Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 4x4 indicator light

[druth1]

The 4x4 indicator light on my 98 2500 rarely comes on when I engage the 4x4. The front wheels engage but the light doesn't come on. My questions are, where is the sensor that sends the signal to the light? What causes the signal to be sent? I would hate to be using (abusing) the front diff. /transfer case if it was only partially engaged.



Thanks. Daren

 

[bholcomb]

The switch for the light is part of the vacuum shifter on the front axle. There are two wires that connect to the sensor. I have a posi-lock unit now and it came with a new sensor, so if you find that is the problem I can send you my old one.



Brian

 

[Dbonzi]

bholcomb,

What is the posi lock and what advantage is there in it?



Dennis

 

[Woodenhead]

Mine stays on for a while after I shift out of 4x4. The front end disengages but the light stays on. Could the switch be sticking on?



Regards

Mike

 

[rjones]

Her's a good one mine ABS and brake light comes on when I go into 4x4, and no 4x4 light at all... .....

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by Woodenhead

Mine stays on for a while after I shift out of 4x4. The front end disengages but the light stays on. Could the switch be sticking on?



RegardsMike

Mike, sometimes it takes a little while for the front axle to disengage and the light to go out if under load. The front axle is not under power since the transfer case is in 2wd but the axle is still engaged. If you let up on the accelerator it usually disengages faster.

 

[Woodenhead]

Illflem



Thank you for the info.



I find that the light stays on sometimes for about 5-10 miles down the road. I actually try to get it to go out by getting on and off the power several times. I wonder if maybe it's not getting enough vacuum to disengage or if something's sticking in the front axle.



I use 4x4 at least once a month to try to prevent any problems.



I guess it's not too big a deal as long as it eventually disengages.



Regards

Mike

 

[Dave Remillard]

Since the 4X4 discussion is underway, I was told by a reputable transmission guy (???) that the safest way to protect your transfer case is to come to a complete stop, shut the engine off, and then shift to the arrangement you desire. Keep in mind, I'm not saying this is so or isn't so, just passing it along to see if others may have been told something similar. Seems like a major pain in the backside if you do very much 4 wheeling. After having my transfer case go sour on me, I'm willing to go with any advice that makes sense. The real pain in the backside is paying for the repair.

 

[bholcomb]

Dbonzi,



The posi-lock is basically a PTO cable which connects to the front axle disconnect, so you can manually lock and unlock the front disconnect. I have the handle mounted to the bottom of the dash near the transfer case shifter. I had the oil in the vacuum system problem so all those lines were filled and I wanted to go manual anyway. I have 2WD low when I want it, or I can leave the front locked and go from 2wd to 4wd without having to wait for the front to lock. I got it from JC Whitney when they had a 10% off coupon.



Brian