Four wheel lights will not illuminate on dash

[k9hlr]

Here's my issue: The four wheel drive hi and low lights do not illuminate on the dash panel. I've checked the solenoid wires and all of the vacuum lines. The four wheel drive is working when selected in all modes, It just doesn't illuminate the lights. I've removed the dash cluster and replaced all bulbs with tested know good bulbs, no help. Can anyone shed any light (ha ha) on this particular issue.

Thanks, K9HLR 

[redraif]

Did you happen to look at the wiring going to the bulbs... it's a pain, but can you tear the dash apart and wiggle wires with the 4x4 engaged to be sure if it's not just a loose wire?

Also... are the bulbs oriented correctly? I've had some bulbs that will only illuminate one way. If the are 180 degrees out they won't light?

I'm still learning these trucks, so sorry I can't offer more.

[k9hlr]

Yes, I did check that while I had the cluster out. Also did a continuity check on all bulb sockets. I was able to get the 4L light to come on. Found out there is a micro switch that is activated in each mode as you shift the lever to each position. From what I've found out these switches tent to stick if the vehicle selector switch isn't used on a regular basis. Just need to get the 4H light to work now.

Thanks for your input.

[ES_97Sport]

Jun 10, 2016 0:03:13 GMT -5 k9hlr said:

... I've found out these switches tent to stick if the vehicle selector switch isn't used on a regular basis. Just need to get the 4H light to work now.

Yep. Same goes for the engaged/partially engaged 4WD light. Switches get 'sticky'.

Edward

[dirk]

Yeah, I had same issue with malfunctioning 4wd lights when I got my sport. And was one if the first search I did 3 years ago on these boards. I spent the better part of 1 day when ever I had time I'd put my foot on the break set it in neutral, and shift between 2hi, 4hi, 4lo. Probably about 3 to 400 times. After they started working with no problems, I just have made sure to engage the 4wd off road at least once a month. Not been an issue since.

[cruisecarefully]

I had a similar issue when I first got my montero sport. My 4x4 light was flickering. I believed it to be the wiring of the bulb, the wiring itself, or else the opposite connection. At this time, my transmission needed fluid and after I put fluid in and "fiddled" with the wiring for a bit, the light was back to normal. I would look into the wiring and the bulb before anything else.

[ES_97Sport]

Jun 20, 2016 21:44:42 GMT -5 cruisecarefully said:

... I would look into the wiring and the bulb before anything else.

Bulb first, but the 'sticky switch' is a known 'problem' and VERY common. Its not actually a problem with the switches, its a problem with the owners. A lot - probably the majority - of 4WD vehicles hardly ever spend any time in 4WD. After 100K+ miles of never being actuated, stuff can get a little cranky.

Like the A/C which is supposed to be cycled once a month for 15-20 minutes to keep everything lubricated, the 4WD system should also be engaged and disengaged a couple times a month just to keep things operating correctly.

I had the same problem as dirk. My '03 was owned by some old couple in AZ who NEVER used the 4WD. It took 6-7 months of shifting it in and out of 4WD over the winter before the switches all started working normally.

Edward

[mrgalantguy]

I am currently experiencing this with my MS. I believe the previous owners never put this thing in 4wd mode alot. I can feel the car operating in 4wd but the lights won't come one. They are starting to flicker once in awhile now since I put it in 4wd when it rains.

[rod39]

Jun 10, 2016 at 5:59pm via mobile
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Post by dirk on Jun 10, 2016 at 5:59pm
Yeah, I had same issue with malfunctioning 4wd lights when I got my sport. And was one if the first search I did 3 years ago on these boards. I spent the better part of 1 day when ever I had time I'd put my foot on the break set it in neutral, and shift between 2hi, 4hi, 4lo. Probably about 3 to 400 times. After they started working with no problems, I just have made sure to engage the 4wd off road at least once a month. Not been an issue since.

Read this post above:

I wish I would have know this after I bought my 99 sport xls. I finally took it to a mechanic to fix, what I told him was to replace the switches on top of the transfer case which was done by taking the drive shaft off then lower everything to get hands to the 3 switches that control the 4 wheel drive. these switches are in oil with a ball bearing that gets stuck if not used regular. Here's a picture. If the link is not highlighted copy & past it.

www.monterosportonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/46250584.jpg

Rod