I was loaded with 15,000 lbs of cattle and trailer, and engaged 4WD low to Get up the hill at the ranch. When I crested the hill, I stopped and went to 4WD high. I started out and got the load rolling then switched to 2WD high, and I heard a loud pop and the truck stopped responding to the throttle.

I messed with the electronic 4WD shift **** but could not get it into Gear, it was like is was in neutral. I even tried restarting the truck, hoping maybe the electronic shift would reset. My worry was something had broken in the transfer case.

The I noticed that it appeared the light under the "neutral" button was lit, and I pushed it several times but no luck, would not go into gear.

I read the manual, and no help.

Finally I held the button and after 3-4 seconds it went out and I was back in gear! Just a big FYI, if this happens and it is really bright daylight, the Neutral switch lite is hard to see, and to reset it, you must HOLD THE BUTTON DOWN for a while!

Evidently I had hit the neutral button when I switched over from 4WD to 2 WD. Lucky for me I have not already called a wrecker when I figured out what had happened.

 

To be honest.

I love my Laramie and everything in it. Just why, Dodge, why, cant you put a dang manual shift on the transfer case??

Hmmm?


Is that too much to ask?

 

Blake,

Did they stop offering that package? There was a package that started with a J that was basically Laramie minus the evil electric transfer case switch. Is it no more?

 

Only truck you can now get the manual shift xfer case on is the ST package.

 

They picked a bad location for the Neutral button, and, need a yellow light in lieu of the dim red one. If there is direct light on the button you cannot tell it is illuminated.

 

I want manual lockers on my 4x4 to increase mpg and decrease ware. I use 4x4 rarely but must have when needed. Why don't the big three offer this as an option especially considering the price of diesel.

 

I know Ford was still offering manual hubs for a while. I am sure it is all about demand, most poeple that get 4WD's don't ever use it and prefer the electronic controls. It has been a while since Dodge even offered manual hubs, maybe 15 + years?