Is changing the 1999 4x4 switch difficult?

[ravingmadman]

My switch works fine, but the lights are very finicky. I've pulled the switch assembly, cleaned the contacts, etc., and the lights still have a mind of their own. It is in the circuitry itself, not the harness, or t-case, etc. I imagine the switch circuitry is going to be expensive to replace, but if it still makes a solid clunk in neutral when you hit the 4lo button from 2hi, you're fine. Also gauging from everyone else's responses of similar problems, I think it is safe to say that this is a poorly engineered part...

 

[TahoeGoBoom]

My little indicator lights on the 4x4 switch dont work. I assume its a bad ground or something cuz when i push on it it works fine..

 

[Superman84]

haha same thing on my 00 escalade. have to keep pushing 2 hi button and they will stay on for a minute or so dont really know as im driving. then i look down and some are off and some on. but as long as 4wd still works im ok

 

[icehead]

My little indicator lights on the 4x4 switch dont work. I assume its a bad ground or something cuz when i push on it it works fine..

EXACTAMUNDO! Mine too!

 

[loulblades]

That is interesting that the light would go out awhile after letting go of the button and still be in 4WD. At that point the TCCM (that's the box attached to the steering column that clicks when you press the 4WD selector switch) is controlling the light. But then again there could be an issue with the wiring.

I posted a 4WD diagnostics document on another Tahoe site (which doesn't seem to be running) and would post it here but the attachment file sizes are too small. It appears I could only send a couple pages at a time.

 

[ravingmadman]

I'm 99% sure with mine, that it is the circuit board on the switch itself. If you pull the unit out of the dash, and plug it in while holding it, you can wiggle the harness, and (gently) bend the switch board. If the lights flicker while you're holding it, and you can reproduce it, it isn't a 4wd problem, just a lousy switch. I'll get off my soap box now.

 

[bass1775]

My switch does it too. Sometimes the lights work fine, other times it doesn't light up. The 4wd and 2wd work fine though. So is it a switch issue or something else?

 

[icehead]

Ummm..... seems like a common problem now.

 

[loulblades]

They definitely wear out over time if they are used much. I replaced mine a couple years ago with a switch I bought from the dealer (don't remember how much but I don't recall it being that expensive).

At least they are easy to replace.

 

[TahoeGoBoom]

I think im just gonna replace the switch. thats the only reason i didnt do the LEDs in it.. i figured id be replacing it anyway..