4x4 indicator light (on 91) always dimly lit... why?

[Garrett]

On my 91 Navajo w/ the push-button 4x4, the top light for the 4x4 (not the 4x4 low) is always dimly lit. When I engage 4x4 it gets bright like usual. It has always been that way since I've had the car, but lately I've been trying to find an answer.

Does anyone else out there have the same thing, or is it a short somewhere in the system? I am just curious, as I'd rather not have things shorted out here-and-there! Thanks for any help.

 

[Paul]

Garrett -
I had the same problem with my '91. It only happened once after a four wheeling trip about six months ago. Using the "Least-Expensive-Method-First" technique, I just disconnected then reconnected the battery terminals - - Problem Solved. Your predicament may be more extensive, but this technique is a good place to start.

 

[Ray Lobato]

Hey Garrett,
Long time no see, How are you? Hows school, you about finished yet? Let's you, me and Khoa go do some trails here soon. Dead Link Removed
Now back to your problem. My 95 did the same thing, and what Paul said also fixed my problem, so check it out and hope for the best.

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

 

[diggerdan]

Disconnected battery cables and still dimly lit. Any suggestions

 

[Anime]

Disconnected battery cables and still dimly lit. Any suggestions

Sometimes it helps to push the 4x4 switch again to engage, then stop, push the switch to disengage, and be sure to drive backwards to release the auto hubs if you have them.

My best guess is the orange indicator staying dimly lit is a symptom of either the electric transfer case motor staying 'engaged' ever so slightly, or the capacitors / circuit board of the 4WD module getting screwy with age and leakage.

Usually it goes away the next time the vehicle is turned off.

If you really want to dig deeper, you'll need to disconnect the battery again and pull the transfer case shift motor out to inspect it and/or pull the interior panel on the driver's side to get to the 4WD module and look at the circuit board and capacitors.

Then again it could just be an issue with the switch itself, some people have replaced it due to age and wear and tear.