Dodge Ram: No 4x4 - Neutral Light On?

Ever work on a car and it gets the best of you to the point you just say, "that's it I quit!" That's what happened on this Hemi Dodge Ram that came in with no 4x4 and the neutral light lit up. No info and service data, no codes and boom it fixes itself and I don't have an answer....
-Enjoy!
If an SMA Video has helped you out please consider giving using "Patreon" to help support us. The videos take real time to create and pull us away from real work that pays our bills. CLICK HERE: / southmainauto
CHECK OUT OUR "SMA SWAG" STORE! Go on Teespring and get your very own SMA merch!
teespring.com/...
If you don't like Patreon feel free to use the "PayPal Me" link: www.paypal.me/...
The South Main Auto Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com...
AES Wave Automotive Diagnostic Tools: www.aeswave.co...
Thank you for all the continuing support!
--Eric & Vanessa O.
Feel like sending some swag to SMA because you love the videos but don't know where to send it?
Just ship it here:
South Main Auto Repair
47 S. Main St
PO Box 471
Avoca, NY 14809
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I thought this was a Scotty Kilmer title 🤣 Merry Christmas Eric!

[@mailmanjoe]

Looks like he's learning from the top dog KZbinrs. 😂

[@keithhastings4092]

He left out the “…and I’m mad as hell” part….lol

[@Constabruity]

@@keithhastings4092 “I quit, and I’m mad as hell” Let’s start the funniest Kilmer titles with mad as hell in them.

[@tobbex7372]

My ears hurts just looking at that name.

[@neilmurphy845]

Same.

[@2CODO1963]

In my years in engineering and equipment maintenance, I have learned that machines have a way of playing us for fools. When a system seems to be failing or simply acting up, you can either go into repair mode and move heaven and earth to fix something or you can turn the system off have a cup of joe and go through the restart procedure to discover that everything is hunky dory and usually stays that way.

[@deconteesawyer5758]

Wise man. You have discovered the only procedure in the playbook for customer service based in India.

[@eyerollthereforeiam1709]

Sometimes, actually many times, it's as simple as Control-Alt-Delete! If not, then start digging. Hopefully not your own grave.

[@jhonditch4269]

@@eyerollthereforeiam1709 that is quickly done with "the parts cannon"

[@flagmichael]

What I hate is chasing something nearly into a corner, but then it starts working and the problem will maybe not reappear. We can know a lot about where the problem is not and still not be able to say "I fixed it."

[@spresc2180]

In my pre-retired work days, if we went to a re-boot as a possible fix and it did indeed fix the problem, we would say that the equipments processor/software had suffered a “brain fart”.

[@Acrowat40]

Dude you just nearly sent 400k guys into depression with that title!

[@bigtruck57h25]

Sure did 😅😅

[@rbjr.8106]

Guiltily as well.... with a touch of heart failure

[@cedarwings82]

And one lady! Lol

[@drunkingsailor2359]

748k

[@farmcentralohio]

I had a mild anxiety attack just reading the title :)

[@shoelesstrucker4414]

The neutral button on the 4 wheel drive selector is there in case the vehicle needs to be towed. If the 4 wheel drive neutral is selected and the gear selector is placed in neutral as well, then the truck can be towed without having to put it on dollies. Especially useful for RVer's with a tow bar. Not a malfunction, just owner oversight.

[@dopeman420]

Not true, on newer cars n trucks they have a small interior cover, cars it is in the center counsel, trucks at the panel by your feet drivers side by the hood release....pop this tiny panel and you'll see a lever w a orange strap, pull out n lock this lever in and all wheels are free so it can be towed, this is there in case the battery is dead and you can't turn the key and press that neutral button, but that's only to release the transfer case, you still need to release the rear wheels, that orange strap handle has to be pulled no matter what for it to be towed. Ask any tow truck operator...they will tell you what I just said

[@hardracer]

@@dopeman420 very true on this model...what you said is also true(wife's 2003 4runner has that button cover by the shifter I believe) but on this particular model that is the way it is..button is for towing,you make a good point though about a dead battery though,I'll look into that on mine and update..the flashing on the dash of the modes simply means the truck will not let you hurt itself by shifting into 4x4 or 4 low when it shouldn't...something about the vehicle needs to meet certain criteria to activate.....I freaked out when I 1st got the truck new and went to use 4x4.....flashing lights for a couple seconds then engaged and went to solid,not like the old days when we just pulled a lever(which I would prefer)...but nonetheless the flashing is normal.on startup I believe the truck kinda does an initial self check,that's why everything lights up fir a split second, dont quote me on that though...i enjoyed the video,did learn something if if happens to me.

[@hardracer]

@@dopeman420 update.....its not on my truck so I searched this... 2013 models up(at least to 2018)looks like its there....this model in the video is the as mine,a cubby hole where you said...its for factory towing brake controller this or mine doesnt have it....i would think there has got to be something somewhere that would release this to neutral in an instance of a dead battery.

