4WD issues

[APTLJM]

I'm having some issues with my 2020 Ram 1500 Laramie and the 4WD system. My truck has the 5.7 w/e torque and the BW 48-11 transfer case. I just hit 69000 miles. A few weeks ago, we got our first big snow in northern michigan. I hit 4wd auto to help me out getting home and got a "svc 4wd" light and lost my 4wd. I read on the forums about the front axle disconnect being a common failure on these trucks, so I ordered a new actuator from Dana/Spicer and installed it. I went ahead and serviced both diffs and the transfer case (using the absurdly expensive mopar fluid) while I was down there. I took the truck for a quick spin and not only did I have no 4WD, but I immediately got a 4WD system overheat - decreased performance message. I admitted defeat and took it to the dealer.

$210 for several computer "reflashes" and low and behold, another snow storm and no 4WD. Still have that pesky 4WD overheat message though...and the truck was BUTT COLD. I know my transfer case isn't smoked (at least it shouldn't be) . I've never done any snow plowing, off roading or trail runs. The truck has been babied. No leaks. No grinding noises. Nothing.

I can press 4WD high and get the indication on the dash that it's shifted, but still no 4WD. I can hear the new front axle actuator activating and it sounds normal. I read in another post here about the transfer case motor failing. I'm curious if that could be the culprit? When I started the truck this morning, the different transfer case mode buttons weren't lit up. They began a slow, dim flash for about 20 seconds before finally lighting up and indicating the truck was in 2WD.

Has anyone else had a similar issue? I really don't want to take it back to the dealer. They obviously don't know how to fix it.

 

[NickAdams]

2022, same build, 30K miles. My actuator was just replaced; never a problem before but the dealership replaced the passenger cv axle a few months earlier because the boot was leaking. (Apparently getting a whole axle was easier than just a replacement boot? = whatever) Once winter came, no 4x4. I attributed it to the axle replacement - the dealer of course didn't put that on the "customer complains" part of the paperwork. When I tried to use auto or hi I got an overheat/decreased performance warning immediately like you, and also mismatched tire size warning. Only a few miles on the repair, so fingers crossed. I'll still be in the warranty period for a while, but I'd like this to be the end of it.

 

[codla]

I had to replace transfer case as it was cheaper for me than to fix old. I had same problem with message 4wd overheated. Problem was burnt disks in transfer case, truck had only 8000 miles, but i was second owner. If transfer case oil smells like burnt and black so it is mean disk are burnt.