a young driver, that ANY system, carburetor, transmission, transfer case, needs "exercise" once in a while to keep running smooth.
Sound advice!
Great advice... and for people as well!
I will give that a try even though I have never had any issue with my 4WD. I also have a Chevrolet K2500 snow plow and every year in the winter when you first try 4WD it doesn't work and it rarely get driven in the summer. I will start trying that on it also.
I have a 2500 series four-wheel-drive truck every oil change when I’m under the truck. I also spin the front driveshaft by hand you can hear the transfer case chain moving as well as the front end gear set.
This helps keep the chain lubricated as well as the gears inside the transfer case as well as the front end gear set.
I’m still trying to figure out if the front end gear set actually turns when the four-wheel-drive system is not engaged .
Also, don’t forget to do your research and see if your front driveshaft has any grease Zerks - If so, make sure you give them a couple of good squirts before every winter.
Mine is being pissy about going into 4L right now, but yup, i have never needed it, and have not tried it enough.I have the BW 48-11 and use the 4wd Auto mode often, i love it when its working right! Thank you for the info.
True, that's what i did since I bought my truck and I use the 4wheeldirive options even when I don't need it
Excellent tip! This absolutely will help keep everything in good condition. Use it or loose it
Excellent advice. I bought a 2019 4x4 new in may, 2019. From then til jan, 2023 it had been but in 4 wheel drive maybe 4 times. Well in the winter of 2023 I needed it to get into my driveway because of ice and boom! no 4 wheel drive. Under warranty I took it to the dealer and they said nothing other than, "we're putting in a new transfer case". Weird. I bet this is why.
Now I own a 23 Maga Cab Dooly 4x4 and will be doing this regularly. 👍👍
my ram truck four wheel drive won't work only used it like four times also and now no four wheel drive and truck is awful getting stuck everywhere even on lil bit of slippery surface ram trucks are not good in my opinion rn 3:13
If I'm not mistaken, the Ram owners manual states you should engage 4WD while the vehicle is in motion in drive, not stopped or in neutral. I think it's meant to be engaged anywhere from 5 MPH to 55MPH if I remember correctly.
I use mine just to make sure it's working keep the fluids work moving every month and a half even if it's not snowing
Taking my 2019 Ram 1500 in the dealer for this tomorrow. This is the 2nd time this problem has occurred. My friend recommended me to do this with shifting. He does it on his Chev.
I think you wanna drive a little also to lubricate the gears.
We have a 2003 yukon and 2006 envoy , never had 4wd issues by using this method. Even though we live in GA where rarely needed still do this monthly
Fantastic!
Good point. Why dont you drive it in 4x4 a for a little while too? Might help the other parts in the system lubed like the transfer case,no?
4 wheel drive is dependent on low traction environment - it actually needs to work through slipper or low traction surfaces (ice, snow, sand, mud) if you run it too far on a dry surface with good traction (your typical road) you run the risk of binding the system and doing damage.
My 2016 Tundra manual says to drive 10 miles in 4WH every 1000 miles to keep everything lubricated. So I do that when driving straight down the highway, preferably on a rainy or snowy day.
Great tip, thanks. I actually use my 4WD when I can. Going up a gravel road 4WD. Pulling my trailer up a hill - 4WD. Wet roads - 4WD.
Wet blacktop roads?
Agree 100% as I had a similar think happen in my Lexus SC430. I bought it in 2006 from the original owner and have driven it since then. Two years ago I was driving it and went to adjust the outside mirrors which I honestly have never done. They would not move so when I got home I dissembled them and found the motors were frozen so I gently rocked them and used "Gunk Electric Motor Cleaner" and got them working again. Since that time I make sure I put the motors through the paces (up, down, left, right) at least once a month.
I put my rebel in 4x4 when I come down the street to my neighborhood and then to the house about once a month.
I had a issue with my 4WD in my Envoy. Bad bearing in right side of the front axle. Solution remove the axle. Still have a locking rear axle and hi/lo ratios.
Just load 150 lbs of salt and Kitty liter in the back and go. As long as the snow is not touching the frame. At that point it is time to wait for the plow or fire up the snow mobile.
