Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 963

SHIFT MOTOR 

DESCRIPTION 

DESCRIPTION-SHIFT MOTOR 

Fig. 67: Transfer Case MP143 Component Locations 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

A rotary switch on the instrument panel controls the Electric Shift on-the-fly transfer case mode selection. 
Switch positions are labeled 2WD and 4 LOCK, shown by an indicator in the instrument cluster. The switch 
uses resistive multiplexing to signal the Front Control Module (FCM) which mode to select. 

OPERATION 

OPERATION-SHIFT MOTOR 

1 - FILL PLUG

4 - SHIFT MOTOR

2 - DRAIN PLUG

5 - DAMPENER

3 - ID TAG

6 - REAR OUTPUT SHAFT FLANGE

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 TRANSFER CASE MP143 - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 68: Transfer Case MP143 Component Locations 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

The FCM, which receives its operating signal from the switch via the Cab Compartment Node and the CAN 
intra-vehicle communications network, operates an electric motor that shifts the transfer case. The FCM obtains 
additional data necessary for operation and provides diagnostic outputs via the CAN network. Diagnostic 
outputs include fault codes and the ability to "read" switch position and position sensor output. For test 
purposes, a diagnostic tester such as the MDT II or the MOPAR Diagnostic System can operate the motor. A 
warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates if a malfunction in the electric-shift system occurs. 

A motor and encoder (position sensor) replace a lever on the shaft that shifts the transfer case. When a shift is 
requested, the motor turns the shaft until the sensor indicates that the correct angular position has been reached. 
To prevent the transfer case from making unintended shifts, the switch must be in position for 0.25 seconds 
before a shift will take place. A shift can take up to 1.25 seconds from the time that the switch is moved for full 
travel. If the shift is not completed in the appropriate time, the module will repeat the action up to five times. 
Misalignment of the gears in the transfer case may block a shift, which will be detected by a sensor; the motor 
will then reverse and try again to complete the shift. Blockage can occur if the vehicle is stationary when the 
shift is initiated, but if the vehicle is moving as recommended when the shift is initiated, then blockage is 
unlikely. If the shift is not completed after five attempts, the cluster indicator will flash and the driver will have 
to return the switch to its former position and repeat the operation. 

REMOVAL 

REMOVAL-SHIFT MOTOR 

1 - FILL PLUG

4 - SHIFT MOTOR

2 - DRAIN PLUG

5 - DAMPENER

3 - ID TAG

6 - REAR OUTPUT SHAFT FLANGE

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 TRANSFER CASE MP143 - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 69: Removing/Installing Shift Motor Bolts 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Disconnect the electrical connector from the shift motor.  

2. Remove the shift motor mounting bolts. 

Fig. 70: Removing/Installing Shift Motor 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

3. Remove the shift motor (1) from the transfer case. 

1 - SHIFT MOTOR

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 TRANSFER CASE MP143 - Service Information - Nitro

  

INSTALLATION 

INSTALLATION-SHIFT MOTOR 

Fig. 71: Removing/Installing Shift Motor O-Ring 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Lubricate the shift motor O-ring (1) with trans jell or petroleum jelly. 

1 - SHIFT MOTOR O-RING
2 - SHIFT MOTOR

NOTE:

If re-using the original shift motor be certain to replace the shift motor O-ring.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 TRANSFER CASE MP143 - Service Information - Nitro