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transfer case shifter moves when accelerating

jkbrereton

jkbrereton

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While working my way through traffic I spend the time "playing" with all the do-dads in my truck. I happened to notice that during acceleration (in 2wd) the transfer case floor shifter moves. Has anyone noticed this? It only moves back about ½" or so but I found it interesting; well more interesting than being stuck in traffic.

Probably nothing but my Jeep transfer case shifters don't move so I found it interesting.
 
I had the manual floor shifter in my 99 F350 Powerstroke and it would move. It’s from the torque of the engine slightly twisting. When driving reach down and hold it. You will feel vibrations. It’s a manual connecting rod (at least in my ford) so you feel the twist of the torque
 
Hi guys. New to these threads here. I just bought a 2021 Ram Cummins. Mine does the same. When I pump the gas quickly, I can also here a slight thump sound. Don’t know if this is normal?? Any advice?? Thank you.
 
Hell yea that’s torque baby

I’m assuming you’ve never driven a manual transmission with a top loader trans. Does the same thing.

The jeep transfer case shifters don’t move because of the geometry of the linkage rods.
 
Funny you mention this. On the way back from a trip yesterday my dash said "4wd shift in progress" even though I didn't touch the shifter. The notification kept turning on and off (pretty rapidly) for a while until the truck got confused and started throwing codes up on the display about my cruise control, forward collision, and a few more. It even said I was in neutral a few times. Truck drove fine, but I pulled over and restarted the truck. Everything cleared up until a minute later and it started doing the same thing.

If I held the TC shifter forward ever so slightly ( probably less than 1/8") the "4wd shift in progress" message would go away and the the truck wouldn't freak out. So either my linkage has to be adjusted or the sensor the TC uses is bad. It's under warranty, but I may just start with just a good wash under the truck since I've hit some mud and puddles recently.
 
AnthonyD1978 said:
Funny you mention this. On the way back from a trip yesterday my dash said "4wd shift in progress" even though I didn't touch the shifter. The notification kept turning on and off (pretty rapidly) for a while until the truck got confused and started throwing codes up on the display about my cruise control, forward collision, and a few more. It even said I was in neutral a few times. Truck drove fine, but I pulled over and restarted the truck. Everything cleared up until a minute later and it started doing the same thing.

If I held the TC shifter forward ever so slightly ( probably less than 1/8") the "4wd shift in progress" message would go away and the the truck wouldn't freak out. So either my linkage has to be adjusted or the sensor the TC uses is bad. It's under warranty, but I may just start with just a good wash under the truck since I've hit some mud and puddles recently.
Click to expand...

FWIW I just adjusted the linkage under the truck. A few tests in the garage and it doesn't appear be tripping the TC sensor when wiggling the shifter any longer.
 
AnthonyD1978 said:
FWIW I just adjusted the linkage under the truck. A few tests in the garage and it doesn't appear be tripping the TC sensor when wiggling the shifter any longer.
Click to expand...
I had this same thing with the "4wd shift in progress" message come up on one of our older trucks ('17 3500) and also adjusted the linkage initially. That worked for about a year and then the message kept happening wherever I had the linkage adjusted. I had to replace the 4wd switch on the transfer case to get it to go away completely. Just a heads up if you are still under warranty.
 
AnthonyD1978 said:
Funny you mention this. On the way back from a trip yesterday my dash said "4wd shift in progress" even though I didn't touch the shifter. The notification kept turning on and off (pretty rapidly) for a while until the truck got confused and started throwing codes up on the display about my cruise control, forward collision, and a few more. It even said I was in neutral a few times. Truck drove fine, but I pulled over and restarted the truck. Everything cleared up until a minute later and it started doing the same thing.

If I held the TC shifter forward ever so slightly ( probably less than 1/8") the "4wd shift in progress" message would go away and the the truck wouldn't freak out. So either my linkage has to be adjusted or the sensor the TC uses is bad. It's under warranty, but I may just start with just a good wash under the truck since I've hit some mud and puddles recently.
Click to expand...

I'm not picking on you, but this flies in the face of reason for those that want a TC floor shifter instead of push-button.

The CAD is electronically controlled anyway, but what I assume is the **** lever sensor position...