[@oddball0045]

it was a malfunction because the transfer case indicated neutral and clearly wasn't, also unresponsive to shift commands. Typical junk FIAT electronics

[@Nitromen23]

@@hardracer Those are for models with an electronic shifter, if you have a column shifter it would be unnecessary since you can shift to neutral with no power

[@John_D75]

I always say “that’s it I quit, until tomorrow”

[@zx8401ztv]

Often a good sleep brings ideas to the surface.

[@johnengland8619]

Quiting smoking is easy, I have done it hundreds of times

[@larryreagan6936]

Typical Ram/Dodge/Chrysler cold weather glitch.. sometimes the battery voltage gets a little low in the cold weather and they'll pick up a slow to respond systems check on startup, I usually do a battery load test and ask them if it's an every day driven vehicle. lots of times they're not driven regularly and the battery drains to near threshold voltage, they'll still start but due to the newer (slow to respond charging systems in the newer vehicles) they'll glitch on startup and store all kinds of crazy codes and won't work correctly until they have been cleared.. and some systems auto reset and store the code.. overly complicated systems like these are a pain in the butt! "if I wasn't already bald I'd have pulled my hair out years ago lol" great video as always!

[@zoidberg444]

Title gave me a heart attack Eric. I thought you were finally sick of the comment section "mechanics" and editing all these great videos for us. 😆

[@SouthMainAuto]

NEVER! I only quit temporarily haha. I always go back in the next day....

[@jameswhite1338]

I took it as a Scotty move 😂

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Right @Zoidberg444

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

@@jameswhite1338 yay clickbait lol

[@crisprtalk6963]

@@jameswhite1338 Eric’s next video: “if you do this to your car you’re stupid!”

[@johnshinski2994]

Eric…don’t go the click bait route…you don’t need it…your views will watch regardless because of you!!!

[@andrewplace2854]

That I believe is Called “neutral tow” or “flat tow” mode which prevents damage to the Trans if being Townes behind a motor home

[@ginamiller6015]

As often said on PHAD, a no-parts-required repair 😂 Is this where a less than honorable dealer would sell the gentleman a new transfer case? You’re a great mechanic, Eric. Locals are fortunate to have you in their area.

[@adotintheshark4848]

the dealer wouldn't even look at it. "neutral light won't go out? New transmission time!"

[@gaiustacitus4242]

@@adotintheshark4848 I owned a Land Rover that had a failed position sensor inside a sealed JATCO transmission. The standard repair is to install a new transmission because a $35 component has failed inside a transmission that isn't designed to ever be serviced.

[@marvinjacobs2955]

Looks like he just needs to operate the 4 wheel drive system a little more often .

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

@@marvinjacobs2955 Yep. If you don't use it, you'll lose it.

[@rawdeal101]

My Ram has the same feature. 🛠It is for putting into neutral, then holding that button to disengage the front diff from the rear for towing on all wheels and not flatbed. The recommendation from dodge at the time made was flatbed tow or that and never tow on two wheels. That is also why you were able to drive in 2wd. I did the same thing by accident when I first got mine. and thought I broke it, until I found out. 😬

[@misterhat5823]

@@Travis12861 They know their product.

[@IHcubcadet]

I hear ya Eric. I am an industrial Mechanic, and there is nothing more frustrating than intermittent issues that seem to fix them selves when you show up to look at it.

[@swagedelic]

Just don't buy a Dodge or a Chevy and maybe not a Ford either.

[@georgekaplan6451]

Sometimes they fix themselves when i walk through the door. Just my presence causes the fault to fix itself 😁

[@WayneWerner]

In the software world we call these Heisenbugs. You can observe the presence of the bug but the moment you try to find the location of the bug you no longer can find its presence 🤷

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Yep, my '07 Silverado just did this last week. EBCM lost communication with the PCM, TCM, and BCM. Transmission SLAMMING gears, ABS light on. Left it in the barn 4 days - FIXED!! 😬

[@drewscruis]

Going to say the green crusties courtesy of the PRNY are starting to take hold of a ground or a connector. Leaning towards a ground.

[@DeserTech]

"If I can do it, you can do it." "But if I don't have to, neither do you."

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

I work in IT, sometimes computers/electronics just do weird $#!T. More often than not it's a really brief power glitch of some sort that'll put them into a weird malfunction state that only a full power off will fix. That's why I have such serious worries about modern cars and everything being electronically-controlled...

[@nickmalone3143]

Thats why you buy a UPS ...more like you been compromised by a hacker

[@LesReeves]

Second that.

[@ohiomoto]

I'm in charge of a software development and support company. Sometimes the "impossible" happens and it's always a bug. lol

[@MikeHull4855]

Step one is always reboot. I had to reboot my microwave the other day. If it has a computer in it of any type, expect weirdness, and generally a reboot will fix it.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

@@MikeHull4855 Not just computers. Sometimes people need a reboot. And pets. I rebooted my dog the other day and fixed all his problems.( Now just in case there are PEEEEETAAAAH people in the comments, no dogs or people were harmed in the making of this comment.)

