4WD won’t engage, 2019 ram 1500

[audden]

I just had this problem. They had to update the software and replace the actuator. It works like a champ now.

Did you have to pay to have the truck flashed?

 

[krazene]

I am in the south, it is 71 degrees and my 2019 ram 1500 will not engage 4wd low.

 

[Jeff1322]

I am in the south, it is 71 degrees and my 2019 ram 1500 will not engage 4wd low.

I had to be towed out of a boat launch this summer because my 4WD would not engage. Took it to the dealer and they could not find the problem and said it was just stuck because I haven't used it enough. The dealer said I have to put it in 4WD monthly to keep it working properly. It is now winter with snow covered roads and the 4WD works fine. Go figure.

 

[RC Turner]

The dealer said I have to put it in 4WD monthly to keep it working properly.

I was told this when I bought my first 4WD back in 1985. I don't think most dealers even think about this anymore. I am in rural Minnesota and I think they are more aware of these procedures and to this day my dealer will occasionally mention it.

 

[bigken]

Hello all, I have a 2019 ram 1500 I just bought. Has 40k miles. We got ice today and so I throw it in 4wd auto and it won’t engage, says to retry. I’ve tried cycling it like other threads have said. It won’t engage 4low 4high or 4auto. Please help! Going to see the dealer tomorrow but I’d really like to fix this

What did you find out

 

[theblet]

I was told this when I bought my first 4WD back in 1985. I don't think most dealers even think about this anymore. I am in rural Minnesota and I think they are more aware of these procedures and to this day my dealer will occasionally mention it.

I’ll put mine in 4wd High sometimes whenever it’s raining just to make sure it still works.

 

[c3k]

A lot of good stuff.
1. Use ALL 4wd options about once a month, even if it's just for a few yards. Keep those actuators lubed and moving.
2. A manual override would be an OUTSTANDING addition.

 

[TatoAlto27]

What did it cost you altogether?

Im having the same problem and from what i read, im hoping its the same thing and not something worse?
Ive heard about a recall on some 2019 transfer case so im not sure what it is. Unfortunately the dealer will not have an appointment till feb 21. A month from now

Whats going on,
I know its been awhile but ever get an answer to this?

 

[Oneservant]

Alright fellas, it was a simple fix. They said the actuator needed to be replaced. Going to pick it up today.

What was the cost to you for this fix?

 

[Cdog2505]

i have a 2019 rebel that also would not go into 4wd. I replaced the 4x4 actuator.

Cost: 132 dollars from Car quest. "Auto Zone"
Repair Time: 20 mins.

Dealer wanted 950 dollars would need my truck for 2 days! Truck is running great. Shifts in and out of 4x4 like a charm!!!

 

[MikeyHo808]

Had the same issue with my Bighorn. Dealer at first changed the actuator, but problem still existed. Ended up changing the front axle disconnect assembly, all under warranty.
Below is the service doc.

 

[jonfav306]

Just to add to the mix; seems like the majority of us with this issue just needed a new actuator. I did it myself as well, because the dealer wanted almost $1k for it. I’ve also been told by a few to engage and “use” the system regularly. The little solenoid in the actuator seems to be the failure point majority of the time.

 

[kromer]

I read somewhere that the truck will only recognize factory parts (Mopar), anybody have thoughts on this? I replaced my actuator with Dorman brand and I can hear the actuator shifting but the light on the button blinks for a while before codes come up.

 

[theblet]

Well this issue has got me now. It’s freezing temps and I can’t get 4wd auto to work. I cycle it monthly to make sure it works.

Really want to use it to get on the road today and there’s still lots of ice.

Should I heat it with my heat gun?

 

[HemiDude]

Well this issue has got me now. It’s freezing temps and I can’t get 4wd auto to work. I cycle it monthly to make sure it works.

Really want to use it to get on the road today and there’s still lots of ice.

Should I heat it with my heat gun?

You could lay under there and do that. Have you allowed the truck to idle and heat up some more? Maybe that would generate just enough warmth, if indeed the cold is what is causing it.

 

[theblet]

You could lay under there and do that. Have you allowed the truck to idle and heat up some more? Maybe that would generate just enough warmth, if indeed the cold is what is causing it.

I managed to get it to engage. Heated a bit with the heat gun, but had to tap on it to make it finish the process. None of the modes worked, not even 4 lo as some have tried.

I wonder if I could remove it and grease it?

If not I’ll probably need a new one.

 

[HemiDude]

I managed to get it to engage. Heated a bit with the heat gun, but had to tap on it to make it finish the process. None of the modes worked, not even 4 lo as some have tried.

I wonder if I could remove it and grease it?

If not I’ll probably need a new one.

Maybe grease or some WD-40

 

[theblet]

Maybe grease or some WD-40

Was thinking some spray lubricant, or grease.

Used it a few more times yesterday. it engaged 4 hi flawlessly within seconds. Guess it needed to get beat to wake up.

Going to try again and still need to test 4 lo

 

[theblet]

4 lo is working great now too

 

[FLiPMaRC]

I managed to get it to engage. Heated a bit with the heat gun, but had to tap on it to make it finish the process. None of the modes worked, not even 4 lo as some have tried.

I wonder if I could remove it and grease it?

If not I’ll probably need a new one.

Where and what exactly did you heat up? Just in case it happens to me