FWIW, I had a TC manual floor shifter in my 04.5, but it also did not have CAD.
 
Brutal_HO said:
I'm not picking on you, but this flies in the face of reason for those that want a TC floor shifter instead of push-button.

The CAD is electronically controlled anyway, but what I assume is the **** lever sensor position...

FWIW, I had a TC manual floor shifter in my 04.5, but it also did not have CAD.
Click to expand...

I'd rather have the push button which I had in my 5th gen 1500. I have the mindset that modern electronics are more reliable than mechanical parts that are prone to wear and tear.
 
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Nd79 said:
I had this same thing with the "4wd shift in progress" message come up on one of our older trucks ('17 3500) and also adjusted the linkage initially. That worked for about a year and then the message kept happening wherever I had the linkage adjusted. I had to replace the 4wd switch on the transfer case to get it to go away completely. Just a heads up if you are still under warranty.
Click to expand...

Thank you for sharing! I found the switch part #. Looks like a $50 part. I may do it myself. I hate going to the dealer other than an oil change (that I have a coupon for). I found the switch on the TC and it's easy to get to.

Looks like the switch goes bad because the "plunger" on the switch doesn't extend out all the way. Wonder if I can take it out and clean it. Truck only has 20k miles.

IMG_2690.jpg
 
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AnthonyD1978 said:
Thank you for sharing! I found the switch part #. Looks like a $50 part. I may do it myself. I hate going to the dealer other than an oil change (that I have a coupon for). I found the switch on the TC and it's easy to get to.

Looks like the switch goes bad because the "plunger" on the switch doesn't retract. Wonder if I can take it out and clean it. Truck only has 20k miles.

View attachment 21582
Click to expand...
That's it! Yeah I'm with you on bringing the truck to a dealer. I like to do all my work myself. The switch wasn't bad at all, and cheap like you said. The hardest part was finding the right size wrench that would fit up into the tight spot between the top of the T-case and the floor. I believe I just ended up using my adjustable crescent wrench which I usually avoid at all costs on anything automotive.
 
And it is pretty silly to have a mechanical shift lever that is still dependant on an electronic switch to complete the 4wd shift (CAD). I guess with how dependant on computer controll trucks are now, the truck also has to "know" it's in 4wd somehow.
 
Nd79 said:
And it is pretty silly to have a mechanical shift lever that is still dependant on an electronic switch to complete the 4wd shift (CAD). I guess with how dependant on computer controll trucks are now, the truck also has to "know" it's in 4wd somehow.
Click to expand...
I have heard that a damaged abs sensor will also prevent the truck from actually engaging 4WD (maybe just won’t connect the CAD... not sure the details)
 
Nd79 said:
That's it! Yeah I'm with you on bringing the truck to a dealer. I like to do all my work myself. The switch wasn't bad at all, and cheap like you said. The hardest part was finding the right size wrench that would fit up into the tight spot between the top of the T-case and the floor. I believe I just ended up using my adjustable crescent wrench which I usually avoid at all costs on anything automotive.
Click to expand...
I recommend tossing all your Swedish nut lathes (adjustable/crescent wrenches) and replacing them with Knipex pliers-wrench. They are adjustable wrenches with really strong lever action(like channel-locks, but better)... you can actually clamp the nut/bolt without it slipping and rounding the bolt head.
 
AnthonyD1978 said:
Thank you for sharing! I found the switch part #. Looks like a $50 part. I may do it myself. I hate going to the dealer other than an oil change (that I have a coupon for). I found the switch on the TC and it's easy to get to.

Looks like the switch goes bad because the "plunger" on the switch doesn't extend out all the way. Wonder if I can take it out and clean it. Truck only has 20k miles.

View attachment 21582
Click to expand...
Dodge used a similar type switch on the older manual shift trucks for the reverse lights. I replaced 2 on my 2001 5-speed RAM in the 8ish years I owned it. Kinda crappy design.
 
AnthonyD1978 said:
OK, what's CAD?
Click to expand...
Center axle disconnect.
Which disconnects the passenger side front axle shaft from the differential, reducing parasitic drag/wear on components when driving in 2WD. Same intent as locking hubs, but no interaction required.
 
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