[@johnmeyer6537]

Liquid intrusion while cleaning. Happened to me twice before I figured it out. When you don't use 4 wheel very often it is easy to overlook. Makes me feel good that I CAN do it just like you. Merry Christmas

[@wildbill23c]

A great example of why older is oftentimes better, no electronic garbage to go haywire. A lever and 2 manual locking hubs never let me down. I've seen so many problems with these electronic shift 4WD systems and this is yet just another example of a never ending problem that'll inevitably get worse as the vehicle ages.

[@NBSV1]

But, people decided they want a 4wd truck that’s more like a car. Which also means they don’t want to have to get out and switch the hubs. I think a lot of them are at the point they should just go for an AWD system like what’s on the smaller SUV’s since many just want a bit of extra ability in rain, snow, or light off-roading.

[@samholdsworth420]

@@NBSV1 the majority of people who buy these trucks never use them as intended to be used. The amount of people here in California who daily drive trucks to work at Walmart is mind blowing

[@Onewheelordeal]

@working_country ___ this sounds like the reality I know

[@jasonk5979]

More likely a Chrysler problem. For whatever reason electrical computer issues are their specialty. Everyone I know with a Chrysler product has some sort of electrical issue.

[@cornfed123567]

only repairs ive had to make to electric 4wd is wiring and a few motors. i owned 2 manual 4wd trucks. one wouldnt shift unless at the perfect angle with a good amount of force. the other wouldnt shift out of 4 high. both needed to have the case removed and rebuilt to fix the problems. not even mentioning how many front hubs or axles ive seen destroyed because someone forgot to release the hubs. ill admit the first generation of electronic 4wd had alot of issues. these new generations are getting way better and we are seeing way less problems , since they take the idiot behind the wheel out of the true decision making.

[@johnboywaltonbeard4699]

Eric…On my wife’s 2006 Grand Cherokee Hemi, she told me that she messed with the Low 4WD lever and now the Neutral light was on next to it. I said well it is not in 4WD low and it seems to be working fine so don’t worry about it. So, after seeing your video, I went out and checked it. The light is now out and everything is normal. Don’t worry about it!

[@craigdeal9730]

Years ago my Dad would have told me, "Son, its' either a loose nut behind the steering wheel or its' a short circuit between the seat and the steering wheel." He was usually right. Really enjoy your channel.

[@timd1833]

In the IT world it's known as a fault in the chair to keyboard interface.

[@LesReeves]

Or a short between the ears.

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

I always call it a loose nut between the steering wheel and the drivers seat.

[@BenLiftsStuff]

@@timd1833 PEBKAC - Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair

[@a89proof]

Years ago, you would shift the transfer case with a lever and get out to lock the hubs and not have these issues

[@imafarmboy2]

Dad's 2016 Silverado did the exact same thing after changing the battery. Hold the transfer case into neutral for about 30 seconds and reset the position. Seems to be a transfer case re-learn procedure.

[@mtnman1984]

Ah, Eric has discovered the art of the bait title. 😆

[@larryjohnston52]

Mrs. O changes my oil.🤣

[@wildbill23c]

No, he's just decided to start the nonsense "I quit" weekly BS like Scotty Kilmer does. Sorry but I'll keep watching Eric's videos, Scotty is an id10t stuck in the 70's and too high to know what he's even talking about.

[@mtnman1984]

@@wildbill23c this is so far from that maniac. Calm down.

[@wildbill23c]

@@mtnman1984 LOL, just you wait.

[@splatterize]

I have watched several channels doing the same lately and they received many comments and explained that You Tube recommended doing it to achieve more views. Just what I heard.

[@Kahrak]

I recognized that dash in the thumbnail. No end of electrical problems with my 18 ram 1500. Drove me crazy.

[@johnjaco5544]

I bought a brand new truck 40 years ago. No computer no catalytic converter no sensors.I still drive it today and it looks just as it did when it was new. I'm just as happy with it now as I was 40 years ago.

[@montehammons7917]

Just curious, what brand was it? I have never bought a new car or truck.

[@mannys9130]

@@montehammons7917 You shouldn't. Buying a new vehicle makes very little financial sense. You are best off buying a very gently used vehicle 1 or 2 model years old. There is no real difference between buying a 2023 Toyota Tacoma with 200 miles on it, and buying a 2021 Tacoma with 15,000 miles on it. No major services are due yet. Nothing is going to fail for at least 30k miles. You get the exact same ownership and purchasing experience, and the only difference is who takes the massive depreciation hit and ends up being upside down for a while on the loan. 🤷🏻‍♂️ My advice is always to buy a 1 or 2 year old lease trade in as long as it's in great aesthetic condition and has full service records with everything done on time.

[@montehammons7917]

@@mannys9130 Good advice, thanks. I'm too poor anyway to think about buying a new car. Prices even on 5 year old cars are ridiculous.

[@joecoleman3069]

Merry Christmas to you and the whole family Eric. Your channel still rocks and keeps this old man entertained.

[@Blovi-qd4lh]

Used to say that when I owned a bicycle shop, ‘bikes are dumb’….yup, cars/trucks are dumb. Great video, not dumb at all.

