2OO9SIVERADO 1500W/T 4X4 WHY DONT FRONT HUBS ENGAGE

If the actuator is not working and you need to engage your 4x4 to get home, you can manually lock in your 4x4 system using the front axle's manual locking hubs (assuming your vehicle has manual locking hubs). Here are the steps to manually lock in your 4x4 system:

1. Locate the manual locking hubs on the front wheels of your vehicle. They are typically located at the center of the wheel hub, and will have a dial or lever that you can turn or pull to engage the hub.
2. Make sure your vehicle is in neutral, with the parking brake engaged.
3. Turn the dial or lever on each manual locking hub to the "lock" position. This will physically engage the front axle, allowing power to be transferred to the front wheels.
4. Engage your 4x4 by shifting the transfer case lever into the appropriate 4x4 mode (4-Hi or 4-Lo).
5. Test your 4x4 by driving slowly in a straight line. If you hear any grinding or feel any vibrations, stop immediately and check your manual locking hubs and 4x4 system.

It's important to note that driving in 4x4 mode on dry pavement can cause damage to your drivetrain, so be sure to disengage your 4x4 system and unlock your manual locking hubs once you're back on solid ground.

Check the vacuum lines to the front hubs.

You have a Vacuum Leak that is not allowing the Front Hubs to engage... I do believe that 1996 Dodge has Vacuum hubs on the Differential

ARE THE HUBS LOCKED IN FIRST? FOR YOU HAVE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THOSE HUBS FROM THE OUTSIDE.. EACH TIME YOU GO INTO 4X4 AND WHEN YOU GO OUT OF 4X4 TO 2 WHEEL..DRIVE. OR YOU DON'T HAVE A FRONT DRIVE SHAFT GOING TO THE FRONT AXLE?? OR ITS BROKEN OR THE TRANSFER CASE IS BAD??

check that the hubs are locked in correctly (both sides)

I would check your fuses or connectors first. It is strange that you get no error codes or warning lights. Nothing! I am assuming that it is Electronic shift on the fly.
The integrated wheel end (IWE) system contains the following: Vacuum reservoir
IWE solenoid
IWEs (spring loaded vacuum hubs)
Vacuum hoses
Check valve
The IWE system uses vacuum hubs that engage the front wheel hubs to the front halfshafts or disengage the front wheel hubs from the front halfshafts. The IWE solenoid receives engine vacuum from the vacuum reservoir.
When the 4-wheel drive system is in 2WD mode, the 4x4 module (PCM) supplies a ground path to the IWE solenoid to apply vacuum to the integrated wheel ends (disengaging the front hubs from the front halfshafts). In 4WD mode, the 4x4 module (PCM) does not supply the ground path to the IWE solenoid, vacuum is not applied to the integrated wheel ends and an internal spring keeps the front hubs engaged to the front halfshafts.
There are issues with the 4x4 system I.w.e ends ingesting moisture/water into vacuum actuation system causing no 4x4 or ratcheting outboard I.w.e ends. (Even if you don't go 4x4'n ) pull off vacuum hoses @ I.w.e ends and check for moisture/water/rust also the I.w.e is not part of the wheel bearing itself It is the part on the axle side (inboard) of the spindle. (EVEN DEALERS CAT LISTED WRONG )Many shops just replace the wheel bearing side this may fix the symptom but not the true cause of damaged I.w.e. ! Check with a reputable dealer they should have info on this condition and repair procedure.
Good luck and start with checking the IWE system in the front end.

you need new hubs in the front

There are issues with the 4x4 system I.w.e ends ingesting moisture/water into vacuum actuation system causing no 4x4 or ratcheting outboard I.w.e ends. (Even if you don't go 4x4'n ) pull off vacuum hoses @ I.w.e ends and check for moisture/water/rust also the I.w.e is not part of the wheel bearing itself It is the part on the axle side (inboard) of the spindle. (EVEN DEALERS CAT LISTED WRONG)Many shops just replace the wheel bearing side this may fix the symptom but not the true cause of damaged I.w.e. ! Check with a reputable dealer they should have info on this condition and repair procedure.


The integrated wheel end (IWE) system contains the following:

Vacuum reservoir
IWE solenoid
IWEs (spring loaded vacuum hubs)
Vacuum hoses
Check valve
The IWE system uses vacuum hubs that engage the front wheel hubs to the front half shafts or disengage the front wheel hubs from the front half shafts.

The IWE solenoid receives engine vacuum from the vacuum reservoir.

When the 4-wheel drive system is in 2WD mode, the 4x4 module (PCM)supplies a ground path to the IWE solenoid to apply vacuum to the integrated wheel ends (disengaging the front hubs from the front half-shafts). In 4WD mode, the 4x4 module (PCM) does not supply the ground path to the IWE solenoid, vacuum is not applied to the integrated wheel ends and an internal spring keeps the front hubs engaged to the front half-shafts.

Probably a vacuum leak. Tranny has to be in Neutral to shift into 4 low, but should be able to shift into 4 high in any gear. The auto locking hubs work off of a vacuum, if there's a leak in the line, they won't engage. If the 4x4 light is on, but the wheels aren't pulling, that's most likely the problem.

Front hubs need to be taken off and inspected for damage,
Replace as necessary.