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Dodge and Ram trucks with a dash-mounted 4WD knob use an electric motor on the transfer case to move it between 2HI, 4HI, neutral and 4LO. On many of these trucks it is mounted on the side or back of the case and works with an encoder that tells the module what position it is in. When it fails, the knob stops doing anything, and the truck stays wherever it was.
Most of these trucks run NV-series chain cases, like the NV273 on the electronic-shift 1500s and the NV244 and NV271 family on heavier trucks. The cases themselves are tough. The motor and its connector are the weak spot, especially in snow states.
Which Motor Fits Your Truck?
| Truck | Motor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 2003-2005; Dakota 2003-2004; Durango 2003 | 600-936 | Not for 2006 and newer |
| Ram 1500, 2500 2006-2010; Ram 3500 2006-2009 | 600-935 | Replaces 5143477AA, 5143477AB, 7-pin plug |
| Ram 1500 to 4500 2011-2012 | 600-935 | Check the plug and old part number |
| Dakota 2005-2011; Durango 2005-2009; Aspen 2007-2009; Raider 2006-2009 | 600-935 | Same motor as the 2006-2010 Ram |
| Ram 1500 2011-2015 and 2017-2023; Ram 1500 Classic 2019-2023 | 600-908 | Overlap with 600-935 in 2011-2012. Match the old part. |
| Ram 2500 2014-2018; Ram 3500 2013-2018; Ram 4500, 5500 2013-2016 | 600-908 | Electronic shift only |
The 2011-2012 model years are where people get burned. Some trucks from those years take the 600-935, others the 600-908, depending on the case and build. Read the number off your old motor or compare the plug before you order.
Symptoms
- Flashing 4WD indicator that never goes solid, then drops back to 2HI.
- No response from the selector at all.
- Stuck in 4LO or 4HI. The knob says 2HI, the truck is still binding in turns.
- Service 4WD message on trucks with a message center.
- Intermittent shifting that gets worse in cold, wet weather.
- Will not go into neutral for flat towing behind a motorhome. Neutral is the hardest position for a weak motor to find.
For the neutral shift, Ram trucks need specific conditions, typically ignition on, engine off or running per the procedure for your year, transmission in neutral, and the brake pressed while the knob is held in position. If the shift is not done to procedure, it will not take, and that is not a motor problem.
How to Test It
1. Fuse first
Check the transfer case fuses in the power distribution center. A blown fuse looks exactly like a dead motor.
2. Connector
Unplug the motor and look. A green, wet or melted plug explains a lot. Clean it, grease it with dielectric grease, and retest.
3. Scan the transfer case module
Ram trucks store codes in the transfer case control module. Codes for the motor circuit, the mode sensor or the selector switch point you in the right direction. If the module reports a selector switch fault, the knob on the dash may be the real problem, not the motor.
4. Command and watch
With a helper turning the knob, watch the motor. If it gets power and does not move, it is done. If it moves but the module still flashes, the encoder or position sensor may not be reporting. On many of these motors the encoder is part of the assembly, so the fix is the same.
What It Costs
| Option | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dealer, Mopar motor | Often $600 to $1,000 | Diagnosis plus OEM part |
| Independent shop, new aftermarket | Roughly $250 to $450 | About an hour of labor on most trucks |
| DIY, 2006-2012 (600-935) | About $112 | Most common Ram motor |
| DIY, 2003-2005 (600-936) | About $222 | Fewer suppliers for these years |
| DIY, 2011-up (600-908) | About $231 | Also fits 2003-2005 GM 1500 and H2 |
Give Up on the Motor? Convert It
Some owners on the NV273 electronic case get tired of shift motors and convert to a manual floor shifter. It removes the motor, the encoder and most of the electronics from the shift process. It is a bigger job than swapping a motor, and you lose the dash knob, but it is permanent. Our NV273 manual shift conversion guide explains what is involved, and the conversion kit is in stock.
For most people, though, a new motor fixes it for years. If a new motor shifts the case and you still have noise or slipping, look inside the case. Our NV273 problems guide and NV271 rebuild guide cover the common internal failures.
Ram Shift Motors Ship Same-Day
Three motors cover most electronic-shift Dodge and Ram trucks from 2003 on. CoreTransmissionParts carries the transmission parts for the same trucks.
Shop the 2006-2012 Motor → Shop CoreTransmissionParts →FAQ
Why does my Ram 4WD light flash and then go back to 2HI?
The module tried to shift and did not see the transfer case reach the new position. The most common causes are a failed shift motor, a corroded motor connector, a blown fuse, or a bad encoder. Scan the transfer case module for codes.
Which shift motor fits a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500?
The 2006-2010 Ram 1500 and 2500 with electronic shift use the 600-935 motor, replacing 5143477AA and 5143477AB. It uses a 7-pin connector.
What shift motor fits a 2018 Ram 2500?
The 2014-2018 Ram 2500 and 2013-2018 Ram 3500 with electronic shift use the 600-908 motor. The same motor fits 2011-up Ram 1500 trucks.
How much does a Ram transfer case shift motor cost?
New aftermarket motors run about $112 to $231 depending on year. Independent shops typically charge around $250 to $450 installed. Dealer jobs often run $600 to $1,000.
Can I convert my Ram to a manual transfer case shifter?
On trucks with the NV273 electronic case, yes. A conversion kit replaces the shift motor with a floor lever. It is more work than replacing the motor but removes the electronics from the shift.