I was wondering if the switch is able to be cleaned and put back in the TC and work correctly? I have both jeep where the idiot light on the dash doesn't work. 4WD works flawlessly in them but not light. The designs of it looks like a ball and spring type switch. I was just wondering if anyone has toyed around with taking the switch out, hitting it with brake cleaner or something and putting it back and it work again? Thanks

 

None of mine never worked and I have never even thought about fixing it. I know when I had my K10 Blazer, Nissan P/U and old Broncho. They never even came with the light. So it never bothered me not having on on any of my Jeeps. The way I see it if you can see the shifter you should know it's in 4x4 and if you can't tell like that you should know on how it drives. I know this isn't what you were looking for.

 

yeah not at all

its a convenience, i do know when its in 4wd by the handle and the driveability, but was just thinking about it and wondered if it was a fix or replace kind of deal.

 

I take the light out. It's annoying.

I use the lever as an indicator. If it's up... it's in 4wd. If it's down... it's in 2wd!

 

The plunger spring inside the mode switch does fail. In the pic blelow, the top switch plunger spring has failed and the plunger just floats. The switches shown are 242 mode switches but your 231 switch functions the same. You can remove the switch (1 1/8" wrench) and see if the plunger operates properly, and while it's out you can use an Ohmeter to check the switch function. If the switch functions properly, you can jumper the two pins in the (231) switch body harness connector and see if the light comes on.

The switch provides a ground for the always hot lamp on the dash.

 

Seems like I've read on a forum that someone successfully cleaned the 4WD indicator switch, but I can't find the link. The switch itself is fairly cheap to replace. I got one at Oreillys for 10$, I think rockauto.com has them for a similar price.

 

thank you for the real world information! your right on the price even the local parts store sells the Dorman switch for 10 bucks, but hey why spend it if you don't have to!

 

Broncho? Is that a Bronco made in Mexico?

 

LOL! OK, So I can't spell.

 

How hard is it to replace this indicator switch?

 

Pretty easy, it's on top of the transfer case, just screws right off. Mine was rusted on pretty good, it took me a while to work it loose.

 

This is a common issue. Both me and my friends 00 XJ's have no indicator lights because the sensor is bad. And as previously mentioned... Very easy to replace and very cheap to buy a new one. Definelty something you can tackle by yourself.. Not even knowing your skill level.