Would a bad CV joint make the 4 wheel drive not work on 2002 Dodge truck?

A bad CV joint will not directly prevent your 4-wheel drive from engaging in a 2002 Dodge truck. The CV joints are responsible for transferring power from the transmission to the wheels, but the 4WD system's engagement is controlled by a separate transfer case and related components.

However, a severely damaged CV joint *could* indirectly lead to 4WD problems. Here's why:

* Lack of Drive: If a CV joint is completely broken, that wheel won't receive any power, even if 4WD is engaged. This might *feel* like a 4WD problem, because one of the wheels isn't driving. You'd notice this more in low-traction situations.

* System Protection: Some 4WD systems have sensors or mechanisms that detect significant drivetrain issues (like a complete loss of drive to one wheel). A completely broken CV joint could trigger a fault in the 4WD system, preventing engagement as a protective measure. This is less common but possible.

In short: A bad CV joint is unlikely to be the *primary* cause of 4WD failure, but it could be a contributing factor or create symptoms that *mimic* 4WD problems. If your 4WD isn't working, you should diagnose the transfer case, actuators, and other 4WD components first. A damaged CV joint should be addressed regardless, as it's a significant safety hazard.