Will not shift into 4 wheel drive?

Tiny
DEREKW5820
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
4WD light blinks will not shift to 4hi or 4lo just blinks, 2wd light stays green. Replaced encoder motor with brand new one, replaced TCCM with junk yard tccm from exact same truck, also tried a different shift knob from junk yard (think that one is bad 4hi does not light up). Have 12v to shift motor 2pin plug 5v to ecoder plug. Transfer case, can use wrench to shift into 4hi 4lo 2hi neutral, plugs all look really good with no corrosion wires all look reallg good not broken or corroded. No codes, scan tool nothing in memory. Checked fuses and relays all good. Going to try another tccm, shift knob and check every single fuse next. At a complete loss at this point please help. Thanks.
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 AT 3:42 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
The #1 failure on these trucks: bad 4wd mode position sensor (internal to transfer case), also I have seen the control switch go bad as well, and finally there could be a bad ground, last resort. Also, lets double check the fuses:

Underhood PDC:

Fuse 24 (20A) - Transfer Case Motor
Fuse 26 (10A) - TCCM / 4WD logic

Interior Junction Block:
Fuse 13 - TCCM Memory
If this one blows, the module loses its learned values and just blinks.

With the key on test the fuses and check to make sure they are getting power this guide will help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Here is the location of the sensor switch, check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Thursday, December 4th, 2025 AT 8:26 AM

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