4WD Drive Indicator Electrical Switch

[mikehkk]

Hello,

I recently had a rebuilt transfer case installed in my 1999 Jeep Wrangler (NP231-type I believe). After picking car up from shop, I immediately noticed that the dash 4WD indicator light would not display when engaging 4WD. I assumed it was a faulty switch. No big deal, that was something I could easily replace myself.

I got a new switch (CROWN brand). I disconnected and removed the old switch. Before screwing-in new switch however, I connected it to the electrical connector to test it by manually pushing the steel push ball down with my finger. With the ignition on enough to display all the dash lights, the 4WD indicator light correctly displayed on and off with my manual testing.

I then screwed-in the new switch and attached the electrical connector. When I took a seat in the car, I immediately noticed that the 4WD indicator light was ON... Even though 4WD was not engaged at all. I then raised the transfer case lever into 4H. The light went off! Then pushing the lever all the way back down again, the light came back on.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? Haven't a clue what's going on.

Thanks!

 

[Chris]

Hello,

I recently had a rebuilt transfer case installed in my 1999 Jeep Wrangler (NP231-type I believe). After picking car up from shop, I immediately noticed that the dash 4WD indicator light would not display when engaging 4WD. I assumed it was a faulty switch. No big deal, that was something I could easily replace myself.

I got a new switch (CROWN brand). I disconnected and removed the old switch. Before screwing-in new switch however, I connected it to the electrical connector to test it by manually pushing the steel push ball down with my finger. With the ignition on enough to display all the dash lights, the 4WD indicator light correctly displayed on and off with my manual testing.

I then screwed-in the new switch and attached the electrical connector. When I took a seat in the car, I immediately noticed that the 4WD indicator light was ON... Even though 4WD was not engaged at all. I then raised the transfer case lever into 4H. The light went off! Then pushing the lever all the way back down again, the light came back on.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? Haven't a clue what's going on.

Thanks!

Since you've already verified that the new switch is functioning properly when disconnected and tested it manually, it seems like the problem might be related to the wiring or the installation orientation of the switch.

Here are a few things you might want to investigate:

I'd start by double-checking the electrical connector and wiring leading to the switch. Look for any damaged wires, loose connections, or signs of corrosion that could be causing intermittent signals.

In addition, a poor ground connection could be affecting the functionality of the switch and indicator light. Make sure all ground points related to the transfer case and dashboard are secure and clean.

See that the new switch is installed correctly and is not cross-threaded or improperly seated, which might affect its engagement when the lever is shifted.

Sometimes, if the transfer case isn’t aligned properly with the shifter, it can lead to weird behavior with the lights. Check to make sure that the linkage is adjusted correctly.

If the electrical system is behaving erratically, sometimes disconnecting the battery for a few minutes can reset the system and help with any weird glitches.

 

[LONGJP2]

Hello,

I recently had a rebuilt transfer case installed in my 1999 Jeep Wrangler (NP231-type I believe). After picking car up from shop, I immediately noticed that the dash 4WD indicator light would not display when engaging 4WD. I assumed it was a faulty switch. No big deal, that was something I could easily replace myself.

I got a new switch (CROWN brand). I disconnected and removed the old switch. Before screwing-in new switch however, I connected it to the electrical connector to test it by manually pushing the steel push ball down with my finger. With the ignition on enough to display all the dash lights, the 4WD indicator light correctly displayed on and off with my manual testing.

I then screwed-in the new switch and attached the electrical connector. When I took a seat in the car, I immediately noticed that the 4WD indicator light was ON... Even though 4WD was not engaged at all. I then raised the transfer case lever into 4H. The light went off! Then pushing the lever all the way back down again, the light came back on.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? Haven't a clue what's going on.

Thanks!

IIRC, it's not just an ON/OFF switch.
It might need to be set/adjusted properly.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/241or-rubicon-transfer-case-switch-4wd-light-wont-come-on.27890/