[@dinosaur6756]

Some shops would be saying "that's the easiest $800 we've ever made!" Not you buddy. That's why you're loved by so many...wish there were more like you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.

[@markplenty2631]

I used to have a vw Passat and it always pretended that something was broke, some day’s the windows wouldn’t work, some days the heater would be on cold! And other times the things that wouldn’t work for days just started working forever once introduced to a garage and would make me look stupid. Cars! Can’t live with em, can’t live without em!

[@av8tore71]

It's the cold weather making it have a mind of it's own

[@NirmalPeiris]

My gosh 😅 after 8 years I saw Eric giving up. I will watch this video today afternoon. Cheers

[@MalleusSemperVictor]

Ain't no quitting until we're in the ground. We only take breaks.

[@cjcoats5966]

YES, my friend, we all have to call it quits temporarily and then get back to it the next day

[@flagmichael]

Only if we are wise. I too often do the Donald Duck thing. Not so wise.

[@diesel46809]

I had the same problem,.I added oil to the muffler bearing and it fixed the problem. Keep up the great work. Keep safe.

[@AstrosElectronicsLab]

I usually just top up the blinker fluid and it fixes most issues

[@JT-lq4yd]

Amateur, the oil will wash off, you needed synthetic elbow grease, marine grade.

[@AKJeeper]

Had this happen on my dad's 2014 F150 when I tried to shift it into 4-Low at an offroad park. Long story short, it ended up getting stuck in 4-Hi no matter what we tried to do. Drove it to a 4x4 shop (disabled the front hubs by bypassing the IWE solenoid), they read codes (none found). At that point, the transfer case decided to shift into 2wd...and it shifted into 4Hi, 4Low, and back like nothing was ever wrong. It was at that point that I came to appreciate the manual 4x4 lever on my F350 and Jeeps.

[@chefrarestones1960]

My GMC envoy 2004 does the same thing. Sometimes the transfer case red neutral light is on at start up and I just put the transmission in neutral. The light goes out and it operates normally again. This happens once or twice a year.

[@Boilerking76123]

My 2004 Envoy does crazy stuff like that too. Usually it's a power or nuetral connection or a relay going bad in the engine compartment fuse panel

[@Cohiba2]

Sunspots.. always a good explanation a stray electron called the whats a jigger to cause the confusalator to flip the wrong direction.

[@toenails.]

The blower motor sounds sick

[@AstrosElectronicsLab]

Sounds like something is hitting the squirrel cage

[@williamholcombe31]

Back again I see . I was able to see your short on the price brake down on the Subaru repair .good job. You gave them a fair deal . ROCK ON BROTHER.

[@trekOCLVone]

I'm a GM guy and over the years I've experienced similar temporary issues. The latest one was just last week "SD card failed to load" and data rich tech features were all blank - Nav errored out, Street speed limits blank, etc. So shut off the car and came back after everything had time to fully shut down and everything was alive again. So, Poo happens and then Poo goes away all by itself. Wouldn't it be nice if more of our problems did that? Fun video. On to the next broken vehicle.

[@aaronskutt3631]

I had a 13 chevy silverado do pretty much that once. Best I found out, they shifted into park out of neutral in the middle of the transfer case shifting and it freaked the tcm out. Setting both into neutral and starting again unlocked it. However, can't confirm just like you

[@Onewheelordeal]

I think you nailed it

[@Luigi-pk8mk]

@@Onewheelordeal That sounds logical! Putting both in neutral re-boots it I guess

[@jamesandrews1130]

I was watching the Kari Lake trialand I had to stop and come to where the world makes sense. Don't quit Eric I could not take it.

[@markbrisbane4675]

Looks like to me he was in neutral and went to put in 4wd and hit the neutral button by accident. And the only way to get it to work again is to put in neutral and hold button in until light goes out. That is my theory.

[@timstevens5178]

I agree had the same truck.

[@ccaamm1]

@@timstevens5178 I second that. Ive got the same one. Hit the button by mistake once a couple of times.

[@wildbill23c]

Except the transfer case wasn't actually in neutral, otherwise Eric wouldn't have been able to drive the truck anywhere as putting the transfer case in neutral disconnects the transmission from the axles completely regardless which gear you select (Reverse, Drive, etc.).

[@payakadventures]

@@wildbill23c I believe on these push button shift T cases you have to have the transmission in N to put the T case in N. So if you hit the button while in any other gear in won't go in. Basically a safety feature so you don't accidentally shift in N while moving. I don't believe the T case will go in N even if the transmission is in P.

[@danmoran3318]

Exactly, it's right in the owners manual.

[@DeweyCheatumNHoweLLC]

I like where you put the garage door remote. First time I'd noticed it

[@ericd2791]

i had a ram with the same thing in my shop, for me it had some dirt in a connector, & all i did was blow it out & was fixed. maybe the same thing happen to it.