The old Crew Cab 82 300 CI I-6 also did not do well when the snow touched the frame. Snow does drift and 3 tons does not ride on top of it.
Had a use for a snowmobile then and still do.
My wheels turn at different speeds when my 4x4 is engaged. It feels awful. Ive been handling harsh northern winters in 2x4 for years. Now that i have some fun money, id like to fix this, lol.
Thats why I have a manual shift for 4wd .. never have to worry about the electronics and in 4wd immediately, no wait.
You are absolutely correct. My 2019 Power Wagon would always take way too long to engage or would not engage at all. I started using this technique a couple of years ago, and now it almost always engages immediately. If it doesn’t, it only takes about 30’ to maybe 50’ to lock up.
Good call! Yeah I find just doing this every now and again helps keep things running smooth. On a side note, sometimes I wish I had a Power Wagon!
At the risk of sounding like a grumpy old man ( which i am ) there is something to be said about the old systems. One would lock the freewheeling hub, grab that shorter stick coming thru the floorboard and shift into 4. Good to go.
Nope !
By just pressing the buttons you don't actually do anything, in order to get it lubricating you need things to be functional.. actually you need to drive it.
Yep SMDH
Mine says I need to service 4wd it works but every now and again the 4wd buttons flash and don't wanna engage any info would be appreciated thanks in advance first time dodge owner 2020 bighorn 5.7l hemi
Why would the 4wd buttons flash on 1 for.
it makes perfect sense
You should also drive it a bit in each setting
This is exactly what happened on my 2020 1500…I think I have to send it in to be looked at. I’ll be doing this regularly once I figure out why my low is not operating properly.
Are you putting it into neutral? Most trucks require the transmission to be in neutral to shift into 4 wheel low.
@@Brian-dh9lp yes sir…every time
@terrancespencer77 did you ever figure out what the problem was
@@joshbuchanan4535 I got rid of the truck because of the constant mechanical issues.
Just need to go offroad more often an flip it into 4lo and 4hi!
Agreed! 😁
I engage mine every 3 months. I read that the actuator can seize up if not used. I was going to buy an old 4Runner to replace my old one for my off roading. The owner never engaged it. I tested it and sure enough. It never engaged. The owner took it to the dealership and they said the actuator is seized and will likely need it replaced because they can’t re-engage it. That’s an $800 repair…
I use my truck daily as a service truck pulling a trailer,and I can,t stress enough to change oil in transfer case at required intervals,transfer cases,tranny fluids and diffs are commonly neglected
Good advice!
Agreed. Its also a good idea to drive the vehicle in 4wd for just a few feet too, just not on flat dry asphalt.
Agreed!
why not? As long as you do not turn the wheel and stay straight, all wheels should still have same amount of rotation. Only for a few feet. I do not see how this could hurt it.
I had a issue with my DT 2019 the ligh keep blinking and took some time to be engaged.. what you think could be.. thanks
That’s odd! Usually it only takes a few seconds. I’d check the 5th Gen Rams forum. Can probably find more info on that issue there.
You just cycle though but don't drive at all in 4 high, 4 low, all wheel and back to 2 wheel ?
Question why would it stay blinking until I pick a different setting? Example I click on 4wd auto which starts blinking but never becomes solid till I click on 4wd high then the 4wd auto stays solid and the 4wd high light stays blinking. Hope you could understand that
Not sure about that one!
Do you know why the indicator light for 4WD Auto is green, and all the others are yellow?
Just a differentiator to my knowledge. Nothing special about it.
Thin about it...green means go /ok_____Yellow means be careful.........like the street lights
Wow you don’t even drive with it on? Just buttons?
my 2005 ram works in 4 hi, but not in 4 low. the light flashes. what does that mean?
Could be the actuator
I just bought a ram 1500 all new to owning a 4x4 should you also take a short drive while engaging the modes?
Yes, but in accordance with what mode you’re in. Do some googling or read your manual. For example, 4LO should only be used at certain speeds and for certain scenarios. You don’t want to make turns on dry pavement. Spend the time doing some investigating before going out and driving!
That’s a beauty video!
Appreciate you my good man!
Excellent tip, can it be done in park as well, or just neutral?
Pretty sure you need to be in neutral when going into 4 wheel low. My truck is that way. All the others don't matter.
