AutoTrac Indicator Light malfunction

[99TanHoe]

I'm assuming this would be the same 4x4 pushbutton set for all AutoTrac transfer cases. Mine is a 99' 2door and sometimes the lights go dim or go completely out. Last night I realized that if I tap on the top of the buttons the light will come back on.

Has anyone had this issue? I haven't pulled the dash panel and checked yet, could it just be the contact surfaces are corroded and need to be cleaned or is the entire unit going out. It doesn't matter which mode is selected, the problem is common to all the lights.

It also seems to be intermittent and not dependant on any particular condition except maybe vibration from bumps.

 

[SunlitComet]

bad connections are the common cause for that. the pink wire feeds the mode indicator lights pos volts. the gray feeds the panel illumination lights pos volts.

 

[99TanHoe]

bad connections are the common cause for that. the pink wire feeds the mode indicator lights pos volts. the gray feeds the panel illumination lights pos volts.

Thanks Sun,

I was hoping it would be something simple like that. I've been so busy lately I haven't even had time to pop the dash trim to take a look.

 

[elsamurai]

Were you able to flush out your problem? I seem to be having the same issue. No indicator lights, but I hear the relay click and feel it go into 4WD when I hit the button...

 

[SunlitComet]

no mode indication lights and you can actually still drive in 4wd otherwise?

 

[elsamurai]

no mode indication lights and you can actually still drive in 4wd otherwise?

Yep. Relay click, light clunk underneath, and can feel the front wheels grab. But no indicator lights.

 

[SunlitComet]

so it work mechanically. if you can get all modes verified working check for voltage on light green/black wire nearest the light greem/blue wire on 8 terminal connector going into selector switch with key on. should see about 8 volts. if you have that but no mode indication the switch is malfunctioning internally.

 

[elsamurai]

so it work mechanically. if you can get all modes verified working check for voltage on light green/black wire nearest the light greem/blue wire on 8 terminal connector going into selector switch with key on. should see about 8 volts. if you have that but no mode indication the switch is malfunctioning internally.

thanks, i'll check that this weekend when i have the dash apart. had indicator lights this morning, so there's definitely something up with the switch.

if i don't find anything obvious this weekend i'll grab one off ebay.

but speaking of verifying all modes, this being my first push button 4WD truck and not having a manual, is the proper process for selecting a mode to be at a complete stop and in neutral?

 

[psfr311]

4hi you can do while moving slowly or in drive at a stop.

4lo must be in neutral or park at a stop

 

[psfr311]

I keep my wheels straight while engaging also