[@Tesla4nz]

Sounds like a feature 😁 Thanks for all the lessons and your unwavering optimism!! EVERY DAYs a SCHOOL DAY with S.M.A! as I learn something new EVERY day from watching you working Eric. im extremely grateful you do what you do!! God Bless.♥ No day is complete without my hearing my favourite diagnostic legend say: "...and remember....if i can do it, you can do it....Thanks for watching ." 🥰

[@samcambron1410]

Got a 2011 Liberty with a cute little switch. 2 HI 4 HI and 4 LOW. Always cross my fingers when I touch it… Have not figured out how to go to neutral. My 2012 Wrangler has TWO sticks…. One to shift the Transfer Case and one for the 6 Speed manual transition. Love the Wrangler...

[@frankbama3684]

I've got an 06 Silverado 4.3 that I bought new. Just turned 176k. I bought it out in the country in Ravenel SC for a good deal at Marchant Chevy, a small dealership. I live in the Charleston SC area. Not long after I got it, the thing would just die. I figured it was spark. After it sat awhile it would crank and go until it decided to die again. I took it to a big dealership closer to me more than once. They put a fuel pump in it. That didn't fix the problem. I never thought it would. Still died every now and then, but would crank later. The big dealer's "techs" just couldn't fix it. I called the dealer where I purchased it and told them I was bringing it in if I could get there. I was frustrated of course. When I got there I asked the service guy if they had any mechanics there. I'll never forget this. He asked why. I told him that techs couldn't fix the thing and I was hoping just a regular mechanic could. He laughed. Anyway when my wife and I got home there was a message o my machine (remember 2006) that my truck was ready. Turns out it was an electrical connector that was cracked and would make and break with heat and cold.

[@dennisthomas4766]

As a old fellow said to me years ago, you do the thinking for the car don't let it do the thinking for you... That was when cars started to be computer controlled when you pulled a stick back in 4wd and knew you was in 4wd not pushing a button and hope it's in 4wd....

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Ah yes! Intermittent land! The curse of the automotive repair business! Maybe it'll be back soon. This is still a good video. Shows how not every failure consistently shows itself! Then there's the wonderful world of electronics!

[@saxmusicmail]

I have a Ram 1500 5.7 2wd, and the comments about all the electronics on cars really hit home. I'm not having problems, but I worry about all the electronics that can malfunction these days. The knob shifter and the way it works/locks tells me I will not be able to rock the truck fwd/back if stuck like I could with older Dodges and the stick shifter. The coils for each cylinder bug me. The computers controlling everything bug me. I'm afraid cars now will get to a point, after 5 or 6 years, where there will be so many accumulated electronic problems it will cost a lot to fix IF you can even get the parts. I long for the days of a simple 318 or 360 with a distributor and a carb, with a 904 or 727 Torqueflite transmission. I like the power of the Hemi 5.7, but the roller lifter failure problem with these engines tells me this will not be a 150k miles or more engine.

[@KishoshimaDragonash]

hellz yeah, SMA Video at the PERFECT time!

[@morthomer5804]

The power of Dodge will sway even the strongest

[@marksimonds13]

That ticking fan noise would drive me crazy!

[@jdraupp]

I always love seeing someone else’s problem solving and looking at live data like this. Same way I enjoy seeing someone going through a wiring diagram and troubleshooting electrical. This is the problem solving that makes a mechanic a mechanic and not just a part swapper.

[@donhoover7823]

My GMC has electric 4WD (I hate the thing) but it has a neutral setting that lets you flat tow it or on a tow dolly. It is seperate from 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive. Once it is in Neutral you have to take it out of neutral for the 4wd to work, even if you had shut the truck off.

[@michael931]

Interesting. Maybe the owner unknowingly put it into tow mode?

[@MitzvosGolem1]

I convert to mechanical cables on my 2003 front axel and transfer case.

[@D70340]

@@michael931 That is most likely what happened. Most people don`t even know what that "NEUTRAL" button is even for.

[@masapell]

Like Aristotle….Eric-“Sometimes cars are just stupid.” Enlightenment comes in many forms…

[@zacharystewart1064]

Probably just some random incident. Some build up on the switch contacts maybe who knows 😂god knows if you don’t I sure don’t. Good job as always Eric. I’ve wasted many of hours chasing electrical ghosts and learned as a flat rate tech at a dealer sometimes just let it go it’ll probably never come back

[@cheesecurd100s]

Had audi that was like that. Transmission kept going into limp mode. Eventually just unplugged the battery for a bit, and then worked flawlessly for years after that.

[@eyerollthereforeiam1709]

Once every blue moon or so, my car will throw a code. Step one is delete the code, and if it comes back, then I'll poke around. But being a Toyota, codes are very rare, and stay gone.

[@robertsmith2956]

Maybe it was a popo tracker on the car that caused the problem.

[@SMAutoRepairLLC]

No Theory For This One Eric Lol If Your Calling It That's It Shows Over!! Thanks For Bringing Us Along!

[@Ikantspell4]

Finally a a job he said I could do and I really can!

[@juanluna6256]

Love the cap. Live about 5 minutes from there store here in the good city of Lancaster PA.

