1991Jeep_Man

Morning/Noon everyone!

Need some advice and assistance. My '91 XJ is doing another one of those 'break something little that annoys you' things.

My 4x4 indicator light does not work. I do not know what happened to it as it worked before. I even pulled the dash cover to replace the little bulb (PAIN!!) and no good. I have the disco CAD axle and last winter I locked the front axle together with the simple CAD eliminate by moving the fork over and keeping it in place with the clip. 4x4 light still never shines. I even pulled the sensor connector at the CAD housing and bridged the connectors. No go.

I hate this and am all for simplicity yet ease to fix and determine. I know after my CAD disconnect that I have probably umpteen miles of useless wiring and cracked vacuum lines to kill (sense the stock light will be useless even if working because of the CAD lock). So, drawing board time!!

I want to basically redesign what is behind this part of the dash (where the CEL, 'Maintenance Required', 4X4, etc. lights are at).



My question is what is the best way to go about this? I am not so much worried about the CEL, Maintenance light, E-Brake light, low washer light. They work ok. For the 4x4 indicator light, I think I am going to go with a small white LED if I can. But LED's take low volts. Would I be better off getting a typical 12v bulb and socket? Also, I am going to utilize a post-CAD axle year 4x4 indicator switch that screws into the t-case. If I recall, the switches are the same in shape and thread. All I need to do is unthread mine, rip out the existing wiring and vacuum lines, then screw in the new switch which is simply a ball that gets compressed with the 4x4 active. After that, as simple as running wiring from the switch to the light behind the dash. Should a fuse be utilized? If so, what size? This is going to be a simple circuit tapped into an ignition-hot source (so the light only activates when Jeep is on). Basically this:



Any input is welcome! Thanks!

captainwoot

How about moving the switch from the cad, to the vacumm switch location in the t case? i think it is the same ball type switch. re wire a new indicator from there..

1991Jeep_Man

I'll have to check that. Good call!

But on the note of rewiring, should I use a fuse and 12v bulb or can I somehow wire in an LED?

captainwoot

You should always use a fuse for circuit protection, prevent future damage in the evnt of a short circuit. led requires a lot less amperage, either one will work. Basically a simple circuit in which the switch completes it. You could wire it so the switch completes the circuit to ground when closed...

captainwoot

Hey if you move the switch to the t case let me know if it works...thinking of doing this to my 91 sometime.....

1991Jeep_Man

If'n I wanted to redo the whole kit-and-kaboodle with a custom indicator light setup, would it be as simple as finding the wires to each indicator light and just splicing it to wiring for a new bulb?

Also, I know LED's use much less amperage, but do they take 12v or do I have to wire in something?

captainwoot

there is leds for all kindsof applications, 12v leds should be easy to find,

1991Jeep_Man

If I am going to be redoing the whole thing, is it safe to assume that all lights are fed 12v power to illuminate them? Or is dash light power reduced in voltage?

Parsnip

Leds have two power inputs- 12v or 0. On and off

1991Jeep_Man

Good to know. Thanks! But do all the indicator lights (CEL, 4x4, low washer, brake, etc.) get 12v directly? Or is it toned down to a lower voltage?

Sorry for my ignorance. I appreciate the help!

captainwoot

All of the warning lights operate on 12v

1991Jeep_Man

Awesome! Thank you!

1991Jeep_Man

Anyone have wire colors for the CEL and low washer fluid level light? I think I have traced the e-brake light. Haynes sucks.