2002 4WD Dodge Dakota Not Good On Snow...
Asked by jo1030 Nov 14, 2014 at 02:44 AM about the 2002 Dodge Dakota SLT Club Cab 4WD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I'm currently driving a 2002 Dodge Dakota. It's a rear wheel drive but has the switch to
go four wheel drive. 4WD seems to be working because the switch light is steady (and
doesn't blink like some other Dakotas having 4WD issues). But yesterday, I was
switching lane on the highway (on somewhat snowy road) and I spun going 40 mph.
And it slides frequently going 10-20 mph driving in the neighborhood. Is this normal for
a 4WD car? I drove a front wheel drive minivan (Nissan Quest) before this and it had
better traction than my truck. My tires seem good. No noticeable wears on them. I also
don't have anything in the back of the truck, which makes the rear end really light. I
have had two suggestions so far: to get snow tires and to put something heavy (like
big rocks) on the back to add weight.
Do you car gurus have any other suggestions? I don't want to spend money on snow
tires if they don't help much. I'm not very good with car so any suggestion or comment
would be great.
Thank you.
9 Answers
Jsellers25 answered 10 years ago
Either you're going to fast, 4wd is not engaging even though light comes on dosent mean it is all the time. Or wheel bearing/seals are going bad. Also you probably need an alignment. If this dosent solve it check front differential gears.
I probably should take it to a shop to get it looked at then... Thank you.
Jsellers25 answered 10 years ago
Shop will charge you way to much. I honestly learned how to change parts by internet,videos,research and experience. Only go to a shop if you absolutely have to my friend. I've saved thousands of dollars by doing this.
2003 dodge Dakota an I was told it is stuck in 4hi I took it back to where I bought it an he said that it wasn't cause in2wd it turns smooth in4hi u can feel the hesitation in the turn so I was also told if in 2wd with foot on break an gas the back wheels should spin an if the don't that means it's stuck in 4hi is this true
Wahshasheh answered 6 years ago
Yes that true. It's one way to test if 4 wheel drive works on your vehicle. While vehicle is stopped put left foot on brake go ahead and give it a good Rev I wouldn't go above 3500 RPMs or anythng. and if your vehicle doesn't move while in 4-wheel drive it usually means four wheel drive is working and then do the same thing in two wheel drive and if your tire spins then your 4 wheel drive is turned off.
I had some issue few weeks ago. My mechanic told me if it's in 4 wheel, the stop, put in NEUTRAL, then switch to 2 wheel and it will come out of 4 wheel