[@mikeshindel8456]

My theory is Mopar learned their electrical system design from Lucas.

[@walterbordett2023]

And got further training from Fiat!

[@yambo59]

and VW / Bosch-lol

[@mahonrikruger9273]

I agree with Mark Brisbane. Seems the transfer case was only partially shifted out of neutral and by cycling it back into neutral then out again it moved all the way so the 4wd would work again. I have that truck as well and love the 4wd auto feature. I use it all the time in winter. Cheers

[@Mr.Z1776]

Hmmm...the manual hubs and lever shifted transfer case on my old Bronco never kicks the $ light on. 😉

[@wildbill23c]

HAHA, is your Bronco new enough to have a check engine light? My 87 Ranger has a Service engine light instead of a check engine light, my 88 Bronco 2 had a check engine light, but neither of those lights have anything to do with mechanicals, its just for the emissions garbage. Manual hubs and manual transfer case in my 88 F250 never has let me down in 30+ years.

[@Mr.Z1776]

@@wildbill23c it's an 89. Same here mechanically great still after 32 years. OBD1 not much help. Only issue has been TFI modules but resolved that by relocating to fender.

[@wildbill23c]

@@Mr.Z1776 I have one of the EEC-IV scan tools but like you said not really useful. I did the TFI module relocation on my Bronco 2 as well as my 87 Ranger. They seem to live much longer that way instead of baking at the back of the engine up against the firewall.

[@nickh7040]

insty, face book, the show stopper hand signal LOL love the videos Dr. O

[@elcheapo5302]

Odd, my floor mounted 4wd lever never does this.

[@wildbill23c]

LOL, mine either....and the manual locking hubs combined with the manual shift lever in 30+ years has never let me down, works every time. A lot of people also don't realize that those 4x4 lights on the dash mean nothing more than the computer talked to another computer and they both agreed that it should be in that 4WD setting and illuminates the light...seems like what happened with the whole neutral switch issue, probably somebody somewhere at some point poked that neutral button most likely with the truck in gear or in park, and probably without the engine running and it sent the message to the computer saying hey it shifted to neutral, which it hadn't obviously otherwise Eric wouldn't have been driving it anywhere...a simple repoke of the neutral button with the transmission in the correct position (neutral), instantly fixed the malfunction....although I'd keep an eye on it, could be a shift motor hanging up too, something many people don't think about is to exercise the 4WD system a few times a year to keep things moving freely. I've actually had a case with an older Jeep Cherokee XJ where the previous owner(s) never used the 4WD...the linkage for the shift lever was froze up so no matter how hard you pulled on the lever nothing moved....had to take the linkage apart, lubricate everything, and reassemble it and it worked fine, but its a typical Jeep problem with seldom used or never used 4WD in the older models...the same thing happens with the transfer case shift motors on these newer vehicles too if the system isn't used frequently the motor gets gummed up or whatever and it won't move the shift fork, and with these newer fangled vehicles it sets off all sorts of idiot lights typically LOL. I don't use the 4WD in my truck much and once the hubs are locked you can shift in and out of 4Hi just like you can with most electronic shifted models, so its not a problem for me, first snow of the year I lock the hubs and they just stay locked till spring, so I have "shift on the fly" 4WD anyways. I like the older Dodge Ram trucks where the front axle was live all the time, there wasn't a front axle disconnect to fail, no hubs to engage, etc.

[@mjlh7079]

Videos like this make me appreciate my vintage computer free daily driver.

[@DonRRicks]

On my SR5 Tundra my four wheel drive will act squirrelly if I’ve not switched from 2wd to 4wd in a while. I wonder if this was the first time the customer had used his four wheel drive in several months

[@BobWiersema]

This is by design for emergency flat towing. Here is the procedure from the 2012 service manual if anyone want's to mess around with their Ram 4x4. Don't blame me if you get it stuck in neutral and have to take it to Eric. Basically put it in neutral and hold the Neutral button until it flashes then turns solid. 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, with the engine running. Firmly apply the parking brake. 2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. 3. Press and hold the brake pedal. 4. Depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission. 5.• With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case lever into NEUTRAL (N). • With electronic shift transfer case, press and hold the transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button. Some models have a small, recessed N button (at the center of the transfer case switches) that must be pressed using a ballpoint pen or similar object. Other models have a rectangular NEUTRAL switch, below the rotary transfer case control knob. The NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will blink while the shift is in progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to NEUTRAL (N) is complete. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL (N) light stays on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button. 6. Release the parking brake. 7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE. 8. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions) for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement. 9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with automatic transmission in DRIVE or manual transmission in first gear. 10. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn OFF the engine. For vehicles with Keyless Enter-N-Go, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button until the engine shuts off. 11. Shift the transmission into PARK or place manual transmission in gear (NOT in Neutral). On 8-speed transmissions the shifter will automatically select PARK when the engine is turned off. 12. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, then cycle the key or the Keyless Enter-N-Go button to the RUN position and back to the OFF position. Remove the key fob from the ignition switch. 13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar. 14. Release the parking brake

[@5Dale65]

The voltage for the sensor was kind of in the middle. Like it tried to go in or out of neutral, but somehow got jammed half way. Thus it thought it was in neutral, but wasn't really. When you pressed the button it finally operated all the way. I think it might come back one day with the same issue.