Depends on the vehicle and sometimes you have to go in reverse a few feet to get it to actually disengage. Read your manual to be certain
Should do it while in motion . Not doing nothing with the gear’s sitting still … all you’re doing is making the electronic motor in the transfer case switch nothing is moving in park . At least the high gears obviously need to stop for the low.
I do it that way. I just make sure I'm going straight and not turning. Dirt or gravel road preferred.
Exactly playing with buttons is only moving a solenoid.......nothing else . I have repaired a transmission on a F150 so I think I have more experience?
I would engage it and drive it a little bit. Just to push buttons makes no sense to me. I throw mine on every once in a while and drive maybe a half mile.
I don't have buttons or an automatic transmission, mine is equipped with a Millennial AntiTheft device 😁😁
I wonder if that would've helped my transfer case clutch failure at 65k. Now dealer says t case needs to be replaced. Imo the new clutch pack t cases are junk. If you want a real 4 wheel drive dont get an auto 4 wheel that doesnt lock mechanically.
The t-case clutch and the actuator is the main reason for doing this!
Sorry but just pressing the buttons is not doing really anything. You actually have to move the truck lol.
Well, yes and no. By doing what he did the solenoid does get exercised which is good, but you are correct he should drive it as well in each mode.
I engage mine every 3 months never have a problem
Good to hear!
I do this at least annually, (GMC Envoy 2002) and through the winter (Ontario) for this explicit purpose. My son's Toyota Tundra (2000) has stopped working and despite my best attempts, he has not yet sought professional repair. Although he is now out on Vancouver Island where you just don't need 4X4 However, I say, get it fixed sooner, for cheaper
Agreed! Best to get it fixed and keep things running smoothly.
MrOnemanop,
Sounds like you haven't got his attention.
Like the mule and the 2x4 . . .
☆
Well the joke's on him. the Island got an unusually heavy dump of snow this week. Closed a lot of Victoria down, and proved to be difficult (In two wheel drive) to get through. And I don't have a 2X4 long enough to reach out there.@@fjb4932
you need to drive it. just by pushing the buttons thats not lubricating anything these are splash systems
Right on...not moving does not move the liquid around.......basic knowledge
Generally your manual will recommend you engage 4x4 once a month and drive a bit.
Don't forget about the gear oil in the transfer case & differentials. Just using the 4x4 isn't enough if you're thinking of keeping the truck \ SUV long term. If not then drive it like you stole it.
Definitely need to service it when required!
Can u always run it on 4wd auto? Or it should always be 2wd?
4WD auto is fine, generally speaking, but there’s no point if conditions don’t call for it. It’ll affect your gas mileage though, and general wear and tear. 2WD for normal operation is usually your best bet.
@@heavymetalhauler21 thank you so much for the info. I really appreciate you taking the time.
LOL he has tire pressure set to bars...........FIRST for me
have an 89, run my 4x4 once a week
Gotta get a pickup.
I recommend it! 😊
I wait til thunderstorm run in 4 hi. 13miles min. Every month. Lube it up and know whats going on.
That's why I own a land cruiser
Just by pressing the buttons?
No you have to move the truck. I would put the truck in 4-wheel high move back and forth a bit same with 4-wheel low just pressing the buttons won't help anything lol.
This is why most people who buy these trucks have no idea how to use them.
In short, Use it or lose it.
The biggest bs i have ever heard. Things get stuck?😢
👍👍🥳🥳
common sense use it or loose it just like your own body move around our loose your motion
You aren't actually a mechanic, are you? And you don't even do your own oil changes, do you?
My thinking also
Most of the sheep lumbering around in there newer junk trucks never ever use 4wd they're just grocery getters
Great PREVENTIVE above, but useless REMEDIAL advice.
Just don’t get a Ram
All trucks are like this that have 4X4 Mr. genius.
@@onthethrottle7104 Found the Ram driver
@@dougie2fly511 GMC
I'd get the 3.6 V6 over the prev Hemi or Hurricane. It's a decent engine.
Bet you drive a Ford lol
That advice is not limited to just 4 wheel drive components. Anything you don’t regularly use should be exercised occasionally. Especially AC!
Very true!