Indicator Light
 

I have a '96 XJ with the Command Trac NP231....when I shift into 4WD high, should there be a 'part time' light going on the dash over on the left side with the other idiot lights?

If the bulb is cooked, I wont know if it should be there or not

Yea, there should be a light. See if the vacuum lines are plugged onto the Vac disco on the right front axle. That rubber block with two lines can fall off pretty easy. I have a big zip-tie loosely holding mine on, no more worries.

The vac switch is blue and located on the right inner fender by the coolant bottle.

There shouldn't be any vacuum nonsense on a '96 for the 4WD.
I think they eliminated all that after mid-'91?


More than likely the bulb is burned out.

Do you get the light in 4 low? If you never get it, switch a known good bulb (seat belt, check engine, whatever). If the old Part-Time bulb worked in the new spot, but the new bulb doesn't work in the Part-Time spot, you need to check the connector is plugged into the transfer case and then check the trans harness

You are correct it was gone before 96. I'd thought it made it to 94... academic here, I had thought ALL command track axles had the disco. I'll dig a little.

OK, wrong again. Might have my head "wrapped" around the terms now. Command Track (231 X-fer case), is always 50/50, part time. Locked front & back. "Select track" 242 has the "open" option, full time 4WD on pavement, or you "select" front and rear axles locked, (for slippery).

A no brainier I suppose for some, call me a slow, but at least I got it! (I'm still "in command" of my disco!)

No. You're just enamored with that disco crap.

Gotcha

Check the bulb and check the plug underneath at the xfer case

Is it a pain in the boules to get that part of the dash off?

I took a look at it and it all looks like snap fit crap

Its not obvious how to get to that bulb

Remove the plastic facia. 1 screw above headlight switch and one above cigar lighter. 2 more screws up in the gauge area. You'll see them.

after those 4 screws are removed, that panel unclips and comes out. 2 screws to remove the lens of the indicator panel and see bulbs.

Stick your head under the steering wheel and look up at the fascia, you'll see 4 recessed screws. After those are out, the fascia is held on with some clips, it will release with some gentle tugging (don't yank)

Then you see the indicator light cluster, held on with 2 screws. The bottom has a lip/tab so you have to lift and pull to get it out (don't yank)

Then the bulbs pull out/push in. You can yank these if you want (don't)

You can test the bulb by jumping the tcase plug with a paper clip.

LOL. Yup.