[@alexanderbresnahan2932]

My parents had a 2002 GMC Yukon that had the same kind of thing happened. Randomly, one day I noticed the 4x4 was in Neutral, but it clearly was still in 2wd (was able to accelerate and kick the rear end around). It would not shift to any other mode until we went through the process to actually get it into Neutral (engine off, transmission in neutral, brake applied, parking brake set, then turn the dial to N). It actually shifted into Neutral, then we were able to do the same process above but put it to 2wd. Never happened again, and worked fine after that.

[@rogerriggins8319]

Merry Christmas to you and the Missus Thank you for all the help man Hope the deer is tender and the fireplace is hot and the beer is ice cold

[@dannyo6699]

My 99 Silverado had a limp-home incident happen a couple years ago. It suddenly had all the auto 4x4 lights go out on the switches to the left of the dash and it acted like it was in low range. I checked the 4x4 fuse in the fuse box in the cab and it was good. I did some online research, and it indicated the actuator on the transfer case was bad but also had someone in a message board mention the atc fuse in the box under the hood had gone out on him giving him the same issue mine was showing. That was the cheaper fix, so I checked that fuse, a 10-amp fuse and it was blown. Replacing it restored the 4x4 to full working order. It was a timely repair because 2 weeks later I went into the hospital for covid and needed to drive myself to the nearest covid ward, 100 miles east of where I lived, so I could get treatment. All the ambulances were unavailable, and it would be the next morning before I could be transported. But the doctor in the ER said if he discharged me, could I drive myself to the hospital and I said yes I can. I was given a portable 02 tank with a nose breather and off I went. 4 days later I was discharged and drove home in my truck.

[@HolographicOne]

As far as I'm aware, the newer Dodge trucks have a neutral switch that requires a pen/something pointed for this reason. There is a list of things you have to satisfy to shift the xfer case into neutral. If it fails any condition, it will do this type of thing. I'd say it's likely an accidental press by something on the console (long press).

[@wildbill23c]

Some are that way, some you have to go into the menu in the touch screen or the one in the instrument cluster and find the neutral function, some don't have a neutral at all that is accessible without software, or by removing the transfer case shift motor, and manually shifting the collar over to neutral. On some vehicles there's a dealer add-on to allow you to select neutral, my 08 Ford Explorer had that as an option.

[@HolographicOne]

@@wildbill23c I was talking about Dodge trucks specifically (edited in original to clarify, my bad). 20-22 models I've dealt with personally.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Easiest repair I have seen you do.

[@moparnut6286]

Never say die! Love your channel... Merry Christmas 🎄 and a happy New Year 🌟

[@maxw576]

I use to service personal computers in the 80's when many people were still trying to get comfortable with them. Many times the issue would correct itself when I appeared, causing the customer to swear they saw a problem. My response was "The computer is smart enough to know I'll tear it apart if I see a problem!". That usually relaxed the customer.

[@DeatGaming]

I almost done something similar. I thought my parking sensors were broke but I realised the button was lit up and I must have hit it putting my phone in and out of the centre console.

[@kay110]

I work with electronics, and its known as CWL - Cleared while localising.. If it's an intermittent fault, you can be certain it will come back.

[@fastturbo7150]

Always love your videos ❤

[@CC-kr2fs]

A pleasant break after all,,,well deserved.

[@charlesporch5516]

Great as always Eric!

[@tomgibson5769]

Ah the life in a shop. Don’t miss it.

[@lloydprunier4415]

I miss the old days of levers!

[@still-DJ]

You healed it. It was just magic, and that customer will keep coming back, as well as recommend you to others.

[@guyconnell2250]

I kind of like my 2006 manual floor shift 4WD.

[@wildbill23c]

Yep, that's how my 99 was as well, and much prefer the manual shift...my previous truck also had manual locking hubs, that and the manual shift transfer case never let me down, much better system....and for most people for no more than they ever use the 4WD if they can't pull a lever once or twice a year they probably don't need to be driving in the first place.

[@rickreese5794]

ABSOLUTELY RIGHT PAL 😊 SAME FOR ME/91 K1500 😅

[@oldfarmer4700]

Obviously the truck knew you the man!

[@guyfranks4354]

Hey Eric O, I'm glad I have a '92 Isuzu Rodeo 4x4 with a 5 speed manual trans. and a shift lever for the 4WD. Save the manuals! Great content as always. I look forward to your next video. Guy Franks

[@Robbie..Ha-Navi]

remember Joe Isuzu ?? he was cool

[@GTPCarpy]

Those messages are a bulb check. My 09 does that on start up Ice build up hanging something up and the knob was unknowingly bumped maybe🤷🏼‍♂️

[@kevindavis6042]

When genius engineers decide to electrify something that worked perfectly fine with mechanical things this is what happens

[@rickreese5794]

Bingo PAL 😂😂❤

[@dondenny2534]

But then we would have to push the lever, so inconvenient!

