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2008 Dodge Durango Transfer Case Shift Motor Failed/Open

The transfer case in the Dodge Durango has multiple gear ratios, which can be selected by moving the switch in the cabin to 2Hi, 4Hi, or 4Lo. It has been known to shift to 4Lo without warning, at any speed, and whether the vehicle is on or off. If this occurs at highway speeds, the result can be catastrophic failure of the transfer case.

This is caused by a faulty four wheel drive shift motor, selector switch (in the cab) or the wiring between the two. The most common cause is the transfer case switch, which is an electric motor mounted on the transfer case.

To correct the issue, inspect the wiring to the transfer case switch motor for damage, and replace the shift motor if needed. Disconnecting power to the shift motor will lock the transfer case in its current setting.

Affected Model Years

This issue affects Dodge Durango model years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, .

41 people reported this problem

  • 2008 161,000 Miles
    So my 07 durango started to make this shifting sound while I was driving well couldn't figure it out. Then it started to shift in 4 low while the SUV was off I thought if we disconect the battery and reset the cpu well it stopped for a day and then Sri ing down the road at 55 I stepped on the break to slow down and it shifted into 4 low and almost threw me off th
  • 2008 0 Miles
    It has a hard time turning into parking spots at slow speeds. Makes a clicking sound when I open driver door.
  • 2008 166,000 Miles
    Front transfer case shifts into 4 low and high even when car is off
  • 2008 0 Miles
    My 2005 Dodge Durango went into serv fWD then al of a sudden something sifting in the back underneath and was like it got locked in neutral and just revved up had to call for a tow and 1 place is saying a need a new transmission
  • 2008 108,000 Miles
    Purchased the truck like brand new condition at 56K miles. Has been great until after 103K mile mark, the peripheals all go out. Recently, was the exhaust manifold gaskets that make the truck sound like it has a tick in the valves, but it doesn't. But the biggest has been the AWD transfer shift motor (I have the awd limited, that can shift to 4WL and 4WH). It had the same symptoms of clicking into 4wh when turning slowly in a parking lot. Replaced the motor with the original Mopar part at $ 360, and no problems!! It should have been a recall, I say class action!!
  • 2008 123,000 Miles
    TRANSFER CASE SHIFTS AUTOMATICALLY AT TIMES, GOING SLOW AND TURNING OR EVEN WHEN PARKED USING DOOR OPENER, IN DEALER FOR A WEEK NOW , AND WAS TOLD NO FAULTS AT THIS TIME . THEY SAID THEY ARE GOING TO CALL MANUFACTURER.
  • 2008 129,465 Miles
    Went into 4lo and stays there. The awd switch is still on awd.
  • 2008 0 Miles
    Clicking sound in and out of 4 low and 4 high hard to turn when parking

Dodge Durango 2008 Common Problems