Anyone else have the Service 4WD message and transfer case not shifting back to 2WD?

[BillnLA]

Ok so quick story. Traveling through Florida on way to the Keys couple weeks ago. Pulling my travel trailer of about 9000 lbs. Stopped overnight at campground that had sandy gravel sites. When i went to take the trailer off the levelers I needed to back up a few inches. Rear tires started spinning, so I switched to 4HI. No problem, right? Backed up then pulled forward a couple feet in 4HI. Went to switch back to 2WD and got the message to Service 4WD! Truck would not shift out of 4WD. Had to make a sharp turn to left pulling out of the site and then a few bends in the campground road which was paved. Could feel the inside front tire slipping/jumping at each turn. Panic time, LOL. 500 miles from home and another 600 or so miles to destination. Look up nearest dealership and it is about 30 miles away. So I am thinking, do I leave the camper somewhere and just drive there or will it damage the front drive using it that far on highway? And how will we get transportation during the meantime?

So, wife gets online and starts looking to see what it might be and find it is not that uncommon. Seems a solenoid has a tendency to fail not allowing the transfer case to **** out of 4WD. But cant find anything for a 2019 2500. Look for the fuse suggested on an older year model but cant find that. I had turned off the engine at that point. But when i restarted the truck the message was still lit on the panel. I pushed the 2WD button one more time just in frustration and lo and behold it switched and the service message turned off. Needless to say i didn't use 4HI for the rest of the trip Got back a couple days ago so haven't tried to see if it will repeat. Just curious is others had experienced this and had an idea of time frame for dealer repairs. Truck is still under warranty so they will fix if needed.

OK, sorry that wasn't really a quick story. But just wondering if it is a common problem. Thanks all.

 

[RamCares]

Ok so quick story. Traveling through Florida on way to the Keys couple weeks ago. Pulling my travel trailer of about 9000 lbs. Stopped overnight at campground that had sandy gravel sites. When i went to take the trailer off the levelers I needed to back up a few inches. Rear tires started spinning, so I switched to 4HI. No problem, right? Backed up then pulled forward a couple feet in 4HI. Went to switch back to 2WD and got the message to Service 4WD! Truck would not shift out of 4WD. Had to make a sharp turn to left pulling out of the site and then a few bends in the campground road which was paved. Could feel the inside front tire slipping/jumping at each turn. Panic time, LOL. 500 miles from home and another 600 or so miles to destination. Look up nearest dealership and it is about 30 miles away. So I am thinking, do I leave the camper somewhere and just drive there or will it damage the front drive using it that far on highway? And how will we get transportation during the meantime?

So, wife gets online and starts looking to see what it might be and find it is not that uncommon. Seems a solenoid has a tendency to fail not allowing the transfer case to **** out of 4WD. But cant find anything for a 2019 2500. Look for the fuse suggested on an older year model but cant find that. I had turned off the engine at that point. But when i restarted the truck the message was still lit on the panel. I pushed the 2WD button one more time just in frustration and lo and behold it switched and the service message turned off. Needless to say i didn't use 4HI for the rest of the trip Got back a couple days ago so haven't tried to see if it will repeat. Just curious is others had experienced this and had an idea of time frame for dealer repairs. Truck is still under warranty so they will fix if needed.

OK, sorry that wasn't really a quick story. But just wondering if it is a common problem. Thanks all.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! If you are not able to determine a solution based on suggestions from fellow forum members and you decide to address this with your Ram dealer, please be sure to follow up with us via private message. We would be more than willing to escalate your situation to a specialist who can work alongside you and your dealer while your truck is in service.

Mark
RamCares

 

[Brewbud]

I have my older truck not come out of 4WD in the past. Backing up 10-15 feet always fixed it. I have not experienced it in my 2020 but it would be something to try if it happens again.

 

[MikeXM]

The actuator is actually a small geared motor and not a solenoid?
Anyway, since it has to move a fork to engage/disengage the differential, I could see that some stress on the components could actually prevent it to do the switch. I would try to move the vehicle and put everything in neutral before stopping to relieve as much stress as possible on the drivetrain. It should do the trick if that's the problem. Also, maybe disconnect the TT? It might have pushed on the truck.