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Help with 4WD indicator light

6K views 13 replies 10 participants last post by  AMX390 
#1 ·
Hello everyone,

So a few years ago the indicator light for 4wd went out and I never bothered to fix it, not that it's a big concern, I figured it would make a nice weekend project to fix it. Anyways, I'm stumped. I tried the odometer trick and the full-time/half-time lights both are not working, so I figured it was a bad bulb. I tore the dash open today and I switched out a known working bulb in for the 4wd one. Well, it's still not working. *Shouldn't* it work with the odometer test if theres a working bulb in there??? What do you all think? I've done some research on it and I know that a bad sensor can cause the light to go out, but it should work with the odometer test. And it's not working at all with the odometer test. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

Also, 2000 Jeep TJ Wrangler Sport.
 
#2 ·
On my 97 the 4wd light works fine but does not illuminate during the 'odometer test'.

Sounds like your sending unit on the transfer case needs replacing but here's a fix I found on the forum that worked when my 4wd light stopped working a couple of years ago - thought it was a joke but it worked on mine...

Reach up under the dash in front of your left knee - grab a fistful of wiring and give it a wiggle - I did this 2 years ago and hey presto, 4wd started working again and has been fine since.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Not sure if 'odometer test' is the correct name, but...
Keep the odometer button pressed while you switch on the ignition key.
Key needs to be turned to the on position but do not crank engine.
Release odometer button.
Dash will cycle through predetermined tests for gauges and dash warning lights.
When the dash test is finished, turn key off.
 
#8 ·
I believe the correct term is "diagnostic", regardless it's most likely your switch which is mounted vertically on top of the transfer case above, behind and to the left of the front output shaft looking from the front to rear. Unplug the 2 wire harness and jump it with a wire or paper clip to see if the light works. The switch is easily replaceable in the $20 range. Your dash will only display one light in 4 low or high, even if your instrument panel has other outlines in the background. (lights for other Jeep models)
 
#9 ·
Agree with Jim. How I diagnosed mine. Only thing I can add is reuse the o ring from the old switch. The new one does not come with it.

Only my part time light comes on for 4wd in my 2000. Full time was for Cherokees that used the same dash. The "test" does not illuminate the part time light. The paper clip will.
 
#10 ·
I had the same issue when I bought my '99.

A replacement Dorman switch from o'Reilly's didn't help even though the diagnostic paper clip turned on the light when I jumpered the connector terminals.

I went back and ordered a BWD switch and the light works flawlessly now.
 
#12 · (Edited)
I have the exact opposite issue on my 98Tj, mine stays on all the time. First, I made sure I wasn't in 4wd then I replaced the switch, same thing. Someone told me one of the wires may be grounded but it sounds like the "paperclip test" is putting a short on. I think I'll just remove the harness first before I cover the light with electrical tape.
 
#13 ·
Not to open an old thread but I was working on my Part Time light indicator so it would stop flashing and work properly. When I got under my jeep I found the female half of the plug was ripped off and the wires must keep touching together causing the Part time light to flash on an off at times.
My question is the harness that goes to the 4WD Switch on the transfer case has a second plug coming out of it about 6 inches up from the 4WD Switch. The second plug is not plugged into anything on mine and I can't figure out what it goes too? Any help would be great.



I thought I took a picture of the front of it but must not have. The plug part is flat with 2 female looking connectors. It almost looks like a plug from some type of a radio component?


2001 Wrangler TJ Sport 5 speed
 
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