I noticed my dashboard front axle engagement indicator (4x4 light) isn't working. Axle seems to be engaged - it does the usual "loping-jerking" when engaged on pavement and turned in one direction or another.

I slid under my truck this afternoon, fully prepared to test the vacuum lines and electrical wiring on the CAD....

And discovered there was no CAD. Never noticed before, even though I've changed fluids twice.

Vehicle was manufactured in February 2002 - are there trucks in this last 2nd gen model year without CAD axles?

If so, I'm assuming there's no disconnect at all, and the whole assembly constantly turns. If so - where's the switch and wiring for the dash indicator? Can't find it on the front diff or the transfer case, can't find anything in the Haynes manual (big surprise....) or on Fritz's site.

Thanks to anyone with information!

 

Your right, no CAD on these trucks and the whole axle turns all the time. Not sure in the wiring stuff though. I'm pretty sure the 4 wheel drive engages at the transfer case only while everything else turns, so if your binding and popping with the t-case not engaged, it is something in your front end.

 

check the light bulb if the axel is engauging properly

 

Are you sure the jumping is not being caused by a limited slip rear end? Mine does this and feels like it might be in 4x4 but it is not. Jack up a front wheel and see if it will turn or get on gravel and do a hard launch and see what tires spin.

 

Thanks for the confirmation on "no CAD".

Sorry if I wasn't clear on the other issue. There's no problem with the transfer case or the front axle - without a slick spot or jacking the vehicle up, I can tell the vehicle is in four wheel drive by engaging it on dry pavement, turning the wheels, and moving a few feet - the steering wheel jerks and lopes as it should.

The bulb in the dashboard is fine. I thought it was probably the wiring or sender switch on the CAD - but since this vehicle doesn't have a CAD, I'm trying to find where the switch and wiring are. I don't see them on either the axle housing or the transfer case housing. Can't find anything on this "no-CAD" design in the manual or on the web.

 

Some '02's had them, some didn't. I think it largely was determined by the assembly plant and the stock they had on hand.

Both my dad and I have the CAD and the build dates are both later than yours.

Dave

 

Is you axle a DANA or an AAM ? dodge started using AAM in all of 03s and you might have one of them if yours is a late 02

 

No AAMs went into the 2nd gens. Too different with the larger brakes, ect.

Dave

 

It's a Dana.

Looked again - no switch, no wires to the transfer case. I'm beginning to wonder whether the dashboard light in these non-CAD trucks simply operates off a switch on the in-cab 4x4 lever itself.... Another "dummy" indicator....

 

The switch is on top of the T-case. Same location as the vacuum switch for CAD equipped trucks.