[@therodenthitman]

@@dondenny2534 Worse yet, when you want to change back. You'd have to pull the lever!

[@andyvoytko]

Probably the same engineers that decided a reliable thing like an electric radiator fan would be better if it were replaced with a hydraulic one.

[@jamesbuttery3862]

@@andyvoytko or the ones who decided we didn't need a dipstick to check oil level anymore!😂🤣🤣

[@tonybatista1928]

I believe you. Looking like the owner is imagining system failures.

[@thething4763]

I believe there is a manual way to get the transfer case in neutral on the case itself for emergency flat towing. Perhaps he had it towed.

[@wildbill23c]

There is but it requires removing the transfer case shift motor, and using a screwdriver or pry bar and manually shifting the collar into the neutral position, but that wouldn't cause that neutral issue in the cab, and reinstalling the transfer case motor wouldn't self correct, as a matter of fact the truck wouldn't move at all if it were actually in neutral.

[@BobWiersema]

Yes it's for just that, emergency flat towing. Here's the procedure for anyone that wants to goof around with theirs. If you get it stuck in neutral just bring it to Eric. 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, with the engine running. Firmly apply the parking brake. 2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. 3. Press and hold the brake pedal. 4. Depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission. 5.• With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case lever into NEUTRAL (N). • With electronic shift transfer case, press and hold the transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button. Some models have a small, recessed N button (at the center of the transfer case switches) that must be pressed using a ballpoint pen or similar object. Other models have a rectangular NEUTRAL switch, below the rotary transfer case control knob. The NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will blink while the shift is in progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to NEUTRAL (N) is complete. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL (N) light stays on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button. 6. Release the parking brake. 7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE. 8. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions) for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement. 9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with automatic transmission in DRIVE or manual transmission in first gear. 10. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn OFF the engine. For vehicles with Keyless Enter-N-Go, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button until the engine shuts off. 11. Shift the transmission into PARK or place manual transmission in gear (NOT in Neutral). On 8-speed transmissions the shifter will automatically select PARK when the engine is turned off. 12. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, then cycle the key or the Keyless Enter-N-Go button to the RUN position and back to the OFF position. Remove the key fob from the ignition switch. 13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar. 14. Release the parking brake

[@BobWiersema]

@@wildbill23c No. That's not what the service manual says at all. You press and hold the button.

[@wildbill23c]

@@BobWiersema Actually in some cases without the little neutral button you do have to remove the transfer case shift motor, and no the manual isn't going to tell you that, but it does tell you not to drink the battery acid.

[@gregorythomas333]

This is pretty much the ONLY case of "If I can do it, you can do it" that actually could apply to me :)

[@louiemoscatel585]

That’s a Scotty title lol

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

Problems like this are what make me prefer lock out hubs and a stick poking through the floor on my 4x4s! I even put conversion hubs on my 1990 Ranger with a Dana 35 front axle after the automatics wouldnt unlock. It still has the buttons on the dash to operate the transfer case motor but, as long as I keep the linkage lubed, it hasn't been an issue.

[@wr3ncher]

It needed a reset. The engineers didn’t engineer hard enough that day.

[@AstrosElectronicsLab]

Probably a Friday

[@burb17]

I had an 07 ram that went to the dealer 3 times for an issue with the transfer case. It ended up being a short in the harness. Truck parked and off i was hearing what sounded like an electric motor or solenoid from underneath. While driving it would attempt to shift itself into 4Lo at highway speeds. At one point I had to press the recessed neutral button with a pen because I was stranded. Told the dealer I thought it was a short. They finally repaired it on the third trip. Glad it was a lease. Truck was built on a Monday.

[@dougdelane3642]

This goes out to everyone what a good year for a dodge ram? I had a 2009 it was brilliant no issues. I got a 2015 nothing but issues

[@tracydiller9378]

" ITS A DODGE" need I say more!!! Great video as always Eric O.

[@tricomputing]

I guessed Chrysler product before watching the video.

[@orbitalair2103]

it has needed or will soon need a head gasket......

[@xj31]

You want theories, you got it. Actually, more of a guess. I work at a dealer and the #1 problem with those is the motor on the t case. The position sensor is inside. That would be my 1st guess but since we don't guess. I agree with you sending it with a NPF. One other comment, and this is a tip and not a criticism, when you were in service library looking at the switch operation, you were looking at the 243 t case. That truck has a 246 (even your witech showed 246) and there is actually a nice chart with all the resistance specs

[@johnnylee948]

Let Bernie Thompson look at it!

[@me-kd7bw]

Ikr

[@good3965]

Indeed

[@donaldhuffman8080]

My pops always told me son I didn’t raise you to be a quitter but I also didn’t raise you to be a fool know when to fold them merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and your family thanks for the great videos and the entertainment love them and learned a lot👍